Garlic Burn in a Patient with Trigeminal Neuralgia: A Case Report

Abstract

Garlic is an herb which has been used by many cultures for treating various health problems for centuries. Uncontrolled use of herbal remedies, known as alternative treatment methods, may lead to side effects and serious treatment complications. This study aimed to draw attention to complications related to alternative treatment methods and to review the literature in the light of this case.A female patient who had been treated for trigeminal neuralgia was admitted to our clinic complaining of severe pain on the left side of her face. In anamnesis, the patient reported that she had applied garlic topically to this region. Extraoral examination revealed a broad cutaneous burn on the same region. According to a dermatology consultation, a treatment for cutaneous burns was applied and severe trigeminal neuralgia pain was eliminated with glycerol injection by an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.

Sarımsak: Dost mu, Düşman mı?

“…Garlic (Allium Sativum) is an ancient naturopathic remedy for a variety of illnesses in many cultures. Hippocrates used it to treat leprosy, intestinal disorders, and chest pain (1)(2)(3)(4). Dioscorides supposed that garlic is clearing the arteries (1).…”

“…From Roman times until Worl War I garlic poultices are used for a larvacidal medicine (1). During World War II, garlic was used to prevent infections after it had run out of antibiotics, so garlic was called "Russian Penicillin" (1,2,4). It has been shown that garlic affects fibrinolytic activity, lower cholesterol, glucose, and blood pressure levels.…”

“…Garlic (Allium sativum) is a vegetable of the Alliaceae family and is known as a flavoring spice and a herbal remedy (1)(2)(3). It has been used to treat hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, infection, diarrhea, diabetes, rheumatological, and heart disorders (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14). Experimentally its antihypertensive, antihyperlipidemic, antineoplastic, antipyretic, antifungal, larvacidal, antibacterial, immunostimulant, and hypoglycemic effects has been reported (1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13).…”

Oral care practices of adults in Turkey

“…7 Similar to home remedies employed for general health problems, alternative methods are also employed for oral health problems, although there is no scientific support as to their diagnostic, therapeutic, or preventive capabilities. [8][9][10][11] Complementary and alternative medical techniques can be used for dental problems. 12 Acupuncture has been used in the management of selected dental problems for years, 13 and herbal products can be used for the treatment of periodontal disease.…”

Functional genomics of a living fossil tree, Ginkgo, based on next‐generation sequencing technology

“…Ginkgo has been used for herbal medicine in China for thousands of years. Today, the extract of Ginkgo leaves is also one of the 10 best‐selling herbs in the United States (Yilmaz et al 2010). The standardized preparation of Ginkgo leaves extract, EGb761, is used in the clinic to treat thrombosis, inflammation, cardiovascular and Alzheimer's disease (Oken et al 1998, Rodriguez et al 2007, Sasaki et al 2002).…”