Garlic and Cloves: Two Treasures for Your Health

Garlic (Allium sativum):

Garlic contains sulfur compounds (notably allicin) that are believed to be major drivers of its health effects.
It has been shown in studies to modestly lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
Garlic may help reduce LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, though effects on HDL (good cholesterol) or triglycerides are less consistent.
Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are often cited as mechanisms by which garlic supports general health and helps counter oxidative stress.
Garlic also shows antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal activity in lab studies.
Some epidemiological and genetic analyses link greater intake of allium vegetables (garlic, onion) with slightly reduced risk of digestive system cancers (e.g. gastric) though these associations remain tentative.

Cloves (Syzygium aromaticum):

The main active component in cloves, eugenol, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. (This is well documented in phytochemical literature, though our web query did not return a strong clinical trial).
Cloves are traditionally used for oral health (e.g. clove oil for toothache) because of their numbing and antimicrobial effects.
Warnings, limitations, and context
- Most of the strong effects of garlic are seen in supplement or extract form, or in laboratory settings. The doses and form matter a lot—e.g. raw crushed garlic versus cooked or powdered.
- Garlic has blood‑thinning properties, which means it can interact with anticoagulant medications (e.g. warfarin, aspirin).
- Raw garlic (or concentrated garlic) can irritate the digestive tract in some people (especially those with GERD or sensitivity).
- Clove extracts or high doses of eugenol may pose risks for liver toxicity or bleeding, especially with overuse or in people with underlying liver disease. (Though we did not find a clinical trial confirming this, it’s a known caution in phytochemistry).
- No food or spice (even garlic or cloves) is a “magic bullet.” Their effects are modest, and they should complement—not replace—evidence-based medical treatments.