Garlic

(Allium sativum)

Description

Garlic has been used medicinally for over 5000 years and is still recognised as one of the invaluable natural remedies in both Chinese and Western cultures. 

It can be eaten raw or cooked, to release its therapeutic effects but does cause a pungent and offensive odour from the breath. 

It is allicin, an amino acid derivative that is responsible for the herb’s pungent smell. Allicin is also responsible for the herb’s potency and therapeutic powers. 

Garlic has many beneficial effects – it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. It purifies the blood and eliminates excess mucus and toxins. In traditional Chinese medicine, garlic is characterised as acrid, bitter, and warm. 

How It May Benefit You

Take internally for: 

• digestive disorders
• diarrhoea
• food poisoning from shellfish
• conditions that require an enema
• colds
• coughs
• rheumatoid arthritis.
• good for bacterial, fungal and viral diseases
• prevents arteriosclerosis or hardened arteries
• helps blood pressure
• skin problems – acne, pimples, boils, abscesses etc.
• bladder infection
• liver and gall bladder problems

Apply externally for: 

• hookworm, roundworm, ringworm of the scalp
• carbuncles
• swelling
• pinworm
• athlete’s foot.

Caution 

People allergic to garlic may develop a rash from touching or eating the herb. 

Consult your Doctor before using garlic if you are pregnant.

Garlic has a blood clot-preventing agent. Talk to your Doctor before taking garlic if you have a blood-clotting disorder. 

WARNING:    Herbs should only be used under the supervision of an experienced herbalist or naturopath experienced in herbs.

Availability

Garlic is available as cloves and in tablet form. 

External treatment: Garlic is combined with sesame oil and applied externally to treat ringworm of the scalp, pinworm, carbuncles, swelling, athlete’s foot, arthritis, and rheumatism.: Garlic is combined with sesame oil and applied externally to treat ringworm of the scalp, pinworm, carbuncles, swelling, athlete’s foot, arthritis, and rheumatism.

Combinations: A mix of garlic and sugar water is sometimes prescribed for digestive disorders, diarrhoea, colds, coughs, food poisoning from shellfish, and conditions that require an enema. : A mix of garlic and sugar water is sometimes prescribed for digestive disorders, diarrhoea, colds, coughs, food poisoning from shellfish, and conditions that require an enema.

Also a mix of Garlic and Echinacea is often recommended for colds and flu.