Gaining Health from Garlic

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Garlic ( Allium Sativum) belongs to the family Liliaceae. The plant has leaves which are lengthy, narrow and flat like grass. The bulb is of a compound nature, consisting of many bulblets, known technically as 'cloves,' grouped together in between the membraneous scales and enclosed within a whitish skin, which holds them as in a sac.

It is referred to by unique names in ayurveda . The names describe its qualities. It is identified as Rasona (Rasena vunaha = as it is devoid of amla rasa or sour taste) Ugraghandhi ( ugra Gandhi = as it has powerful pungent smell )

It has Snigdha (sticky), teekshna (penetrating) , pichhila (slimy), guru (heavy), sara (immediately spreading) qualities. It has all rasas (tastes) except amla (sour).

It reduces kapha and vata but it should certainly be utilised with lot of precautions in persons who have pitta prakruti and in patients who are suffering from rakta, pitta disorders.

Ancient greeks employed to place garlic on stones at cross roads as a supper for Hecate(Greek goddess of the three paths, guardian of the household, protector of everything newly born, and the goddess of witchcraft ).According to Pliny garlic and onion had been invoked as deities by the Egyptians even though taking oaths.

According to a Mohammedan legend 'when Satan stepped out from the Garden of Eden following the fall of man, Garlic sprang up from the spot where he placed his left foot, and Onion from that where his right foot touched.'

Garlic contains pungent, volatile, important oil. This oil is a sulphide of radical Allyl. The intensely smelling allyl compound has such a diffusive property that even when the crushed bulb is rubbed to the soles of the feet, its odor is exhaled by the lungs following some time.

Medicinal Action and Utilizes

Acharya charaka has mentioned that garlic is an powerful remedy in conditions like intestinal worm infestations, skin disorders, low libido and erectile dysfunction.

Acharya Sushruta has appreciated the uses of this herb in skin disorders, low libido and erectile dysfunction.. It also improves memory, modulates voice, enhances complexion, improves eye sight, strengthens bones and joints, improves digestion and regularizes bowel movement. It is quite beneficial in cardiac illnesses too.

As an antibiotic:

A number of marvelous effects and healing powers have been ascribed to Garlic. Garlic is popularly recognized as "nature's antibiotic ".As an antiseptic, its use has long been recognized. It is fairly effective against fungus, Yeast and viral infections. It is said to prevent anthrax in cattle, being largely utilised for the purpose.

As an expectorant:

Garlic reduces increased kapha. Garlic syrup is an exceptional medicine for asthma, hoarseness of voice, coughs, difficulty in breathing, and most other disorders pertaining to the lungs. As this promotes expectoration it is rather useful in chronic bronchitis. Garlic is a especially superior remedy for whooping cough.

As a cholesterol decreasing agent:

Numerous publications have shown that garlic supports the cardiovascular system. According to them it lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, inhibits platelet stickiness and slows blood coagulation. It is mildly antihypertensive and has antioxidant activity.

As an antihypertensive:

Garlic is deemed as 1 of the most efficient remedies to lower blood pressure. It eases the spasm of tiny arteries and reduces the pressure on them.

As a remedy in digestive disorders

Garlic stimulates peristaltic action and the secretion of the digestive juices. It eliminates body toxins. It has an antimicrobial impact and is an exceptional remedy for intestinal infections. It expels intestinal worms.

As an anti inflammatory:

Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. It is effectively utilized to cure arthritis, migraine and other inflammatory conditions.

Garlic in skin Disorders:

A common consumption of garlic purifies blood and reduces minor skin infections.

Garlic and cancer:

Couple of studies suggest that consuming garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, colon and stomach cancer. This may well be partly due to garlic's capacity to lower the formation of carcinogenic compounds.

Garlic as an aphrodisiac:

Garlic is said to be a tonic for impotence. It also treats sexual debility caused by over indulgence in sex and nervous exhaustion. It is said to be extremely beneficial in older men.

Garlic has consistently been known as an aphrodisiac. It can boost blood circulation drastically. According to current studies an enzyme known as nitric oxide synthase (NOS) appears to be responsible for the mechanism of erection. Researches on garlic have shown that garlic can stimulate production of this enzyme.

Garlic in pregnancy

New research shows that consuming garlic throughout pregnancy can reduce the risk of raised blood pressure in pregnancy (Pre-eclampsia). Studies have shown that garlic may possibly assist to boost the birth-weight of babies.

Action of garlic in Herpes:

In future garlic may well acquire its spot in treatment of genital herpes. It was identified that the oral or topical application of garlic or garlic extract markedly decreased the outbreak of the genital herpes virus.

Dwelling remedies with garlic

1. Utilised in cookery it is a great aid to digestion, and keeps the mucosal coats of the stomach healthy.

2. A clove or two of Garlic, pounded with honey and taken two or 3 nights successively, is efficient rheumatism.

three. Grind couple of cloves of garlic and pour ¼ cup of boiled water on it. Add this infusion to sugar syrup . This is an superb cough expectorant to youngsters and elderly adults.

4. when sniffed , it significantly helps in relieving hysteria.

5. Garlic juice taken with hot water twice a everyday relieves asthma attacks.

6. Three cloves of garlic boiled with milk taken just about every day at night cures productive cough and bronchitis.

7. 10 drops of garlic juice with 2 teaspoon of honey reduces the acuteness of asthmatic symptoms. It can also be administered at the time of attack.

8. Taking garlic juice with fresh water often reduces high blood pressure

9. Half a clove of raw garlic consumes every day can boost body activity to dissolve blood clots, thereby preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Precautions and adverse effects :

Some may well encounter heartburn and flatulence when they consume garlic. People who are consuming anti coagulant drugs must consult their dietician before consuming garlic products as garlic has anti coagulant property. It should really be used cautiously by people who have bleeding disorders. Garlic must never be consumed during migraine headache. Stay away from rubbing garlic on skin as it causes burns and peeling of skin.