Blood pressure or hypertension is the most common disease. The number of people with high blood pressure is increasing due to various complications of modern lifestyle. Blood pressure increases the risk of many heart related problems. Approximately one in the three middle-aged persons in UK has high blood pressure. Nearly 70 million American people have the condition of high-normal or pre-hypertensive blood pressure levels (120/80 mm Hg to 130/85 mm Hg) and 90% of these people will develop hypertension by the age of 65.

The recent research by the Australian team showed that garlic can help in controlling high blood pressure. The team from the University of Adelaide in South Australia analyzed the data collected from 11 international studies. In these studies, patients suffering from hypertension were given garlic supplements daily for 12 to 23 weeks. The studies showed that intake of garlic supplements reduced the blood pressure levels. A fresh clove of garlic has 5mg to 9mg of allicin. Researchers found that the dosage used in the studies had 3.6mg-5.4mg of allicin. The studies showed that the regular intake of garlic supplements decreased the systolic blood pressure define by 4.6 mm Hg on average.

Dr. Karin Ried, the leading researcher said, "Supplementation with garlic preparations may provide an acceptable alternative or complementary treatment option for hypertension.”

The researchers claimed that garlic is equally effective as common blood pressure drug beta blockers. Researchers added that more research has to be done to analyze the long term effects of garlic on cardiovascular diseases.

This research can help many people suffering from high blood pressure. The study found that garlic was very effective on people suffering from severe blood pressure problem. Countries like India, China and Egypt have been using garlic for the treatment of many ailments. It is also used in treatment of ailments like soar throats, colds, flu and other infections. Some studies have showed that garlic can reduce the risk of tumors. Garlic may have some side effects like mouth irritation or burning, gas, nausea and topical application can burn skin.