Cosmetic Dermatology

Garlic Injections & IV Drips | For fatigue, sluggishness, and hangovers

Garlic shots directly supplement vitamin B1 (fursultiamine) into the body. Despite the name, they contain no garlic whatsoever; the odor comes from the sulfur compounds in vitamin B1. By assisting the body in converting carbohydrates into energy, they address persistent fatigue, lethargy, and hangovers. The procedure takes about 5 minutes, after which you can go home immediately. This page explains the source and duration of the odor, how to choose between injections and IV drips, and recommended frequencies.

  • Despite its name, it contains no garlic. The odor comes from vitamin B1.
  • The scent is only noticeable to the person who applied it and dissipates within a few to ten-odd minutes.
  • The injection takes about 5 minutes. There's no downtime, and you can go home immediately afterward.
  • The effects last for several days to a week. Regular use about once a week is recommended.
Available daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Available daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
5-minute walk from the station
5-minute walk from the station
A clean clinic with a white-based interior
A clean clinic with a white-based interior
Online consultations: same-day shipping at the earliest
Online consultations: same-day shipping at the earliest
Cosmetics and supplements sold exclusively at medical institutions are also available for purchase.
Cosmetics and supplements sold exclusively at medical institutions are also available for purchase.

Garlic shots and IV drips are administered at Mona Aoyama Clinic in Minami Aoyama.

Injections take approximately 5 minutes. Open every day, 5-minute walk from Aoyama-itchome Station. Same-day appointments are also available.

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What is a Garlic Shot? — It actually contains no garlic.

From the name "Garlic Shot," it might be assumed that garlic ingredients are injected, but it contains no garlic at all. The main ingredient is Vitamin B1 (Fursultiamine).

So why is it called garlic? Vitamin B1 contains sulfur compounds, which closely resemble the odor components of garlic. This nickname became established because the person receiving the injection temporarily experiences a garlic-like odor.

The odor is something the person receiving the injection perceives. When the ingredients in the bloodstream pass through the lungs, the person themselves feels the odor from inside their body. It is highly unlikely that people around them will notice. While there are individual differences in perception, most people stop noticing it within a few minutes to about ten minutes. There is no problem even if you have plans to meet people afterward.

Why does Vitamin B1 relieve fatigue?

Vitamin B1 is an essential coenzyme for converting carbohydrates into energy. Carbohydrates consumed from food are converted into energy through the action of Vitamin B1.

If Vitamin B1 is deficient, this conversion does not proceed effectively, making it easier for fatigue-causing substances to accumulate in the body. A lack of Vitamin B1 can be a contributing factor to feeling "tired even after getting enough sleep" or having a "heavy body".

Fursultiamine, used in garlic shots, is a modified form of Vitamin B1 that is more easily absorbed into the body. Furthermore, because it is injected directly into the bloodstream, it reaches the entire body more quickly than oral medications or supplements.

Those who are prone to Vitamin B1 deficiency:

  • People who drink alcohol frequently (Vitamin B1 is consumed in the breakdown of alcohol)
  • People with a diet high in sugars and carbohydrates
  • People who engage in intense exercise
  • People with high stress levels or continuous sleep deprivation
  • People whose diet consists mainly of eating out or convenience store food

Expected Benefits

Purpose Details
Fatigue recovery and lethargy Aids in energy production from carbohydrates, addressing persistent fatigue.
Hangover and overdrinking Replenishes Vitamin B1 consumed in alcohol metabolism.
Stiff shoulders and back pain Involved in peripheral nerve function, expected to alleviate stiffness and pain.
Summer fatigue and loss of appetite Supports energy metabolism during periods of irregular eating habits.
Concentration and performance Helps ensure continuous energy production.

The manifestation of effects varies among individuals.

Recommended for those who:

  • Feel tired even after sleeping, or have a heavy body from the morning
  • Are going through a busy period or working long hours
  • Have frequent business dinners or social drinking engagements
  • Want to recover quickly from a hangover
  • Engage in sports or training
  • Want to get in good physical condition before an important event
  • Have lost their appetite due to summer fatigue

Which to choose: Injection or IV Drip

Menu Time required Recommended for
Garlic Shot Approx. 5 minutes Those short on time, wanting it during a break from work, or trying it for the first time
Garlic IV Drip Approx. 20–30 minutes Those who want a thorough replenishment or to combine it with other ingredients

Injections are quick, making them suitable for those on the go or during work breaks. Drips are administered over a longer period, making it easier to combine with other ingredients like Vitamin C, making them suitable for those who want to achieve both fatigue recovery and beauty at the same time. Many people try the injection first to see how it feels, then switch to the drip for continued use.

