Can garlic cure strokes?
- Arunai Neuro Centre & Research Foundation
- Mar 29
- 2 min read
Fact Checked By: Dr Priyamvada
Published on:
September 19, 2024
Last updated on: September 25, 2024
No, garlic cannot cure strokes. Garlic has been celebrated in traditional medicine for its health benefits. However, there is no scientific evidence that it can cure or reverse the effects of a stroke. Strokes are serious medical events that need urgent attention. Similarly, we have also seen people promoting garlic as a natural viagra, which is largely false.
A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic stroke) or by a blood vessel bursting (haemorrhagic stroke). This disruption cuts off oxygen to the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. Immediate medical care is needed to restore blood flow and minimise brain damage. Standard treatments include clot-busting drugs or surgery, but garlic has no role in reversing the damage due to a stroke.
Dr Sreenivas Meenakshisundaram, Consultant Neurologist, MGM Healthcare, Chennai, says, “Medical interventions are definitely necessary to treat stroke, especially in the immediate aftermath. With recent advances in stroke management, there are options to effectively treat and even reverse the effects of a stroke, if medical help is sought early. The only role natural remedies hold is in ensuring good nutrition, which can help accelerate recovery in the long term after a stroke, when combined with proper rehabilitation.”
Maintain a healthy diet: Choose a healthy diet that is low in salt, unhealthy fats, and processed sugars. This can help prevent high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Both of these are major risk factors for strokes. Contrary to some claims, bathing incorrectly does not increase your risk of strokes.
Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves blood circulation and helps to lower blood pressure.
Control chronic conditions: Managing conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and irregular heartbeat through medication and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce stroke risk.
Avoid smoking and excessive drinking: Smoking and alcohol both increase the likelihood of strokes and other heart-related problems.
Comments