Garlic could reduce heart disease by 20 to 25 percent.
This medicinal herb is able to reduce pain
Garlic (Allium sativum)is a native of southwest Siberia and southern Europe and it is the pain reducing herb. It has been used both as food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years, dating as far back as the time the Giza pyramids were built. This herb is still grown in Egypt, but the Syrian variety is the kind most esteemed now (see Rawlinson's Herodotus, 2125).
The bulb is the most commonly used part of the plant. A member of the lily family, it is possibly the most popular herbs in the world's kitchens. Although it originates from Central Asia, it has been cultivated worldwide for millennia.
It owes much of its popularity in Europe to the Benedictine monks who grew it in their monastery gardens.
The popular names for this herb are; Lashan, Rasonam, Lashuna, Veluthulli, Ugragandha, Mlecchagandha, and Lesan.
The Greek historian Herodotus reported that large amounts of this herb, radishes and onions were consumed by construction workers in the Egyptian pyramids.
This medicinal herb is nature's amazing nutritional and medical wonder. Whether sliced, diced, crushed or ground, the medical benefits of this herb is far reaching and it requires no refrigeration. The benefits of garlic are numerous.
Some uses include, prevention of clotting of blood and flatulence, development of digestion, and prevention of cerebral aging. Should you get carsick or seasick, taking garlic before visiting can easily prevent you from feeling nauseated and from vomiting caused by movement sickness.
This very popular kitchen spice comes compact with a lot of facts that seem to amaze people every day. How many of us knew that one clove of this herb is quadruple times stronger when it is crushed through a garlic press than when it is cut into small pieces with a knife? Not many I suppose and in addition to this fact, the well known historian, Pliny recorded more than sixty medicinal uses for this herb.
Garlic, a Remedy for earache
It is one of my favorites. I use it very often in my cooking, as a tea and a poultice to any spot on my skin, especially acne, scrofulous sores and ringworm.
I remembered having an earache, and my mom told me to put a small clove in a piece of cheese cloth and stuff my ear with it when retiring at bedtime. I woke up next morning, painless until today. This medicinal herb gives great relief to an earache.
It is known to have antibacterial, antiviral and anti-fungal activity. It is also said to help prevent heart disease (including atherosclerosis, high cholesterol and high blood pressure) and cancer prevention and control of the common cold, a remedy for infection, and it enhances immune response. It is used for sciatica, paralysis and neuralgic pains.
The oil of this herb is good for ear infection, diabetes and heart disease.
Facts and myths of garlic
Through the centuries there are certain myths that are attached to it and there are individuals who actually believe such stories. It is said that vampires fear it so much that they run away from it. Sometimes it is featured in various vampire movies.
Old time Egyptians see it as a god, so they offer up prayers and worship to it. Their belief is that it has the ability to remedy every sickness and that it will be able to foretell fertility. Old time Indians also believed that it can retrieve the souls of human beings. These are simply myths.
However the real facts in regards to this plant is that there are those who thought of it in a better light, inclusive of the Greeks as well as athletes in the Olympic arenas who utilized it to elevate and boost their energy, strength and vigor.
It also boasts a popularity that reaches near and far, in history as well as currently, in culinary and gourmet cooks, in alternative medicine amongst the herbalist and users. From those who suffer high cholesterol to those who suffer sleeplessness, from the common flu to the common cold, it is the "wonder drug" to many individuals. It has been enacted as an advocate which decreases cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.
How To Make Garlic Oil
This oil is very beneficial in treating rheumatic and arthritic pains.
Use ten ounces of the minced herb with six ounces of warm olive oil. Make sure that the olive oil covers the minced herb. Allow this mixture to stand for three days, then strain through a cotton material and bottle this liniment to use at your convenience. Two drops of this liniment on a piece of cotton and stuffed in the ear is good for ear inflammation.
The oil can also be used to treat athlete's foot by washing the feet in hot water then rinse and dry. After this procedure rub in the oil two times per day until the athlete's foot is healed.
Other Benefits Of Garlic
Some of its many benefits include curing a cold, curing warts, stopping fainting spells, improves circulation, will grow hair, strengthen the body as well as alleviating high blood pressure. It is very commonly used in Jamaica to treat high blood pressure or hypertension.
In regards to pimples, rub the pimples two times daily until they disappear. Ringworm will be removed from the skin when garlic is grated and placed on the affected skin.
For toothaches, take a clove and a little rock salt put on the affected tooth will not only relieve the pain but may also stop it.
Garlic supplements
Due to its high odor some people refuse from eating it. Some of them detest the very taste of it. Therefore, the supplements were manufactured for these people. These supplements are done in powders, capsules, as well as tablets forms. If this is your choice make sure that you check the label for allicin, which is the ingredient that is released when a clove is crushed. This is the primary element that makes it such a powerful health medicine. However for me, I will still use the cloves as they are more natural and I do not mind the odor and I love the taste of it.
I love the garlic tea as well. I just pour boiling water on two cloves, let it stand for few minutes and consume.
You can also read garlic water for added information.