Garlic is known for its therapeutic value and there are lots of health benefits of garlic. From ancient times the value of garlic remedies has been appreciated. Sanskrit records claim that garlic remedies were being used 5,000 years ago. Similarly, Chinese medicine has given much recognition for the usage of garlic for over 3,000 years. Even the Greek and Romans have been using it from times immemorial. It may have been rare in English cuisine, but forms part of Mediterranean Europe menu. Builders of pyramids consumed garlic for increased physical strength and endurance. The Spanish used it as a preservative.
Garlic is a bulbous plant belonging to the onion family. The sulfur-based compound allicin gives its pungent taste, the taste much derived from the crushing, chewing and cutting of cloves. This compound provides the medicinal value of garlic.
Garlic is made up of multiple compounds as well as anti-oxidants, which include organosulfur, which consists of antimicrobial and pharmacological actions. Garlic is a food that serves as a medicine as well.
The taste may not be all that good, yet garlic can prove good for improved health. This is possible as it has many health benefits. Even those who are beauty conscious and would prefer a skin free from pimples can take garlic. The value of garlic can be appreciated if we are well versed with its health benefits.
Health Benefits of Garlic for Treatment of Various Diseases
1. Anti Microbial
It was Louis Pasteur who first discovered the anti microbial properties of garlic in 1858. It is a primarily medicine in Ayurveda for Salmonella, E Coli, Klebsiella, Bacillus subtulis, Helicobacter etc. This property in the herb is primarily attributed to the presence of allicin. [1]
2. Hepatotoxicity
Garlic extract could protect liver cells from toxic agents primarily caused by acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity. Acetaminophen is one of the primary pain killers used in many countries around the world. Any overdose of this drug could cause hepatotoxicity in human and could directly affect liver. In the clinical study it was also found that adding garlic in daily diet could also increase the antioxidant defense of the body. [2]
3. Diabetes
Garlic extract not only is beneficial in diabetes but is also very effective in lowering the insulin resistance in diabetes patients. Volatile sulfur compounds like alliin, allicin etc. present in this herb makes it one of the very effective remedy for this problem. In one of the experimental study administration of garlic on diabetes patient reduced blood glucose level for the patient for fasting blood glucose level. [3]
4. Cardiovascular Diseases
In lot of studies it has been proved that this herb has miraculous properties which helps patients with cardiovascular diseases in many ways. It helps in lowering of the blood pressure, helps in reducing serum cholesterol, triglyceride, lowers platelet aggregation, prevents atherosclerosis and many more. In another study it was found that it also helps in lowering of systolic and diastolic pressures and brings it back to normal for mildly affected patients. It was found that in more than 80% of the patients it helped to lower the blood pressure in high blood pressure affected patients. [4]
5. Earaches
One could put a few drops of garlic juice in the aching ear and it would give relief from the pain. If the pain is severe then do not go for this remedy and better consult your doctor.
6. Heart Disease
Mix few crushed garlic in a glass of milk. Mix 4 glasses of water into it. Put the solution into flame and boil it till the 5 glasses of liquid is down to one glass. Take this preparation once every day for 40-45 days. You could go for this natural medicinal preparation while taking your regular medicines or consult your doctor if you have some confusion before going for this remedy.
7. Asthma and other Respiratory Problems
Mix garlic clove with ginger tea and take it 2 to 3 times a day. This will reduce your chances of getting allergies and would clear the respiratory airways. Do not take this preparation if you are suffering from constipation as it could worsen your constipation problem.
8. Eczema
Garlic has lots of health benefits for skin related ailments especially eczema. Take some dried and stored garlic cloves and heat it with coconut oil till it turns black. Crush the garlic cloves and squeeze it out. Now, apply this oil on the affected area. The eczema problem will slowly disappear within 1-2 weeks.
9. Sprains
Take a tsp of turmeric and mix it in quicklime. Put garlic into it and make a paste out of it. Apply this paste on the sprain and it is going to reduce the pain and inflammation.
10. Breast Milk
Garlic if added in the diet of newly born kid’s mother, it increases the breast milk secretion. Remember to discontinue it if the kid is suffering from diarrhea or other problems.
11. Gas Pain
Garlic is very beneficial for gar problems. Make a soup by mixing crushing few cloves of garlic in Bengal gram water and take this soup 2 times a day. To make it more effective, mix pepper, cumin and coriander seeds. Refer to this gas pain article for complete remedies from the condition.
12. Seasonal Fever
Mix 2 cloves of garlic in clarified butter and take it 15 minutes before meal and it will bring down mild fever of all types.
13. Wounds
Garlic paste is very beneficial in infected wounds. Make a paste of 3-4 clove of garlic and put them on the wound. It will eliminate all the worms present.
Key Facts About Garlic
- Origin: Central Asia
- Family: Amaryllidaceae
- Appearance: Bulb with several cloves, white or purple skin
- Flowers: Small, pink or purple clusters
- Culinary Use: Used raw or cooked for flavor
- Health Benefits: Boosts immunity, lowers blood pressure
- Nutrition: Rich in vitamins C, B6, and antioxidants
- Cultivation: Prefers well-drained soil, full sun
- Propagation: Grown from cloves
- Major Producers: China, India, USA
- Storage: Cool, dry place
Other Details on Garlic
Medicinal Properties of Garlic
Garlic is primarily known for its antibacterial, analgesic, antifungal, anti-cholesterol, diuretic aphrodisiac, stimulant and emmenagogue properties. It has so much medicinal value that it will be correct to call it as a miracle herb that actually works.
Other Benefits
Below are some of the top benefits of garlic –
- Combats bacteria, intestinal parasites and viruses
- Lowers blood pressure
- Reduces blood cholesterol
- Prevents blood clotting
- Minimizes chances of cancer, particularly stomach cancer
- Useful as a cold medicine
- Garlic can also be a decongestant
- Antispasmodic effect is there
- It is also an anti-inflammatory
- It contains anti diarrheal, diuretic and estrogenic activity
- Lifts moods
- Garlic helps in reducing atherosclerotic buildup (plague) inside the arterial system
- Blood sugar is lowered or regulated
- Garlic removes heavy metals such as mercury and lead from the body
- It is a potent antibiotic
- Infections are reduced
- Physical strength is restored
- Radioprotection
- Stimulates oxidation
- Raw garlic consists of hypolipidemic, pro-circulatory and anti-platelet effects
- Garlic is excellent remedy for whooping cough
- Healthy blood circulation is maintained
- Increases bile production to reduce fat levels in the liver
Due to the health benefits of garlic, it can be preferred as part of your daily cuisine. Dishes cooked with garlic can prove to be beneficial to health. You may not like the smell and taste, but the medicinal and health value of garlic can compensate for such unsavory tastes.
