Side Effects and Other Risks With Garlic
Garlic is safe for most adults. However, garlic appears to interact with various types of drugs. For example, when combined with certain medicines used to treat
HIV/
AIDS (NNRTIs and
saquinavir), garlic may decrease their effectiveness. Garlic may also interact with and affect the action of:
- Cyclosporine
- Birth control pills
- Blood thinners (including warfarin)
- Medications that are broken down by the liver.
Other possible side effects of garlic include:
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Stomach disorders
- An allergic reaction
- An odor on the breath or skin.
Herbal Medicine for Diabetes: Summary
Do not replace scientifically proven
diabetes treatments with herbal medicine for
diabetes that is unproven. The consequences of not following one's prescribed medical regimen for diabetes can be serious, even life-threatening.
People should inform their healthcare providers about any herbal medicine for diabetes that they are currently using or considering. This will help ensure a safe, coordinated course of care. Prescribed medicines for diabetes and all other major health conditions may need to be adjusted if a person is also using herbal medicine for diabetes. Pharmacists can be another helpful source of information about herbal supplements.
Women who are pregnant or nursing (or people considering using herbal remedies to treat a child) should use extra caution and be sure to consult their healthcare provider.
If people with diabetes decide to use herbal medicine for diabetes and notice any unusual effects, they should stop and contact their healthcare provider right away.
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