Researchers tracked both groups for 12 months. Medications worked faster (2-4 weeks), but side effects were common: dizziness, fatigue, frequent urination, dry cough, erectile dysfunction. Many people quit because side effects felt worse than high BP.
Aged garlic? Zero side effects in safety studies. No dizziness. No cough. No energy drain. The trade-off: 8-12 weeks for results instead of 2-4. But compliance was near 90% because people didn't feel worse while waiting.
One researcher noted: "A medication that works but makes you miserable has 50% compliance. A supplement that works slower but doesn't impact daily life has 90% compliance."
Why this matters: If BP meds made you feel terrible or you're scared to start them, this is the slower but gentler alternative.