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Claim: An Instagram user Joyetor, claims that inserting garlic into the vagina or using garlic-infused hot water for vaginal steaming can prevent odour, itching, and infection.
Verdict: Misleading. Although garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties, medical studies reveal that its health-related benefits can only be obtained orally (eaten raw or through food) or topically (via cream). Health experts have also said it is dangerous to insert anything into the vagina.
Full Text
Herbal drugs have become increasingly more popular than pharmaceutical alternatives due to their lower cost and greater availability.
An Instagram user, Joyetor, shared a video claiming that inserting garlic into the vagina can cure vaginal infection.
In the video, she prescribed taking one clove of garlic, peeling it, and slightly crushing it to release the fluids before inserting it into the vagina. She suggests doing this after one’s period, two to three times a week, and then removing and washing with warm water. Alternatively, she advised garlic could be boiled for 20 minutes, and the hot water used to steam the vaginal.
As of Jul. 4, 2024, the video has attracted 3,152 likes, 289 comments, and shared 624 times.
In the comment section, different social media users expressed diverse opinions, with some considering the claim plausible while others remained highly sceptical.
“(I) have used this before(.) The work is mad(.) Someone actually described it for me(.) It works a lot.” Banjoko Simbiat attested.
“I gave my friend this remedy because she complained about odour due to the lightening soap she used. Today she told me it worked.” another user, Amanda Ifenkili, commented.
“Vjay is self-cleansing. This will automatically destroy the normal flora inside, please.” Henrietta Nneamaka disputed.
Due to the opinion contention in the comment section, DUBAWA decided to verify the claim.
Verification
Garlic is a widely used culinary herb. It is known for its pungent flavour, aroma, and medicinal properties, including its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects.
According to Medical News Today, garlic contains allicin, which possesses antibiotic properties. For example, similar to antibiotics, garlic can help prevent bacterial infections.
A Healthline article mentions that the consumption of garlic is widely recognised for its antibiotic properties, largely due to the presence of allicin, which demonstrates both antibacterial and antifungal potency. This has made it a subject of interest in various medical treatments and studies.
But, contrary to the claim that garlic should be inserted into the vagina to cure infections, the article mentions that garlic can be administered either orally or topically.
Oral garlic supplements are usually available as allicin, though garlic can also be ingested raw or mixed with food content.
Topical garlic extract comes in the form of creams and is only applied externally. This means that they should be applied only to the external surroundings of the vaginal region.
Expert’s Opinion
In an interview with Henry Iwunze, a gynaecologist at Simone Hospital in Aba, the medical professional highlighted the health benefits of garlic, particularly its antibiotic properties.
However, he cautioned against using natural remedies without established dosages.
“While garlic’s high concentration of antibiotic properties can be beneficial, inserting it into sensitive areas like the vagina can be harmful. The acidity of garlic may disrupt the natural bacterial flora, potentially leading to chronic vaginal infections,” he pointed out.
With a similar view to Dr Iwunze, Ewaoche Emmanuel, a gynaecologist at Bepos Hospital, Abuja, refuted the claim regarding the use of garlic for vaginal health, stating that it is not recommended in medical practice or curriculum.
He acknowledged the positive effects of garlic on the cardiovascular system but emphasised that it is inappropriate to insert any substance into the vagina.
“There are no prescriptions, documentation, or scientific articles supporting this practice. The vagina is a sensitive organ, and garlic can disrupt the natural bacterial flora, leading to potential harm,” Dr Ewaoche explained.
Conclusion
Although garlic has antibacterial and antifungal properties, medical studies mention that it can only be gotten via oral ingestion. Medical experts have also advised against inserting anything into the vagina as that could be dangerous.
