Garlic - Herbal Treatment

Garlic - Allium sativum L.



Traditional Uses:

* Regular garlic can play a significant role in reducing malignant disease. Evidence points to the ability of allyl sulfides to suppress tumour development. The preventive use of garlic for its anticarcinogenic properties may therefore have value for minimising the effects of poultry disease in which tumour development is a symptom eg. Marek's Disease.

* Garlic has been traditionally used for the treatment of roundworm and hookworm. Allicin appears to be an anthelmintic constituent, and has been found to reduce the numbers of worms in fecal egg counts. The problem is that it's not that good at it. The results I've found suggests that it doesn't get rid of them entirely and consequently alternative worming preparations would seem necessary as well.

* Garlic has a broad range of antibacterial and antifungal activities. It has been used as a feed additive in monogastric diets. The traditional poultryman's clove of garlic in the drinking water usually can't do any harm, and may even help a little.

* Garlic is said to strengthen the immunity. I haven't found any reputable evidence of this - but I'm still looking.

Dosage for Small Animals:
Fresh garlic: 1 clove (approx 3-4g) per 20-25 kg as a guide has not resulted in anemia in Wynn & Fougere's experience.
Dried herb: 15-20mg/kg, divided daily (optimally, TID[3 times daily]).
Tincture: (usually in 25%-40% ethanol): 1:2-1:3:0.5mL per 10kg, divided daily (optimally, TID[3 times daily]) and diluted or combined with other herbs.

So, a clove of fresh garlic each day for a pen of half a dozen laying birds would be about what is being described, depending on their weight.

Clinical Actions:
Antiplatelet, anticholesterolemic, antiseptic, mucolytic, vasodilator

Toxicity Information:
Allium sativum is a member of the onion family. The plant contains 0.1% to 0.3% of a strong-smelling volatile oil containing allyl disulfides such as allicin. Extracts from garlic are reported to have a number of biocidal activities, to decrease lipid and cholesterol levels, to prolong clotting times, to inhibit platelet aggregation, and to increase fibrinolytic activity. Garlic can result in anemia. It can cause severe burns and local irritation when used topically.

Contraindications:
Garlic must be used with caution. Blood monitoring is recommended. Avoid using in conditions where the gastric mucosa is inflamed.

Drug Interactions:
Garlic may interact with antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. It can reduce blood glucose, so patients on insulin may require medication adjustments.


Italian Garlic - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic

Source: Wynn, S.G. & Fougere, B.J. (2007) Veterinary Herbal Medicine. Mosby Elsevier. Sydney

Disclaimer
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