Picture taken by Karen and Brad Emerson
Garlic has been a blessing to our cuisine globally. Its strict smell and taste impart many dishes a spicy flavor. What most people don't know is that garlic also is the perfect herbal medicine for lots of health complains. In addition to that it is entirely safe to use at home and and a powerful antidote to several health problems. From chest infections to high blood pressure, garlic works miracles.
History & Folklore
For more than 5000 years garlic has been in the food and medical industry. It is one of the world's oldest cultivated herbs. The use of garlic worldwide has extended to almost a maximum. During ancient Greek times garlic was supposed to ward off the evil eye and was hung over doors to banish the evil and keep it away from homes. It is believed that garlic could also keep out blood thirsty vampires, evil nymphs and witches. The Egyptians worshipped garlic as a god and used it as a currency. It was used to pay and feed workers and slaves who worked on the pyramids. In most cultures garlic was only eaten by the lower class because garlic breath used to be unsuitable for the rich. Today garlic is used in so many dishes and people love the herb despite its strong smell.
Habitat & Cultivation
Garlic originates from central Asia but also can be found all over the world. It grows worldwide and is typically planted in the fall at a sunny location. The clove is separated from one another and planted into well-drained soil. The following late summer the bulbs are lifted carefully off the soil.
Uses
Traditional remedy Before antibiotics were developed garlic was the perfect remedy to cure many infections. During World War I medics also used garlic to dress the wounds of the soldiers.
Bronchial infections Especially in the chest area garlic is the best remedy to cure infections. Serving as an antibiotic garlic is also excellent for complaints in the head and ear-nose-throat area like flus, colds and ear infections.
Digestive tract Garlic's antibacterial properties can ward off germs, bacteria and also can get rid of intestinal parasites. Treating digestive infections with the herb can improve health.
Circulatory remedy Garlic promotes the immune system and helps maintaining a healthy blood circulation. The herb is known for reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol levels. It also thins the blood and therefore prevents strokes.
Other uses Garlic is widely used for diverse health problems not only linked to the blood system and heart, but also for different conditions regarding the skin. Either taking garlic supplements or rubbing it on to the skin, garlic can help treating acne and a lot of other fungal skin conditions. Taking garlic alongside conventional antibiotics can show a stronger healing effect and helps preventing side-effects. Many people also take advantage of the herbs anti-cancer effect. Garlic can prevent cancer types like lung, prostate, breast, stomach or colon cancer.
Parts used
Garlic parts like the bulb, cloves and the fresh plant are used as a medicine.
Bulb
Cloves
Fresh plant
Key Actions
Antibiotic
Expectorant
Increases sweating
Lower blood pressure
Reduces blood clotting
Anti-diabetic
Expels worms
Constituents
Volatile oil (alliin, alliinase, allicin)
Scordinins
Selenium
Vitamins A, B, C and E
View References
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 59.
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