Garlic

Garlic is a vegetable plant utilized for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It contains a chemical compound called allicin, which is responsible for most of its therapeutic properties and gives it its distinctive odor.

In traditional medicine, garlic is commonly used for issues related to the heart and circulatory system. It is employed to manage conditions such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, and arterial hardening. Additionally, it is used to treat common colds, osteoarthritis, and various other ailments.

In the context of alopecia, garlic is highly regarded and widely used. You can find it in numerous shampoos and hair supplements in the form of extracts.

Does it work against hair loss?

When it comes to hair loss, garlic is often touted as the ultimate home remedy. Many people tend to suggest using this plant whenever hair loss is mentioned.

While this belief isn’t entirely baseless, the question remains: Is garlic truly the solution it’s claimed to be? Let’s delve into this.

Based on my research, here’s how garlic may potentially address hair loss:

Garlic as an anti-inflammatory

Inflammation is the immune system’s defense mechanism triggered when the body faces various challenges, such as infection, irritation, muscle tension, or injury.

Interestingly, nearly all forms of alopecia are characterized by chronic inflammation on the scalp. Reducing this inflammation has proven effective in minimizing hair loss (source).

Numerous studies validate garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties, with sulfur compounds like allicin believed to be the source of these effects (source) (source) (source) (source).

Garlic’s Antibacterial and Antifungal Properties

Many articles suggest that garlic possesses antibacterial and antifungal properties (source) (source) (source) (source) (source).

Excessive bacterial colonization on the scalp can lead to inflammation and the development of acne, worsening the challenges of dealing with hair loss. Fungi, or fungi, are a major cause of dandruff. In addition to exacerbating hair loss in some cases, they can also lead to more serious issues.

When applied topically, garlic can be helpful in preventing these issues. When taken orally, its effects primarily benefit the stomach and intestines, offering general internal protection.

Garlic reduces benign prostate enlargement

According to several studies, garlic is believed to be effective in reducing benign prostate enlargement and its associated symptoms (source) (source) (source).

The link between this condition and hair loss lies in the reduction of the hormone DHT. Lowering DHT levels can lead to a decrease in both prostate size and hereditary hair loss. For instance, finasteride, a widely used medication in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, was initially developed to address benign prostate enlargement.

While these studies do not explicitly mention a reduction in DHT, the potential connection between garlic and its impact on the prostate is a promising avenue for further research.

Garlic in the treatment of Alopecia Areata

A 2007 study found that a combination of garlic and betamethasone cream, an anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant, was effective in treating alopecia areata.

Alopecia areata is characterized by localized hair loss in the form of circular patches, with subtypes that can result in complete hair loss or loss of body hair.

The study involved forty patients divided into two groups of 20, both receiving twice-daily applications of 0.1% betamethasone cream. However, one group was additionally treated with an odorless 5% garlic gel, which was combined with their betamethasone cream.

The results are summarized in the table below:

During the study, those who received the combination of betamethasone cream and 5% garlic gel experienced an average reduction of 1.5 cm² in the size of their alopecia areata patches, along with a significant increase in the number of hairs in these areas (from 5 hairs to 29).

In contrast, the placebo group saw only a reduction of 0.4 cm² and a much smaller increase in the number of hairs (from 7 hairs to 16).

This study demonstrates the effectiveness of garlic in treating alopecia areata, primarily due to its anti-inflammatory properties.

Garlic increases blood flow to Tissues

When exploring the benefits of garlic, it’s often highlighted for its role in preventing and managing cardiovascular conditions like hypertension.

Numerous studies suggest that garlic, specifically its sulfur compounds such as allicin, can enhance blood flow to body tissues and reduce blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.

In fact, individuals with diets rich in garlic have shown improved blood vessel dilation, leading to increased blood circulation.

In a study involving 42 participants with coronary artery disease, those who consumed garlic capsules containing 1,200 mg of allicin twice a day for three months experienced a 50% improvement in blood flow in the arm artery compared to a placebo group.

Another study revealed that the consumption of 900 mg of garlic in powdered form resulted in a 55% increase in tissue capillary perfusion within 5 hours of ingestion. This suggests better delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the hair.

In physiological terms, tissue perfusion is the process that delivers essential nutrients and oxygen to organs for their metabolic functions.

Furthermore, a study examining the intake of 600 mg garlic tablets for 7 days demonstrated an enhancement in tissue blood flow. According to the study, garlic consumption may aid in wound healing. In the context of hair health, this could translate to improved nourishment with essential nutrients and oxygen.

Garlic’s potential similarity to Minoxidil

Originally developed as an anti-hypertensive medication, minoxidil works by relaxing the muscles that surround blood vessels, causing them to dilate and allowing for increased blood flow.

Garlic, on the other hand, is also known for its blood vessel-dilating properties, which have led to its use in managing high blood pressure. This has raised the possibility that garlic could serve as an alternative to minoxidil, which is why it’s gained popularity in the field of alopecia. Essentially, garlic may achieve a similar effect to minoxidil.

However, one crucial aspect is the lack of in-depth dosing information. For example, minoxidil obtained over the counter has a known absorption rate of approximately 11.5 hours through the skin. In contrast, garlic’s absorption characteristics have not been as extensively studied. Additionally, when it comes to minoxidil, an oral dosage of 2.5 mg is sufficient to stimulate hair growth. The ideal garlic dosage for a similar effect remains unclear.

Consequently, further experimentation and testing are necessary to pinpoint the ideal garlic dosages. Personally, I consume one garlic clove per day to harness its various therapeutic properties. Some individuals opt for allicin supplements, while others use garlic extract supplements to achieve a similar effect.

Closing thoughts and verdict

Garlic offers a range of intriguing properties: it not only stimulates tissue-level blood circulation but also reduces inflammation. Personally, I’ve adopted the habit of consuming a clove of garlic daily, usually taken with a glass of freshly squeezed lemon juice. This practice, inspired by Siberian populations, serves as a means to safeguard my body against various health issues such as hypertension, bacterial infections, and fever. Additionally, it provides my body with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits, thanks to the vitamin C found in the lemon juice.

Moreover, this routine provides my hair with the essential blood circulation it requires. Think of it as an internal minoxidil. I highly recommend making a habit of consuming at least one clove of garlic daily. Alternatively, you can opt for garlic or allicin supplements, which will undoubtedly benefit your hair.

For those interested in topical garlic application, it may be effective, but it’s worth noting that garlic has a rather pungent odor. In such cases, consider seeking out deodorized topical elixirs.

Precautions & side effects

• Possible allergic reactions in some individuals.
• May cause stomach cramps, nausea, heartburn, and headaches.
• Large amounts of vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones. Do not take vitamin C in quantities exceeding those found in basic multivitamins.