Throughout history in the Middle East, East Asia and Nepal, garlic has been used to treat bronchitis, hypertension (high blood pressure), TB (tuberculosis), liver disorders, dysentery, flatulence, colic, intestinal worms, rheumatism, diabetes, and fevers.arlic is a popular ingredient in cooking and may also have some health benefits. The original Olympic athletes in Ancient Greece were given garlic-possibly the earliest example of performance enhancing agents used in sports.