As a herbal product, garlic is the 4th best selling supplement in the U.S. A stunning amount of garlic is being consumed for its health benefits.
Garlic has long been considered a “wonder food”. Numerous studies have shown that its properties help to keep the cardiovascular system healthy. It is especially effective against the cholesterol type that can damage the arteries and heart.
So is eating garlic beneficial for mental health? Maybe, but then maybe not. Some people think that garlic is a cure-all. For the rest of us, the jury is out.
During a recent study on the effects of garlic on cholesterol, German researchers found that participants experienced an elevation in their moods. Another study found that garlic eaters experienced less fatigue, anxiety and irritability, and had a greater sense of well-being.
It’s not an abundance of evidence by any stretch of the imagination. Does it matter? With the other health benefits on offer it makes sense to start, or increase, your consumption of garlic.
Julianne G. 2 Feb 2009 @ 11:43 pm
I am 23 years old, female, and considered myself to be in good health until I started developing boils on various parts of my body. After being examined by my doctor, and taking antibiotics which did not help to abolish the boils, and also after finding out that the boils were a symptom of the MRSA bacteria, I decided to take matters in my own hands. I conducted some online research of my own, and found that consumption of raw garlic seemed to be the most effective option to rid myself of the MRSA bacteria and boils. I began consuming 2 cloves of raw garlic daily for approximately 1 1/2 months, then began reducing the rate to 2 cloves per every 3 days. I started consuming the garlic mid-November 2008. I have not received one boil since, and it is now Feb. 2009. (Note: prior to eating the garlic, I had been getting boils for 3 months – recurrent – about one per week)……Also, not to mention the tremendous anti-bacterial effects I feel i have been recieving, my mental health, mood, stabiity, self-control, consciousness, and confidence feels like it has made a complete 360 degree turn. I never have been diagnosed for bi-polar disorder, depression, etc.; however, we all feel mentally unstable sometimes….but I truly feel since I have started consuming raw garlic, that there has been an overall positive change in my overall self and well being. I encourage everyone to suck up the pungent flavor for 20 minutes, and expose yourself to the great health benefits of this wonderful flora……ONE OTHER THING……since eating the garlic, I have not experienced one single battle with a common cold, flu, earache, sore throat, etc.
Daniel Los Angeles 12 Apr 2009 @ 1:51 pm
Julianne, that’s an awesome story. I started trying garlic recently too.. and i think it’s helping me a lot. it feels like my memory is improving. usually when i recall things, i only see single still pictures in my mind, now, i am starting to see movement in my memory. only thing i changed recently is the 1 clove of garlic per meal, so i am thinking it’s the garlic. also i get rushes of energy that feel reliable and stable.
Fred 26 May 2009 @ 8:58 am
I was severely depressed for a long period of time. It wasn’t the first time it happened. Probably caused by personal problems and being unable to cope with a flood of work.
I ate some raw garlic. Don’t know why. Never eaten it before. About 2 weeks later I noticed a definite change in my mood – not a brilliant improvement but certainly I noticed a beneficial change which I attributed to the garlic.
So I started eating a raw clove about twice a week. My depression disappeared; my attitude is significantly more positive, am achieving more and I amaze myself by coping well workwise even if I don’t get my 9 hours sleep.
I have recommended garlic it to my friends as a serious treatment for depression.
Ronald Gaylord 30 Jun 2009 @ 5:14 am
I started taking garlic and parsley supplements, and I noticed a reduction in anxiety, better mood and decreased irritabality, before reading about the German study. I never would have thought garlic could be so powerful.
B. 25 Feb 2010 @ 5:36 am
Aaaah, it’s great isn’t it? Garlic is *really* good for your skin too as it clears up acne due to the sulphur content :)
Sylvia 25 Mar 2010 @ 1:12 am
Does anyone know if garlic has been shown scientifically to have any effect, good or bad, on mood? I’ve been eating a lot of raw and cooked garlic daily for several years. I believe that as a consequence, I almost never get ill from viruses. I don’t know if garlic has had any significant impact on my blood pressure, as I am forced to take hypertensive medicines daily. I love my garlic and miss it if I ever run out or don’t have time to prepare it for my breakfast. However, I read Culpepper’s little blurb on “garlick,” and he states that garlic increases melancholy in those who are prone to melancholy, and it also increases aggressiveness and anger, “Choler,” in those who are predisposed to that. I suffer from chronic depression due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and I wonder if there is anything to Culpepper’s observations from the 1700s. If anyone has any solid information on this, please let me know.
AJ 16 Apr 2010 @ 3:12 am
Sylvia: I’ve been taking Allicinmax capsules (garlic derivative) in order to try to rid myself of any infections that may be hampering me and I find it makes me feel depressed. I’ve tried it a few times so I can compare how I feel when I’m not taking it to how I feel when I am. I wonder whether it’s because the garlic is fighting something. I keep stopping taking it because I’d rather not feel depressed but then I think if it is fighting something I should really battle it head on. I’d be interested if anyone has more info too!
saviour 14 May 2010 @ 8:50 am
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2792615/
Garlic has been shown to have antidepressant effects. It is an MAOI and affects GABA in some way.