2006-10-04 09:08:52 · 27 answers · asked by celice 2 in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
Garlic, a common staple found in countless kitchens and recipes worldwide, long has been considered a special food - not just for the unique flavor it imparts, but also for its medicinal value. Botanically known as Allium sativum, garlic is a bulb crop found in the family of onions, chives and shallots. It is thought to have originated in Central Asia, and its use as a condiment and for medicinal purposes predates written history. During World War II, British physicians treated battle wounds with garlic preparations when antibiotics were scarce.
Most of its therapeutic value, as well as its flavor and odor, can be attributed to sulfur compounds contained within the garlic clove. One such compound is the amino acid, alliin. Once a clove is cut or crushed, alliin is converted to allicin, the main contributor to garlic's widespread medicinal and antimicrobial benefits. Allicin is a very unstable compound; once in the gastrointestinal tract, it is rapidly converted to other compounds that can be used by the body.
In recent years, garlic has been widely studied for its role in preventing heart disease and cancer, with somewhat mixed results. There is good evidence, however, that garlic possesses antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoan and insect-repellent properties.
Given the recent surge of the West Nile virus spread by infected mosquitoes, it's useful to explore the value of garlic as one more method for avoiding mosquito bites. A number of studies have shown that the oil fraction of garlic destroys certain species of mosquito larvae. Garlic sprays (made primarily with garlic extract) are available on the market for use on plants as an alternative botanical pesticide to chemical pesticides. The sulfurs contained within the garlic extract have been shown to be effective against a wide range of insects, including mosquitoes, and the lingering odor can deter mosquitoes from the area for weeks.
It is thought that garlic may be an alternative mosquito repellent for humans as well. In a field study conducted in India, a preparation made of 1 percent garlic oil, petroleum jelly and beeswax that was rubbed on the arms and legs of study subjects was found to be effective in preventing mosquito bites for up to eight hours.
In addition, there is some evidence that heavy consumption of garlic through supplements or well-flavored foods may help ward off mosquitoes. When garlic is eaten and its components are metabolized, compounds are released from the body through the skin and the breath. Although they may not be detectable by others (or may, in the case of garlic breath!), mosquitoes use smell to locate a host. For example, carbon dioxide and lactic acid released from the breath of humans are two known mosquito attractants that can be detected within 40 yards. While it has not been proven through clinical studies, it is thought that the sulfur compounds present on the skin and in the breath after eating garlic may help ward off those pesky mosquitoes.
The bottom line: Mosquito repellents containing DEET are still your best bet for avoiding mosquitoes - but a little garlic breath may also be a good thing. Before deciding to use garlic supplements, it's important to consider the potential side effects as well as possible benefits. Garlic supplements are not for everyone. For example, they're not recommended for pregnant or lactating women, for persons on blood thinning medications, for those going into surgery or for those on certain medications such as the anti-HIV drug Saquinavir.
As with any supplement regimen, it's best to consult with your health-care provider about the efficacy of the supplement for your health care needs.
2006-10-04 09:13:50 · answer #1 · answered by Dino 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is a long history of using garlic to get rid of many insects, from slug to mosquito. In particular garlic has a reputation for protecting people from mosquito bites - some think that this could be the origin of the belief that vampires are scared of garlic. There are a number of commercial garlic sprays on the market, these effectively coat an area and produce a natural mosquito barier.
Garlic is more effective at repelling some species of mosquitoe than others. For this reasons many of the commercial preparations available include a number of different repellent ingredients such as catnip and soy as well as garlic.
Why Does Garlic Repel Mosquitos?
It's not clear why garlic should be an effective mosquito repellent. It would seem that the powerful compounds such as allicin which garlic releases are inimical to mosquitos. They have therefore evolved to avoid garlic. Another possibility is that the strong smell of garlic overwhelms the mosquito's sense of smell and prevents them from finding their prey (us!).
Whatever the mechanism, garlic's ability to repel a variety of pests has been proven scientifically. Its effect against mosquitos specifically is less well documented however there is much anecdotal evidence to support it.
If you wish to protect an entire area such as your garden, you could treat it with one of the commercially available garlic based sprays you can buy. For individuals, studies (1) have shown that coating the body with a jelly based compound including garlic can keep mosquitoes away for some time. Obviously such a method, whilst effective against bites, has fairly major social side effects! (Warning: the allicin in garlic is very strong and can result in skin problems and allergic reactions. Consult your doctor)
Fortunately you probably don't have to go that far. There is strong anecdotal evidence that simply consuming more garlic can help to prevent mosquito bites.
This is not simply a case of mosquitos being averse to garlic breath! If you eat a large amount of garlic then it actually seeps out through the pores of your skin. Some people think that this invisible layer of garlic oil might create a natural barrier cream. Any mosquitoes which do find you will think twice before taking a bite.
Given the possible dangers from mosquito bites (West Nile virus etc) I don't recommend you rely on garlic alone!
2006-10-04 09:23:22 · answer #2 · answered by steamroller98439 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
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2006-10-04 09:11:14 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I live in Northern Spain and , before I emigrated , whenever I went on holiday abroad I would get bitten badly. I was one of those people who mosquitos loved and thrived on. Since arriving here 4 years ago I have probably been bitten no more than a few times. Because we live on the Meditterranean diet (obviously ), we eat garlic almost daily...everyone does , and the locals reckon the reason mossys don't bite them is the garlic consumption. Not so sure about garlic tablets though.
2006-10-04 10:33:00 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, it can act as a natural mosquito repellant, but the amount of tablets you would have to consume for it to be truly effective is much greater than just using manufactured repellants. If you are really looking for a natural way, use citronella.
2006-10-04 09:12:01 · answer #5 · answered by SilverRain_Jae 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If mosquitoes do not like the smell of garlic, it will repel them. If a person eats garlic every day, the smell will come out in their perspiration.
2006-10-04 09:12:48 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Garlic would repel elephants,never mind mosquitos.Uggggh
2006-10-04 09:25:10 · answer #7 · answered by michael k 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yup. only problem is that they also act as a natural human repellent as well
what happens when you take them is that you eventually sweat a sort of garlic essence
2006-10-04 09:12:17 · answer #8 · answered by badcloud56 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, they repel mosquitos -- and every other living thing within a 15 foot radius.
(please don't -- I had a CO who took garlic tablets. It was ghastly just to be in the same room with him).
2006-10-04 09:11:49 · answer #9 · answered by blueprairie 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know what repels mosquitos and blackflies, but I do know that eating bananas attracts them.
2006-10-04 09:16:59 · answer #10 · answered by poizon_ivy79 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