November 03, 2023

Garlic as a treatment for sinus infection

Garlic also known as A sativium, is considered a vegetable and belongs to the Alliaceae family, renowned for its culinary and medicinal properties, and has been used for centuries in various cultures.

Garlic is rich in an bioactive compound called allicin, a compound known for its antioxidant and antibacterial effects which offer numerous health benefits.

Studies suggest that regular consumption of garlic supplements can support heart health, lower cholesterol levels, and boost the immune system. Its potent properties make it a popular choice in natural remedies, contributing to its widespread use as a supplement.

Is garlic effective for treating sinus infection?

Allicin is one of the most important components of garlic in relation to relieving sinus infection. Sinus infection symptoms include nasal congestion, facial pain, headache, postnasal drip, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, and difficulty breathing, often accompanied by thick yellow or green nasal discharge. The potent allicin content in garlic can alleviate sinus infections by its antimicrobial properties, which combat the infection-causing bacteria.

In fresh garlic allicin is not present until the cloves are crushed and chopped, which allows for alliinase activity. Alliinase activity refers to the enzymatic process where the compound alliin in garlic is converted into allicin, responsible for many of garlic's health benefits. A study found that various strains of Garlc possess notable antibacterial and antibiofilm properties against sinusitis-causing strains, showcasing their potential for combating sinus infections. Furthermore, a small-scale study of 146 participants revealed that those who were taking garlic supplements for 12 weeks, resulted in fewer days of illness compared to the placebo group.

A study concluded that absorption of allicin from garlic powder supplements, can match that of allicin from an equal quantity of freshly crushed raw garlic, but there is still insufficient clinical trial evidence regarding the effects of garlic in preventing or treating the common cold.

What is the difference between kyolic garlic and regular garlic?

The term ‘Kyolic Garlic’ is often used to describe unique garlic supplements that are made by ageing organic garlic bulbs to remove their odour and harshness while preserving their health benefits. In contrast, regular garlic supplements maintain the strong taste and odour of raw garlic. Therefore, Kyolic products offer a natural and gentle way to support heart health, boost the immune system, and promote overall well-being without the typical strong smell associated with garlic supplement.

A key benefit of kyolic garlic is that the supplements are made from organic garlic bulbs whilst preserving their health benefits. The ageing process also converts the compounds into S-allyl cysteine and S-allyl mercaptocysteine, believed to contribute to the health benefits associated with heart health such as blood pressure control and lowering cholesterol. Studies suggest that aged garlic such as kyolic garlic may actually inhibit the formation of AGEs (advanced glycation end products) more effectively than fresh garlic extract. AGEs are harmful substances formed when sugars react with proteins in the body, potentially causing health problems; managing their levels is essential for overall well-being.

What are the side effects of taking garlic supplements?

Garlic supplements are generally safe for most people when taken as directed. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects such as bad breath, body odour, upset stomach, or heartburn. To avoid odour or bad breathe, we recommended going for Kyolic garlic supplements.

Conclusion:

There is strong evidence to support the antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-inflammatory power of allicin. There are some studies the support the ability of garlic to prevent and treat sinus infection due to its potency in allicin, and even play a role in heart health. However, there is still debate on whether allicin is as potent in supplements as it is raw and chopped up. It’s also important to note that the allicin content in cooked garlic is lower than raw garlic.

Recommendations:

Quest Vitamins Kyolic Garlic Extract 600mg Tablets

Quest Kyolic garlic is made from organic cloves aged for 20 months, producing beneficial sulfur compounds. It can help to lower cholesterol, improve blood circulation, maintain healthy blood pressure, and reduce the risk of infections. It also acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells and supporting the liver's detoxification process.

Vegan and vegetarian
Gluten and dairy free
Aged garlic extract
Organically grown and non-GMO

Terranova Garlic 500mg Capsules

Terranova Freeze Dried Garlic helps to support immune and cardiovascular health. Freeze-drying process preserves the natural compounds and nutrients found in raw garlic. Unlike other methods that involve heat or chemical extraction, freeze-drying retains the garlic's original potency, including allicin and other beneficial compounds.