Introduction

Garlic is like a superhero in the herbal medicine world. It has got a strong smell and taste, but it is super safe for home use. This little powerhouse can tackle infections in your nose, throat, and chest. But that is not all, garlic also helps with things like lowering cholesterol, dealing with high blood pressure, and managing blood sugar levels, which is super useful for people with type 2 diabetes. So, keeping some garlic in your kitchen is not just for flavour – it is like having a health-boosting ally right at your fingertips.

What is Garlic?

Garlic is a plant with a bulb made up of cloves, known for its strong flavour and smell. Used globally in cooking, it is part of the onion family. Beyond its culinary role, garlic is believed to have many health benefits. The bulb, divided into cloves, contains compounds like allicin, thought to have antioxidant properties. It is associated with potential cardiovascular advantages, immune system support, and antimicrobial effects. Whether enhancing your favourite recipes or exploring traditional remedies, garlic is a versatile and widely appreciated ingredient with a rich history of culinary and medicinal use.

Uses

Garlic is widely used for various conditions related to the heart and blood system, such as atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, heart attacks, coronary heart disease, and hypertension. Additionally, some individuals use garlic to potentially prevent lung, prostate, breast, stomach, rectal, and colon cancers, though not all of these uses are firmly supported by research.

It is crucial to note that only a portion of these applications is scientifically validated. A study in “Food and Chemical Toxicology “ cautioned that the anti-inflammatory effects of fresh raw garlic may diminish with short-term heating, posing a challenge for those averse to the taste or smell of fresh garlic.

Research

Well over 1,000 research papers have been published on the medicinal effects of garlic. They show that it helps to lower raised blood fat levels, including cholesterol, to keep the blood thin and protect against blood clots, to lower raised blood pressure, to lower raised blood-sugar levels, and to have antibiotic activity.

Key Features of Garlic

■ Antibiotic

■ Expectorant

■ Increases sweating

■ Lowers blood pressure

■ Reduces blood clotting

■ Anti-diabetic

■ Expels worms

Benefits

Helps in lowering The Risk of Lung Cancer

Eating raw garlic twice a week might lower the risk of lung cancer by 44%, says a study in China. Over 7 years, researchers interviewed 1,424 lung cancer patients and 4,543 healthy people. They asked about diets, lifestyles, smoking, and garlic consumption. Those having raw garlic twice weekly showed a significant protective effect against lung cancer. The study suggests that garlic could be a helpful preventive measure against lung cancer, serving as a potential chemo-preventive agent.

Helps in Bronchial infections

Garlic is an excellent remedy for all types of chest infections. It is good for colds, flu, and ear infections, and it helps to reduce mucus.

A circulatory remedy

Garlic prevents circulatory problems and strokes by keeping the blood thin. It lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Garlic is a powerful antibiotic

Garlic’s compound, diallyl sulfide, demonstrated remarkable antibiotic potential by being 100 times more effective against the Campylobacter bacterium compared to 2 common antibiotics, as highlighted in a study in the Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. This suggests that garlic could potentially serve as a powerful and effective natural antibiotic.

Historical Healing

Garlic has a rich history as a remedy for diverse health issues, ranging from hay fever and asthma to addressing an enlarged prostate and managing osteoarthritis.

Antibiotic Support

When used alongside conventional antibiotics, garlic proves beneficial by mitigating side effects like diarrhea, highlighting its role as a supportive element in medical treatments.

Helps digestive system

Digestive infections respond well to garlic. The herb can also rid the body of intestinal parasites.

Fungal Warrior

With strong antifungal properties, garlic serves as an effective remedy for various skin conditions caused by fungi, whether taken internally or applied topically.

Cancer Defender

Garlic exhibits anti-cancer properties, offering protection against stomach and colon cancer, underscoring its potential as a natural defense against certain cancers.

This versatile herb showcases its multifaceted potential, not only as a flavor enhancer in the kitchen but also as a holistic contributor to overall health and well-being.

Safety Tips

• If you’re on blood-thinning meds, chat with your doctor before using garlic as medicine.
• Before surgery, let your doctor know about any garlic supplements to get guidance on when to stop.
• Skip extra garlic supplements during pregnancy.
• Be careful with too much garlic, as it might cause skin irritation.
• Stay safe and always check with your doctor when in doubt!

“Caution:- Consult a professional practitioner before giving garlic as a medicine to children under 12. Take on professional advice if taking blood-thinning medication.”