What's Cooking with Garlic: Is This Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Hypertension?

  1. Quannetta T. Edwards MSN, DNSc, FNP, WHCNP†,*,
  2. Stephanie Colquist MSN, FNP‡,
  3. Ann Maradiegue MSN, PhD-c, FNP§

Article first published online: 18 AUG 2005

DOI: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2005.00065.x

Issue

Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

Volume 17, Issue 9, pages 381–385, September 2005

Additional Information

How to Cite

Edwards, Q. T., Colquist, S. and Maradiegue, A. (2005), What's Cooking with Garlic: Is This Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Hypertension?. Journal of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, 17: 381–385. doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7599.2005.00065.x

Author Information

    Quannetta T. Edwards, MSN, DNSc, FNP, WHCNP, is the Family Nurse Practitioner Program Coordinator and Chairperson, Graduate Program in Nursing at Howard University, Washington, DC.2 Stephanie Colquist, MSN, FNP, is at Howard University, Washington, DC.3 Ann Maradiegue, MSN, PhD-c, FNP, is an Instructor in the Nurse Practitioner Program at George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia.

*Contact Dr. Edwards by e-mail at quinognp@aol.com or quinognp@msn.com

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 18 AUG 2005
  2. Article first published online: 18 AUG 2005

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Keywords:

  • Garlic;
  • Allium sativum;
  • complementary and alternative medicine (CAM);
  • hypertension;
  • high blood pressure

Purpose

To define complementary and alternative medicine (CAM); describe one type of CAM, garlic (Allium sativum L); and discuss its effects on blood pressure as a treatment for hypertension.

Data sources

Literature review from professional journals, abstracts, natural therapy books, and the World Wide Web (Internet). Information from the following professional organizations and agencies: The World Health Organization, Agency of Healthcare Research and Quality, National Cancer Institute, National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, American Botanical Council, and Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure.

Conclusion

Garlic is widely used throughout the world as a CAM. It is one of the most popular herbal products sold in the United States. However, while some studies have shown small positive effects in reducing blood pressure, there are insufficient scientific data to draw conclusions regarding its efficacy on clinical blood pressure outcomes. Thus, healthcare providers should be cautious in recommending this herbal product as an antihypertensive CAM.

Implications for practice

CAMs may be used by clients for a variety of conditions including hypertension. Healthcare providers must be cognizant of the use, efficacy, adverse affects, and scientific evidence concerning CAM in order to provide safe and effective practice as well as appropriate and accurate information to their clients.

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