Garlic, also know as alliums sativum, is not only a cooking ingredient, but is also used medicinally to treat various conditions. Garlic enemas traditionally have been used as home remedies for fever, internal parasites and diarrhea. A garlic enema is a non-toxic herbal blend of distilled water and a high-dose garlic concentrate. Always consult with your physician or health care provider before starting any herbal treatment.
Diarrhea Treatment
A garlic enema is an effective treatment for diarrhea. A study headed by G. Fareed, presented at the July 1996 International Conference on AIDS, treated 20 patients twice daily with a high-dose garlic concentrate mixed with distilled water used as an enema. They found a reduction in the number of bowel movements and the treatment was well tolerated in the majority of patients. The major side effect is a strong garlic smell and taste, which caused one patient to withdraw from the study. They concluded that high-dose garlic enemas are an effective treatment for diarrhea in HIV+ patients.
Intestinal Parasite Treatment
Intestinal parasites cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas, bloating, weight loss and other symptoms. Garlic is used traditionally as a treatment to get rid of intestinal worms and other parasites. It is generally safe way to treat intestinal parasites, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMM. Garlic may interfere with other medications and you should consult with your doctor before starting any herbal therapy.
Fever Reducer
Garlic enemas are used to help reduce fevers. Fresh garlic cloves are crushed and the juice extracted. It is then mixed with distilled water and used twice daily to help reduce fevers.
Candida Cure
Candida is a type of yeast infection that can be found in the mouth, vagina or rectum. Proponents of herbal medicine use garlic enemas to get rid of Candida, according to Bee Wilder in an article published in the December 2008 issue of “Nourished Magazine." Start with one clove a day and work up four or five cloves. The cloves are crushed and mixed with water. This mixture is used as an enema.
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Writer Bio
Caroline Thompson is a professional photojournalist who has been working for print and online publications since 1999. Her work has appeared in the "Sacramento Bee," "People Magazine," "Newsweek" and other publications. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in photojournalism from California State University at Hayward and a personal trainer certification from the university's Health and Fitness Institute.