Most people think of garlic as a basic seasoning, or a way to repel vampires.
But did you know Native Americans used it as a cough expectorant for coughs and croup?
It was also used in World War I and II as an antiseptic to prevent gangrene.
It has been used as a remedy for chest and fungal infections.
The antimicrobial compound in garlic called Allicin requires time to oxidize before it is activated. You can do this by crushing and/or chopping and allowing to sit in the air for 5-10 minutes before using in your cooking or remedies.
I am no doctor, but I have experienced the power of this magical bulb. If you’re worried about the dreaded garlic breath, for G–d’s sake don’t eat it before any social engagements!!! Milk products such as yogurt are known to be effective in soothing this somewhat unpleasant side effect.
Here are 13 more health benefits of garlic organicfacts.net
1) Boosts Digestion
Daily inclusion of garlic in your diet aids in eliminating any digestive problems. The herb assists in the normal functioning of the intestines for good digestion. Even swelling or irritation of the gastric canal may be rectified with garlic as a treatment.
2) Controls Diabetes
Diabetes can harm the kidneys, inhibit nervous system functions, cause heart disorders, and even lead to poor eyesight. The oil extracted from garlic may protect diabetic patients from these side effects.
3) Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Of the two kinds of cholesterol –LDL, and HDL, the former is bad for human health. Garlic, rich in the allicin compound, effectively prevents LDL cholesterol from oxidizing. All those who have high cholesterol levels should include this herb in their daily diet.
4) Reduces Hypertension
Garlic is an herbal ingredient for curing high blood pressure. When exposed to high levels of pressure, the allicin present in it relaxes the blood vessels. It also fights against thrombosis by reducing platelet aggregation.
5) Eye Care
Garlic is rich in nutrients like selenium, quercetin and vitamin C, all of which help treat eye infections and swelling.
6) Relieves Earaches
Garlic is commonly used for curing earaches, as it has several antiviral, antifungal, and antibiotic properties. Its oil can be made at home by squeezing the juice of its cloves and adding it to olive oil. The mixture should be kept at room temperature for a few days, but shouldn’t be saved indefinitely, if made at home.
7) Treats Intestinal Problems
Garlic clears up most intestinal problems like dysentery, diarrhea, and colitis. Its role in dispelling worms is phenomenal. It does not affect the functioning of useful organisms in the intestine, which aid in digestion, but it does destroy the harmful bacteria present in the intestines.
8) Treats Cold
Raw garlic is used to treat colds and coughs. At the very onset of a cold, you should eat at least two crushed cloves of it, which will thereby help in lessening the severity of your cold.
9) Treats Wounds
Garlic can be placed on infected wounds as an herbal treatment. It should be mixed with three drops of water, rather than using it in raw form, as the undiluted juice can irritate the skin.
10) Prevents Acne
Half the people in the world suffer from mild to severe forms of acne. Garlic may be used, along with other ingredients like honey, cream, and turmeric, to treat acne scars and prevent the initial development of acne. Garlic acts as a cleanser and an antibiotic substance for soothing skin rashes.
11) Controls Asthma
Boiled garlic cloves are wonderful as an alternative asthma treatment. Each night before going to sleep, a glass of milk with 3 boiled cloves of garlic can bring subsequent relief for patients with asthma. The asthma attacks may be brought under control by having crushed garlic cloves with malt vinegar as well.
12) Increases Libido
Garlic has certain aphrodisiac properties, so this helpful herb can be utilized as an effectual sex rejuvenator. The health benefits of garlic are further known to enhance the libido of both men and women. People who overindulge in sexual activities should consume garlic in their diet or in supplemental form to protect themselves from nervous fatigue.
13) Prevents Cancer
A regular intake of garlic reduces the risk of colon, stomach, and esophageal cancer. It aids in reducing the production of carcinogenic compounds, and also reduces the occurrence of tumors associated with breast cancer.