As Filipinos continue to suffer through sweltering heat this month, a video on Facebook with nearly a million views is claiming that drinking water with a few cloves of garlic is a “natural cure” for high blood pressure. This needs context.
On April 13, a local FB page posting “life hacks” and “herbal tips” published a 19-second video instructing netizens how to concoct this “natural cure” for hypertension. In it, an AI narrator said:
“Kapag bigla kang nahilo dahil sa pagtaas ng BP mo, ‘wag kang magpanic at huminga nang malalim. May hinandang simpleng natural ang kalikasan para sa ‘yo. Kumuha ng tatlong butil ng dinikdik na bawang at lagyan ng maligamgam na tubig. Haluin mo ito at inumin habang mainit-init pa
(When you suddenly get dizzy because of an elevated BP, don’t panic and breathe deeply. Nature has prepared a simple natural [cure] for you. Get three crushed cloves of garlic and pour lukewarm water. Mix it and drink while it’s still warm).”
Historical accounts of using garlic for medicinal purposes as well as several clinical studies have shown evidence suggesting that the consumption of garlic may help moderately in reducing blood pressure. However, it is not recommended as a replacement for medication.
In a 2024 scientific narrative review published in the journal Nutrients which analyzed existing studies on the efficacy of garlic and garlic-based supplements in lowering blood pressure, authors noted that garlic may potentially increase the production of nitric oxide (a gas produced by the body that helps relax blood vessels), improve endothelial function (allowing blood vessels to relax, widen and better protect itself), and that it has antioxidant properties.
The clinical studies reviewed involved tests on both rats and humans, as well as different formulations of garlic, such as garlic extract, garlic powder tablets and raw crushed garlic.
It is important to note that the authors also concluded:
“While garlic may offer some benefits for blood pressure management, it should not be considered a substitute for conventional antihypertensive medications. Further large-scale, long-term clinical trials are warranted to establish the efficacy of garlic in managing hypertension, including the optimal dosage and formulation.”
In the country, the Philippine Institute for Traditional and Alternative Health Care told VERA Files Fact Check that they have no documentation on the traditional use of drinking water with garlic to manage hypertension. But there are communities – such as the Yogad, Itawes and Paranan tribes in Isabela – which consume two to three garlic cloves daily in cooked foods to help manage high blood pressure.
“PITAHC recommends the consumption of 2-3 garlic cloves three times a day (prepared as pickled, blanched, roasted, or sautéed) as a supportive measure. However, the institute explicitly states that these garlic practices should not be taken as a substitute for medications prescribed by a physician,” it said further.
Additionally, the consumption of garlic-infused water in Southeast Asia has been primarily used for digestive orders like flatulence and bloating, said the institute. PITAHC is a national institute mandated to conduct research, formulate guidelines and promote traditional and alternative healthcare.
Hypertension is one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines. The post needing context continues to circulate this May, which is National Hypertension Awareness month.
The circulating FB post was published by the page Probinsyanang Tagabundok, and has so far received more than 14,000 reactions; 196 comments; and 2,200 shares.
