GARLIC AND ITS USES

Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive and rakkyo.

Raw garlic is one of the very ancient spices used in Ayurveda. Even Sushruta has appreciated the benefits of raw garlic and is quoted in his writings. Sweet, salt, sour, pungent, bitter and astringent are the six tastes according to Ayurveda beliefs. Garlic is one of those rare herbs which has five tastes except sour.

Nature has gifted us lots of things to keep our self healthy. One of those gifts is Garlic. This great bulb has a lot of benefits, because no other plant has been held out for so long as a cure for so many human ailments. That’s why garlic has been considered as the “Wonder Drug”. Garlic has been used medicinally for many years for treating bites, tumors, ulcers, snakebite, wounds, headaches, heart diseases, cancer, pimples, measles and many more. It also prevents infections such as the common cold, cough because of its Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal and Anti-viral property.

A famous proverb: ” Garlic is as good as 10 mothers “ , “Garlic a day keep sickness at bay”  and ” A garlic a day keeps diseases away”. Moreover, it is regarded as a miracle by naturopaths & herbalists. Various researches have proved it that Garlic is good for health and is beneficial in curing various health problems.

The garlic clove contains various nutrients as water soluble nutrients include vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and natural sugars & oil soluble nutrients includes sulphur compounds originating from an amino acid named alliin which is converted to a pungent compound called allicin which has natural antibiotic properties. Presence of sulphur in garlic is the cause of its pungent smell. However, the quality of Garlic cannot be over hidden due to this smell.

Garlic Medicinal Uses

• Garlic acts as an antiseptic & helps in curing the wounds very quickly.
• One of the health benefits of garlic is that it helps in fighting against various infection & acts against inflammation and infection, including colds and flu, coughs by adding a freshly cut raw clove to food three times a day.
• In certain studies in China it has been shown that it contains chemicals that prevent cancer. They suggest that eating garlic on regular basis provides some protection against cancer.
• Fresh or cooked garlic helps in lowers down the blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. It increases the levels of high density lipoproteins and reduces harmful cholesterol in the blood & keeps arteries and heart healthy.
• It thins the blood, reduces clotting and helps in controlling blood pressure and poor circulation.
• Garlic stimulates the immune system of body and helps in fighting against various diseases.
• Use two raw garlic daily to reduce the risk of cancer, due to its Anti-Carcinogenic properties. It helps prevent cancerous compounds from forming and developing into tumors. It also inhibits the growth of tumors.
• Prevents and relieves chronic bronchitis, respiratory problems, and mucous formation.
• It acts as a nasal decongestant and expectorant.
• Garlic works as a cleanser of the digestive system, helps in curing gastric  formation, kills internal parasites and is an excellent internal antiseptic.
• It exhibits antioxidant activity, which is good for your skin. It also contains flavonoids, which is good for heart and body.
• Garlic cures Earache, put two or three drops of warm garlic oil in the ears.
• Garlic is a natural aphrodisiac, it stimulates sexual desire. Normally not consumed by people in celibacy, who have taken vows not to marry.
• If any insect bites you at the seaside, you just crush the garlic and apply it to the affected area to reduce pain and to remove poison.
• If you are very fat and want to loose weight, squeeze half lemon juice in one glass of luke warm water and drink it with two cloves of raw garlic regularly twice a day (morning and evening), for about three months. Avoid using starchy foods and fats. Do exercise regularly. You will observe a great change in your body.
• Garlic supports anti-ageing . Use 2-3 cloves regularly for better results

Researcher recommends daily dose of fresh garlic of about 4 gm, equivalent to one or two small cloves for each & every person who wants to keep himself healthy.

Few watch outs for the usage of garlic:

• Garlic may cause or worsen bad breath problem.
• It is advised not to take garlic soon after heavy exercise or when someone has just come from sunlight.
• Since Garlic is hot and pungent, it should not be taken when someone has nasal bleeding and dizziness.
• For women suffering from heavy menstrual bleeding, it is advisable to stop using garlic from 5 days before onset of periods till it stops.