What is a "Garlic Injection"?
What is a "Garlic Injection"?
The relationship between humans and garlic is ancient, with records indicating it was already cultivated in ancient Egypt, where it appears to have been used as a medicine. Its role as a ward against evil in Europe is also well known. While garlic is said to have been introduced to Japan around the 8th century, it wasn't until the Edo period that it began to be used for food. Today, China accounts for 80% of the world's garlic production, while 80% of Japan's domestic garlic is produced in Aomori Prefecture.
Now, when you hear the term "garlic injection," it might give the impression that liquefied, crushed garlic is being injected directly into the body. However, this is not the case. A garlic injection does not actually contain garlic itself; rather, it is an intravenous injection consisting primarily of Vitamin B1 and other Vitamin B complex formulas.
Vitamin B1 is an essential nutrient for energy production within the body. Administering it intravenously allows it to stimulate the body's energy production pathways effectively and in a short amount of time. As a result, garlic injections can be expected to help relieve fatigue.
The Origin of the Name "Garlic Injection"
The name comes from the fact that Vitamin B1 has a distinct scent reminiscent of garlic. In fact, shortly after the injection begins, you may notice a subtle aroma of garlic. However, this scent disappears immediately after the injection is completed, so there is no need to worry.
Detailed Information on Garlic Injections
How Vitamin B1 Works
Here, we will explain Vitamin B1, the primary component of garlic injections.
Our bodies break down carbohydrates consumed from meals and transport them to cellular structures called mitochondria to produce energy. Vitamin B1 acts as a crucial coenzyme during the process of transporting these broken-down carbohydrates into the mitochondria. Consequently, if your body is deficient in Vitamin B1, it cannot produce sufficient energy, making you more prone to fatigue and lengthening the time required for recovery.
Furthermore, if you consume excessive amounts of carbohydrates, Vitamin B1 is heavily used up to metabolize those sugars. This can lead to a relative deficiency in Vitamin B1, making you feel tired more easily.
Benefits and Mechanisms of Garlic Injections
■Reduction of Fatigue
If you regularly feel that it is difficult to shake off your fatigue, you may be running low on Vitamin B1. Those who consume a lot of carbohydrates, such as rice and noodles, should also be careful.
Intravenous administration of Vitamin B1 via a garlic injection stimulates the energy production pathway within the mitochondria. By generating energy compounds in a short window of time, it helps support the reduction of physical fatigue.
■Alleviation of Hangover Symptoms
Vitamin B1 is required for the body to break down and process alcohol. Moreover, alcohol promotes the excretion of Vitamin B1—which is water-soluble—out of the body. If you are suffering from a hangover due to insufficient alcohol metabolism, a garlic injection can help alleviate your symptoms.
Side Effects of Garlic Injections
The primary component, Vitamin B1, is a "water-soluble vitamin," meaning it dissolves easily in water. Because of this property, any excess amount not needed by the body is easily excreted through urine. However, since this is a medical procedure, it is not entirely free of risks or side effects. In rare cases, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may occur, as well as temporary pain at the injection site.
Treatment Guidelines and Precautions
How Long It Takes to Feel the Effects
While individual results may vary, garlic injections and IV drips deliver nutrients directly into the bloodstream, allowing the components to take effect relatively smoothly and quickly.
History of the Garlic Injection
Garlic injections are said to have been originated by Dr. Takahisa Hiraishi (Director of Hiraishi Clinic), a Japanese physician who pioneered vitamin injection therapies. Initially used for the conditioning and health management of professional athletes, the treatment gradually spread to the general public as a reliable method for overcoming fatigue.
Why It Is Called a Garlic Injection
While garlic injections primarily utilize Vitamin B1 for fatigue recovery, this vitamin has a unique property: its absorption is significantly enhanced when combined with "allicin," the compound responsible for garlic's odor. The components used in our injections feature a Vitamin B1 derivative developed to mimic this mechanism for superior absorption within the body. When the injection is administered, a faint scent of garlic rises from the back of the throat, which is why it became known as a "garlic injection." To reiterate, actual garlic is not being injected.
Recommended Frequency
When sought primarily for fatigue relief, there is no strictly mandated frequency for the treatment. Many patients choose to receive it at a pace ranging from once a week to once a month, depending on their physical condition and personal schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Will I smell like garlic?
Right after the injection starts, you will notice a faint aroma of garlic coming from the back of your throat. However, this scent is generally only noticeable to you. There is no need to worry about your breath or body odor smelling like garlic afterward.
How long does a garlic injection take?
It takes about 5 minutes to complete.
Do garlic injections provide immediate relief?
A key feature of this injection is that it takes effect relatively smoothly. Many patients report a reduction in sluggishness and fatigue shortly after treatment, making it an ideal option when exhaustion builds up from work or sports.
How long do the effects last?
Although the duration varies by individual, many people find that the effects last from a few days to about a week. Because of this, some patients opt to receive the treatment about once a week.
Can I combine a garlic injection with other injections or therapies?
Yes, combinations are possible.
Are garlic injections considered a doping violation for athletes?
The actual components of the garlic injection do not pose an issue. However, for athletes competing in-season, the act of receiving an intravenous injection itself may be considered a violation under certain anti-doping regulations. Please check your specific organization's rules.
What is a garlic injection most effective for?
It is highly recommended for reducing fatigue and easing hangover symptoms.
How often should I get a garlic injection?
There is no fixed schedule. Since requirements depend on your daily diet and lifestyle, please consult with our physicians to find the best plan for you.
【Important Information Regarding Self-Pay (Uninsured) Care】
- Cost: ¥1,650 per session (including tax)
- Risks & Side Effects: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and temporary pain at the injection site may occur.
To Request a Garlic Injection at NAG Orthopedics please book your appointment using the link below.
Director of NAG Orthopedics: Yoshimasa Nagumo
Orthopedic Specialist & Sports Doctor
Dr. Nagumo initially built his career as a surgical oncologist specializing in orthopedic cancer treatment. Subsequently, he moved to the United States to engage in advanced research in the field of regenerative medicine.
It was during his time in the U.S. that a personal injury led him to realize the critical importance of sports medicine. Upon returning to Japan, he transitioned his focus to become a sports orthopedic surgeon.
Currently, he leads the "Athlete Support Program," which provides comprehensive medical support to athletes using a combination of blood analysis and cutting-edge regenerative medicine technologies.
[Click here for the program introduction page:https://nagseikei.jp/en/dr/]
