There are a variety of health claims which note that garlic can be used as an effective home remedy. This includes a claim that garlic can be used to help lower blood pressure.

Studies have often noted that consuming the right amount or type of garlic can help to lower blood pressure. The findings of such studies noted that there was an approximate reduction of 5-8 mm Hg in systolic blood pressure (the top number). A slight reduction in the diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) was also noted, but this change was not large enough to be considered of any significance.

Garlic provides the body with a variety of substances that can be used to help decrease blood pressure. These include adenosine, allicin, natural ACE inhibitors such as flavonolic compounds or gamma-glutamyl peptides, phosphorus, sulfur compounds and magnesium which is a natural calcium channel blocker. Each of these compounds is known for promoting arterial dilation or widening of the arteries to improve blood flow and therefore lowering blood pressure. It is currently determined that you will need to consume at least 10,000mcg of allicin daily to lower your blood pressure. This is around 4g or 4 cloves of garlic.

The type of garlic consumed will have a direct impact on its effectiveness in treating blood pressure. Wild garlic is shown to be the most effective in rat test subjects. It is not currently known if cooking garlic has an impact on its effectiveness. To include garlic in your diet it can be used as a means of seasoning poultry, vegetables, soups, fish or meats. Fresh garlic can also be chopped and added to stir fries or stews.

Consuming garlic alone will not be enough to return blood pressure levels to normal. Including more garlic in your diet is only intended to be a step in an overall routine used to lower blood pressure.