Bad breath (halitosis) and body odor, described as a pungent, garlicky smell when sweating, are both known side effects of garlic. AMS, or allyl methyl sulfide, is to blame for this. AMS is a flammable liquid that is absorbed into the blood during the metabolism of sulfur compounds derived from garlic; it travels from the blood to the lungs and then to the mouth, where it causes bad breath; refer to garlic breath) and the skin, where it is expelled through the pores of the skin.
The smell can only be partially eliminated by washing the skin with soap. Milk and garlic consumption have been shown to significantly reduce bad breath in studies. The odor was less pronounced when garlic and milk were mixed in the mouth before swallowing than when milk was consumed after. Basil, mushrooms, and plain water may also help to reduce the odor; However, milk’s combination of fat and water was the most effective.
Particularly pungent are the dry, green “folds” in the center of the garlic clove. When fresh garlic is crushed or chewed, the sulfur compound allicin is produced. Other sulfur compounds include: ajoene, allyl polysulfides, and vinyldithiins. Allicin is not present in aged garlic, but the presence of S-allylcysteine may provide some activity.
Some people are allergic to garlic and other Allium species. Irritable bowel syndrome, diarrhea, mouth and throat ulcers, nausea, difficulty breathing, and, in rare instances, anaphylaxis are some of the symptoms. Dialyl disulfide, allylpropyldisulfide, allylmercaptan, and allicin, all of which are found in garlic, are found to be positive in people who are sensitive to garlic. In addition to garlic, many other plants, such as onions, chives, leeks, shallots, garden lilies, ginger, and bananas, frequently irritate people with garlic allergies.
Garlic used topically for naturopathic purposes and acne treatment has been linked to serious burns, according to several reports. Typically, a small area of skin is tested with a low concentration of garlic before use. It is discouraged to apply raw garlic topically or insert it into body cavities due to the numerous reports of such burns, including burns to children. Raw garlic should not be applied topically to young children in particular.
