A study conducted by Australian doctors suggests that garlic could actually be used in conjunction with medication to help treat high blood pressure.

50 patients took part in the high blood pressure study, which might not be enough to determine conclusive results. Some of the participants in the study were given garlic supplements while the rest received a placebo. They were all taking high blood pressure medication.

When the study concluded, those that had been taking the garlic supplements for 12 weeks demonstrated lower blood pressure than those that had been taking the placebo.

For many years, it has been thought that garlic could help patients with high blood pressure, but the research still has a long way to go.

One of the researchers involved in the study commented: "Garlic supplements have been associated with a blood pressure lowering effect of clinical significance in patients with untreated hypertension. Our trial, however, is the first to assess the effect, tolerability and acceptability of aged garlic extract as an additional treatment to existing antihypertensive medication in patients with treated, but uncontrolled, hypertension."

Garlic supplements should only be taken after seeking medical advice. Taking too much garlic can thin the blood and interfere with certain medications. Anyone with high blood pressure that is thinking of taking garlic supplements to treat their condition should speak to their doctor first.

People with high blood pressure should not replace their prescribed medication with garlic supplements.