GARLIC

Introduction:

Garlic is grown around the world. Garlic plants grow up to 2-3 feet in height with green leaves and white flowers. Bulb contains cloves which is used when it is green and also after drying in sunlight. Garlic was used for its medicinal properties for long. As per the recent studies, garlic is useful in many conditions of Cardio Vascular system.

There are numerous health benefits of Garlic. However, some spiritual sects and followers of meditation discourage use of garlic and onion due to its Tamasic and Rajasic properties which leads to some negative feelings and emotions like anger, aggression, ignorance, over stimulation of the senses, lethargy, anxiety, and increase in sexual desire.

Uses:

1.  In Earache, put two or three drops of warm garlic oil in the ears.

2.  Garlic oil is useful in various skin conditions to treat fungal infections, ringworm, warts, scars, boils, wounds and corns. It is also applied to the skin for hair loss, psoriasis and thrush.

3. Improves digestion, stops the growth of certain bacteria in people with stomach inflammation.

4.  Boosts immune system. Useful in treatment of fever, coughs, headache, sinus congestion, gout, joint pain, hemorrhoids, asthma, bronchitis, shortness of breath, diarrhea, whooping cough, tooth sensitivity,

5. Used in treatment of fractured bones.

6. Useful in Cardio Vascular diseases, to lower blood pressure, hypertension, chest pain, to improve Cholesterol level and to reduce blood sugar level.

7. Antioxidant properties of garlic is helpful in reducing age related conditions like, risk of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia etc.

8. Useful to lower risk of lung cancer, prostate cancer and breast cancer.

9. Garlic is used as aphrodisiac to enhance libido.

10.  Useful to reduce fat and body weight when taken with lemon juice in lukewarm water regularly.

SIDE-EFFECTS OF GARLIC:

1. Few people may be Hypersensitivity to garlic. Garlic allergy includes skin rash, temperature and headaches. Garlic is generally safe when taken in a limited quantity, excessive amounts of raw garlic, especially on an empty stomach, can cause gastrointestinal upset and flatulence.

2. It is better to stop taking high garlic supplements 7 to 10 days before surgery because garlic can prolong bleeding time.