Garlic

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Garlic is a member of the onion family and is nature's most versatile

medicinal plant. Garlic has been used all over the world for thousands

of years for a wide range of conditions. It has been prized since the

first records of civilization for its uses in treating wounds,

infections, tumors, and intestinal parasites.

Modern scientists in numerous clinical trials have concluded that

Garlic lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, thins the blood

(which reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke) and fights

bacteria like an antibiotic.

 

Garlic is a potent antioxidant that has been found to inhibit tumor

cell formation and is currently being studied by the National Cancer

Institute. It may be effective in fighting stomach, skin and colon

cancer.

 

Though it is best know as a culinary herb and vampire retardant, the

medicinal benefits and claims for garlic have awarded it the name

" Wonder Drug among all herbs " .

 

Modern day research helps explain the broad applications of this

" miracle " herb. Garlic bulbs contain the amino acid allicin. When

crushed, allicin is released. This chemical element is the component

that gives Garlic its strong odor and is responsible for the powerful

pharmacological properties of the plant. One medium clove of Garlic

can equal the antibacterial action equivalent to 1% penicillin.

 

Garlic also contains about 0.5% of a volatile oil that is composed of

sulfur-containing compounds. Garlic's sulfur compounds, in addition to

Selenium and Vitamins A and C containing compounds, make it a potent

antioxidant, protecting cell membranes and DNA from damage and disease.

 

Although Garlic directly attacks bacteria and viruses, it also

stimulates the body's natural defenses against foreign invaders.

Garlic is reported to be more effective than penicillin against typhus

disease, and works well against strep, staph bacteria, and the

organisms responsible for cholera, dysentery and enteritis.

 

It is generally regarded as a preventative measure for colds, flu and

other infectious diseases. Furthermore, scientific studies have shown

that garlic stimulates the production of the liver's own detoxifying

enzymes which neutralize carcinogens and other environmental toxins.

It has also been used to rid the body of intestinal parasites and to

treat digestive infections.

 

Researchers have been studying the anti-cancer properties of Garlic

since the 1940's. It appears that the herb may prevent cells from

turning cancerous by enhancing the body's mechanisms for removing

toxic substances. Garlic's phytochemicals are believed to enhance

immunity and the National Cancer Institute (January 1992) reported

that people who ate the greatest amount of onions and garlic had the

lowest incidence of stomach cancer. Other types of cancer have also

been reported as lower.

 

Furthermore, garlic increases the activity of white blood cells and

T-helper cells (natural killer cells), the cells that are central to

the activity of the entire immune system.

 

Garlic supplements can improve many of the processes that can lead to

cardiovascular disease. Garlic has been used as a blood thinner and

anticoagulant to resolve blood clots and improve circulation. It has

been shown to lower cholesterol while increasing the level of

beneficial HDLs (high-density lipoproteins), the so-called good

cholesterol.

 

Garlic has no side effects like those associated with cholesterol

lowering drugs. (Take garlic for at least two or three months, as

often in the first month or two cholesterol may actually slightly

rise.) In addition, garlic compounds gently lower blood pressure by

slowing the production of the body's own blood pressure raising

hormones. At least seventeen clinical trials have shown that mild

hypertension can be effectively managed with garlic.

 

Garlic has great value as a long-term dietary supplement, helping to

maintain healthy circulation, balance blood sugar and pressure, reduce

fat levels in the blood, and improve resistance to infection. It can

be taken with conventional antibiotics to support their action and

ward off side effects.

 

Garlic has also been used in treating upper respiratory infections

(especially bronchitis), late-onset diabetes, urinary infections,

acne, asthma, sinusitis, arthritis, and ulcers.

 

Part Used: Bulb or as odorless tablets.

 

Common Use: Good for virtually any disease or infection. Improves

circulation, maintains healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

A natural antibiotic and immune system stimulant.