Of all the herbal remedies used for infections, few are as potent, versatile and scientifically studied as garlic. Garlic has been getting attention in the press for its ability to support the body against many different diseases. Unfortunately, there’s some confusion about how to best use garlic for Staph and MRSA and how to find the right kinds of garlic products.
More Than A Kitchen Herb
Garlic, the first natural antibiotic herb, has broad-spectrum activity. Special extracts have killed highly resistant MRSA infections.
Garlic has been scientifically studied and proven to be a powerful natural antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal agent. Special extracts of garlic have been shown to kill highly resistant MRSA infections in human clinical studies. Garlic has also been extensively studied for support with blood pressure, cholesterol, cancer and other chronic diseases. Garlic has another great benefit in that it also supports your immune system.
When garlic is freshly crushed or cut, a compound called allicin is produced. Allicin is garlic’s most studied antimicrobial ingredient. While allicin is the most common measure of garlic’s potency, research shows that other active compounds in garlic could be even stronger infection-fighting ingredients.
Garlic Products
Unfortunately, allicin quickly degrades and its potency is short lived. That means that freshly crushed garlic must be used immediately to retain it’s strength.
There are also many garlic products and supplements, including dried garlic, freeze-dried garlic, garlic oil, and aged garlic. Most of these products lack the stronger potency needed for stubborn internal and other advanced MRSA infections. However, raw garlic and some common garlic products can be helpful for immune support and general infection support.
Using Garlic
Garlic can be eaten raw or juiced, taken internally as supplements and used externally on skin infections. 3 or 4 cloves per day is a good place to start. Cooking with garlic is another option, but cooking will reduce the potency of the herb. There are also garlic cream and gel products that can be helpful for skin infections.
The highest potency is usually found in products that use special processing to stabilize and concentrate the active ingredients of the garlic. Such products have active ingredient contents equivalent to dozens of gloves of garlic and will have much more antibacterial activity.
Garlic Precautions
Garlic has a long track record of safety and can usually be combined with other herbs, natural remedies, and essential oils. However, there can be side effects to using garlic in some people. Food allergies can occur and some garlic products can create a strong, offensive body odor. Large doses of garlic can reduce blood clotting and stimulate uterine contractions. Garlic should therefore be used cautiously during pregnancy, or if you take anticoagulants or are scheduled for surgery (be sure to check with your physician).
A Powerful Tool
Garlic is gaining more medical attention as a powerful ally against many kinds of chronic ailments, especially infections. With its long history of safety backed by new scientific research, garlic is becoming a potent tool for overcoming resistant infections like Staph, MRSA, Lyme disease, Candida infections and more. As with any natural remedy, garlic is not a cure-all and it must be used as part of a comprehensive treatment program for best results.
To your health,
Michelle Moore
Microbiologist and Natural Health Advocate
My book includes details about using and finding medicinal strength garlic and stabilized allicin, as well as information on numerous other natural treatment options.
See our garlic page: Garlic a natural remedy for infections
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