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Garlic as a herbal remedy |
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Garlic (Allium Sativum) - Garlic cloves contain sulfur and an amino acid called alliin. When crushed, alliin converts into allicin, a potent antibiotic that combats bacterial and fungal infection. Garlic also contains thiamine, which helps discourage mosquito and other insect bites. Germanium, an antioxidant that enhances endurance and promotes healing, is also found in garlic. Most people recognize the smell of garlic and it is often used as a culinary herb. This important plant reduces the formation of carcinogenic compounds and may inhibit breast and skin tumors. Garlic helps clear arteries, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, helps prevent blood clots, stimulates the immune system, lowers blood sugar and triglycerides, promotes a healthy digestive system, and improves the health of the cardiovascular system. Garlic is a very powerful herbal treatment for all chronic respiratory diseases. The active ingredients not only act on bacteria and fungi, but also protect against viruses, parasites, and yeast infections. Garlic cloves can be rubbed on acne, warts, and corns. Treatments must be repeated three times a day for up to six weeks in stubborn cases. To treat worms, eating 3 to 6 cloves a day is recommended. Garlic has a long history and is even mentioned in the Bible. Numbers 11:5 talks about God's people being tired of manna from heaven and longing for the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions and garlic that they had to eat in Egypt. Louis Pasteur used garlic to treat TB in the early part of the 20th century. In 1858 he confirmed what many people already believed, that garlic possesses a strong antibacterial action. Many studies are being done on the benefits of garlic. The cloves, eaten daily, may help prevent stomach and colon cancer. Garlic has been used as a therapeutic food for many centuries especially for disease prevention. It has been used internally against infection and externally for problems with the eyes, ears, and throat. It has been used to promote sweating which helps rid the body of toxins. Most commercial garlic is produced in California, but the plant grows well in Georgia. Garlic is a perennial bulb that sends out slender, round stems (like an onion). It grows one to three feet high depending on variety. Garlic blooms are white or lavender and are a welcome addition to any flower border. The bulbs multiply during the season into clusters of bulblets or cloves. Garlic needs full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Propagate by dividing the bulbs in late summer. *Do not uses garlic if you take blood thinners or before having surgery. Don't take garlic if you're on hypoglycemic drugs. Avoid while nursing as garlic may cause the baby to have indigestion. Garlic can irritate the stomach. Avoid high doses in pregnancy. Always consult with your physician before taking any herbal remedy. |
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Janice Boling © 2010 - 2013 By Janice Boling - All Rights Reserved
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