Garlic

 

Part used - the bulb

 

Common Uses

  • Reduces blood cholesterol levels
  • Improves circulation
  • Helps in treatment of atherosclerosis
  • Reduces risk of heart attack
  • Reduces blood pressure
  • Acts as a natural antibiotic
  • Helps prevent colds and flu
  • Prevents yeast infections
  • Helps prevent cancer

How Garlic Works
Garlic has been called the "stinking rose", but while it may have a powerful smell, it also packs a powerful punch when it comes to dealing with some serious health problems.

 

Garlic keeps the cholesterol levels in our blood in good balance. It does this by lowering serum cholesterol levels while raising ‘good’ HDL-cholesterol levels.

 

Garlic strengthens blood vessels, lowers blood pressure, and improves circulation by reducing platelet "stickiness". As a natural antibiotic it protects us from infection. It also detoxifies our bodies while maintaining healthy flora in our intestine.

 

Eating garlic on a regular basis has been linked with reduced rates of stomach and colon cancer.
Garlic has powerful antibacterial properties. When fresh cloves are when applied topically, they are an effective treatment of skin infections and acne. It is suggested that, because of the odor, this treatment is best applied at night.

 

Side Effects
No major side effects are known. Some people experience flatulence or heartburn while taking garlic. Rare cases of allergic reaction have been reported.

 

Safety Concerns
If you are taking anticoagulant medication you should use garlic with caution. There are no known contraindications for the use of garlic while pregnant or lactating.
 

The History of Garlic
Garlic is one of the most ancient remedies known to man and has truly earned a place in History!

 

It has been cultivated, and highly valued for more than 5,000 years, and used for medicinal purposes since the time of the Egyptian Pharos and the earliest Chinese dynasties. The Bible tells that the Israelites complained that they had too little garlic in their provisions as they fled from Egypt.

 

The most renowned Greek and Roman physicians, Hippocrates, Galen, Pliny the Elder and Dioscorides all recommended garlic. It was used it for a wide range of complaints including respiratory and digestive problems, weight loss, parasites and low energy.

 

Traditional Chinese medicine also saw the importance of Garlic and it wrote about it in their literature in 510 A.D.. They prescribed it for colds, tuberculosis, digestive problems and diarrhea. It was also used topically to treat snake bites, fungal infections of the skin and pinworm.

 

In more recent times, Louis Pasteur studied the antibacterial effect of garlic and Albert Schweitzer used garlic to treat dysentery during his visit to Africa.

 

In modern times more than 1000 papers have been written about this small odorous bulb, which appears to not only frighten off vampires but also other unwelcome visitors like viruses, bacteria and yeast infections. It’s hard to believe that it tastes good too!

 

Disclaimer: The information presented is for information purposes only. It is based on scientific studies or traditional usage. Consult a health care professional before using supplements or making any changes in prescribed medications. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease