GARLIC
Liliaceae
ALLIUM SATIVUM
Wild garlic is a member of the onion family, and so well-known that it is cultivated all over the world for use in cooking and for its medicinal value. The leaves are long and narrow, but the part which is used, the bulb, is divided into cloves enveloped in a paper-like skin.
History
Garlic (alliums) is well known through many cultures and countries. The Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians all valued its magical as well as edible properties. The name garlic is from the Anglo-Saxon, gar meaning spear, and lac, meaning plant, which refers to the shape of the leaves. In England during the First World War, garlic was used as an antiseptic to prevent sepsis of wounds. Garlic was the main ingredient in "four thieves vinegar," which was used against the plague by thieves who robbed victims. The city of Chicago in the United States actually got its name from one of the names for wild garlic! The Cheyenne used one variety as a poultice for treating boils. In 18th-century Pennsylvania, it was reported that garlic and onions were given to children for croup.
Parts used
Bulb only.
Active constituents
Volatile oil, including allicin, enzymes, vitamins A, B, and C, and flavonoids.
How it works in the body
The volatile oil, which produces garlic's distinctive odor, contains allicin, which has been proved to have an antibiotic effect on staphylococcus aureus, among other bacterial infections affecting the body. It has also been effective against candida albicans. Allicin has also been shown to have a hypoglycemic effect, which will help reduce blood sugar levels. In addition, research has shown that a garlic supplement has an anti-thrombotic action, which will reduce blood clotting, lower blood pressure and reduce cholesterol.
Applications
As a palatable way of introducing garlic to the system, use peeled, crushed cloves of fresh garlic in vinegar, to add to salads. To benefit the immune system as a whole, add them to cooking. As a syrup, garlic can be used to counter sore throats and coughs. Take 5 ml (1 tsp) four or five times a day. It is possible to obtain garlic juice as a commercial preparation, and also garlic pills (tablets) and garlic capsules (perles).
Indications
- Chest infections, including bronchitic ailments.
- Coughs, colds, and flu.
- To reduce catarrh.
- To reduce cholesterol, lower blood pressure and to prevent the clotting of blood in thrombosis.
- Digestive problems.
- In late onset diabetes, to reduce blood sugar levels.
Contraindications
Do not give raw garlic medicinally to children under 12 without the supervision of a herbal or medical practitioner. Although some people do eat garlic raw, it is advisable to only eat it with other foods as it is very strong and can cause griping pains if eaten on its own. The best garlic supplements may be taken alongside conventional antibiotics and diabetic medication, but it is warned that conventional medicines must not be discontinued without advice from a medical or herbal practitioner as this can be dangerous.
Where can I buy Garlic?
You can buy allium and garlic dietary supplements at ZooScape.com here: -> http://www.zooscape.com/cgi-bin/maitred/GreenCanyon/questc100052
