Garlic and cloves, known as Kanan Fari in Nothern, Nigeria, have been used for centuries for their medicinal properties. It is a widespread belief that the mixture has antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties that can help treat various health conditions, including vaginal discharge. 

But is this a myth or a fact? In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of garlic and cloves and whether they can help to treat vaginal discharge.

Benefits of garlic

For thousands of years, garlic has shown versatile medicinal purposes. Especially for quick home remedies. Some of the benefits of garlic include the following:

• Boosts immune system: Garlic is rich in antioxidants and contains sulfur compounds that can help to boost the immune system and reduce the risk of infection.
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• Lowers blood pressure: Studies have shown that garlic can help to lower blood pressure in people with hypertension.
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• Reduces cholesterol: Popular studies have shown that garlic helps lower cholesterol levels, which can help to reduce the risk of heart disease.
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• Anti-inflammatory properties: Garlic contains compounds that can help to reduce inflammation in the body, which may help to prevent chronic diseases such as arthritis and cancer.
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Benefits of cloves

Cloves are another natural remedy used for centuries for their medicinal properties. Some of the benefits of cloves include:

• Pain relief: Cloves contain analgesic compounds, which can help reduce pain and inflammation.
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• Antimicrobial properties: Cloves have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties that can help to fight infections.
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• Digestive health: Cloves can help to improve digestion and relieve digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Mixture (kanan fari) preparation

To prepare the kanan fari mixture, garlic and cloves are pounded and mixed with water to form a paste. You can also add it to your pap or akamu paste. 

Does kanan fari help to treat vaginal discharge?

No scientific evidence suggests that the kanan fari mixture can help treat vaginal discharge. Using garlic or cloves in the vagina can be harmful and increase the risk of infection.

The vagina has a delicate balance of good bacteria that helps prevent infections, and inserting garlic or cloves can disrupt this balance and increase the risk of infection.

It is important to note that vaginal discharge is a common condition that can have several causes, including: 

• Bacterial vaginosis.
• Yeast infections
• Sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Hormonal changes
• Allergic reactions
• Cancer
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Each of these cannot be controlled or treated in the same way, which is why treatment for vaginal discharge depends on the underlying cause and may include medications such as antibiotics or antifungal agents.

Other benefits of kanan fari

Besides the myth about its ability to treat vaginal discharge, the kanan fari mixture has other potential health benefits. Here are four of them:

• Anti-inflammatory properties: Kanan fari can benefit people with inflammatory conditions such as arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
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• Boosts immune system: Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties due to its high concentration of sulfur compounds. Cloves are also rich in antioxidants that may help support the immune system. Consuming kanan fari mixture may help strengthen the body's defences against infections and diseases.
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• Improves heart health: Consuming kanan fari mixture may help improve heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease. It’s not a cure for any form of the disease.
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• Promotes oral health: Both garlic and cloves have antibacterial properties that may help prevent gum disease and tooth decay. Garlic contains allicin, a compound that effectively reduces tooth pain and inflammation. Chewing on kanan fari mixture may improve oral health and prevent dental problems.
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Although the kanan fari mixture may have potential health benefits, do not use it as a substitute for medical treatment. People with existing medical conditions or those taking medications should consult with a healthcare provider before consuming the kanan fari mixture.

Conclusion 

While garlic and cloves have several health benefits, no scientific evidence supports using the kanan fari mixture to treat vaginal discharge. 

It is important to note that some vaginal discharge is normal and serves as a way for the vagina to cleanse itself. However, if the discharge shows other symptoms, such as itching, burning, or pain, it may indicate an underlying condition requiring medical attention. Consult with a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis and treatment.