Garlic is recognized in virtually every culture as the folk remedy cure-all. Garlic has an extensive history and is as well known for its medicinal properties as it is its culinary uses. Garlic been used as a food and medicine since at least the time of the ancient Egyptians (King Tutankhamen’s tomb included cloves of garlic) and was a well utilized medicinal herb by Traditional Chinese Healers and Greek Physicians. In both World Wars garlic was used topically on wounds to prevent septic poisoning and gangrene.

Garlic Benefits

Garlic has a great deal of success in controlling diarrhea, dysentery and typhoid along with numerous other conditions and is effective against many fungal infections and to expel worms.

The many wonders of garlic don’t stop there; it is well-known by herbalists as a digestive tonic and has a history of use ranging from toothaches to coughs and colds. Recent research has revealed many of garlic’s beneficial qualities from lowering blood pressure and cholesterol to boosting immunity (preliminary clinical research suggests garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds) to supporting the health of the cardiovascular system.  It also supports the body’s own detoxification process by facilitating the break down and flushing of fats from the body.

What are Garlic’s powers?

The unique sulfur-based compounds in garlic not only give garlic its distinct pungent flavor and odor, but also attribute to its powerful antioxidant power. Rich in potassium, vitamin C (which attributes to its ability to ward off colds and flu’s) and selenium, (which may be instrumental for its reported anti-cancer properties), garlic also acts as an internal purifier. Garlic’s has many herbal properties: alterative, diaphoretic, expectorant, antispasmodic, nervine and vulnerary to name just a few. Another outstanding property that of an antibiotic- while many herbs have direct effects on inhibiting the growth of or destroying bacteria and viruses, the primary action of “antibiotic” herbs is to stimulate the body’s immune response. Garlic is also known as a stimulant- an herb that increases the energy of the body, drives circulation, breaks up obstructions and warms the body.

Garlic Raw or Cooked?

With all these wonderful properties it is no wonder why garlic is a healthy addition to any diet. However, it is important to know that raw garlic is more potent than cooked garlic because many of garlic’s beneficial properties are lost through culinary preparations, such as boiling, since heat inactivates the enzyme allinase, which research links to garlic’s health-enhancing properties. Therefore, Garlic Supplements are a great way to ensure you are receiving a therapeutic dosage of the beneficial constituents. Garlic Oil is also a useful way to utilize this wonder healer- insert a few drops in the ear for earaches or rub directly on aches or sprains.

Civilization has been using garlic for over 5,000 years and research is continuously revealing healthful qualities associated with its use– so whether you’re using it for Heart Health, immunity-enhancement, to combat a cold or as an antioxidant- you can’t go wrong with Garlic.   Cook with it, supplement it or use it topically as an ointment, but always be sure to consult with your healthcare practitioner before implementing a supplement regime, especially if you are taking any medications or being monitored for a health condition.