Publication|Articles|November 11, 2026

Pharmacy Times

  • November 2026
  • Volume 92
  • Issue 11

Garlic: Untangling the Complexities of a “Natural” Remedy

Fact checked by: Tracy Ann Politowicz

Garlic has a long history in traditional medicine, but evidence for its benefits varies by preparation, and patients taking medications that increase bleeding risk should use it with caution.

Long before the development of agriculture, individuals harnessed the therapeutic properties of plants to treat common ailments and promote general health. One of the oldest and most versatile medicinal plants is garlic. From its antioxidant and antibacterial properties to its historical use during the bubonic plague and its famous role in deterring fictional vampires, garlic has been associated with a wide variety of medicinal and cultural uses throughout history.1,2

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