It takes only 5 minutes. Get rid of today's fatigue, today.

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Duration of Effect and Recommended Frequency

Vitamin B1 is water-soluble, so it cannot be stored in the body. Any excess is excreted in urine. Therefore, the effect lasts for a few days to about a week.

Purpose Recommended Frequency
Periods of severe fatigue / busy periods 1 to 2 times a week
Maintaining health / preventing fatigue buildup Once a week to once every two weeks
Before important appointments / events Once, the day before or on the day

It is generally more effective to use it to prevent fatigue from building up rather than waiting until you are already tired. It is also recommended to get it in advance before a busy period.

Treatment Flow

STEP Details
1. Reservation Please make a reservation via the web. Same-day appointments are also possible.
2. Consultation We will check your physical condition, medical history, medications, and allergies.
3. Treatment Injection takes approximately 5 minutes, IV drip takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
4. Departure You may leave immediately. Makeup, bathing, and exercise are all possible from the same day.

Side Effects / Precautions

Possible Symptoms

  • Pain and bruising at the injection site
  • Pain or warmth along the vein during infusion (can be alleviated by adjusting the infusion speed)
  • Temporary self-awareness of odor
  • Rarely, allergic reactions such as itching or rash

Since Vitamin B1 is water-soluble, any excess is excreted in urine and does not accumulate in the body. If you experience strong symptoms such as discomfort, rash, or difficulty breathing during or after the procedure, please notify the staff immediately.

Those who cannot receive or require caution

  • Those with allergies to Vitamin B1 preparations
  • Those who have experienced allergic reactions to injectable medications in the past
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals (please consult in advance)
  • Those undergoing treatment for kidney or liver disease

Combination with other IV Drips and Injections

If you wish to target both fatigue recovery and beauty simultaneously, you can combine it with other menu options.

Information on Self-Pay Treatment

  • Cost: Use for the purpose of fatigue recovery and health management is self-pay, so health insurance does not apply, and the full amount is borne by the patient. The fee starts from [to be confirmed] yen (tax included).
  • Approval status: The preparation used is a domestically approved pharmaceutical product. However, its use for fatigue recovery and health management may fall under off-label use.
  • Acquisition route: We use domestically approved products procured through domestic pharmaceutical wholesalers.
  • Risks: In cases of off-label use, adverse reactions may not be covered by the pharmaceutical adverse reaction relief system.
  • Effect: The degree of effect varies among individuals, and not everyone will achieve the same results.

Make it a habit to prevent fatigue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Does it actually contain garlic?
A. No, it does not. The main ingredient is Vitamin B1 (Fursultiamine). The scent comes from the sulfur compound contained in Vitamin B1, which resembles the odor components of garlic, hence the name "garlic shot." No actual garlic is used.
Q. Will people notice the smell?
A. There's almost no need to worry. The odor is perceived by the person who received the injection from inside their body, and it's highly unlikely that people around them will notice. While individual perception varies, most people stop noticing it within a few minutes to about ten minutes. There is no problem even if you have plans to meet people afterward.
Q. How quickly can I expect to feel the effects?
A. Some people feel relief from the same day, but most people feel their body lighten the next day. As Vitamin B1 is water-soluble, it cannot be stored in the body, and its effects typically last for a few days to about a week. To prevent fatigue from accumulating, it is effective to receive treatments regularly.
Q. How often should I receive the treatment?
A. During periods of intense fatigue, once or twice a week is recommended. For maintaining good health, once a week to once every two weeks is a good guideline. Many people also choose to receive the treatment in advance of a busy period. Please consult with us to find a schedule that suits your needs.
Q. Which is better, an injection or an IV drip?
A. An injection takes about 5 minutes, making it suitable for those who are short on time or want to receive it during a break from work. An IV drip is administered over a longer period, making it easier to combine with other ingredients like Vitamin C, and is suitable for those who want to achieve both fatigue recovery and beauty simultaneously. Many people try the injection first and then switch to the drip.
Q. Is there any pain?
A. There is a momentary pain when the needle is inserted. Some people may feel a slight pain or warmth along the vein during the infusion, but this can be alleviated by adjusting the administration speed. Please do not hesitate to inform us if you feel strong discomfort.
Q. Are there any side effects?
A. Side effects may include pain and bruising at the injection site, and rarely, itching or a rash. Since Vitamin B1 is water-soluble, any excess is excreted in urine and does not accumulate in the body. If you experience severe symptoms such as discomfort, rash, or difficulty breathing during or after the procedure, please inform the staff immediately.
Q. Is health insurance applicable?
A. Use for the purpose of fatigue recovery and health management is a self-pay treatment, and health insurance does not apply. The manifestation of effects varies among individuals.

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