Garlic- Allium sativum

alterative, aromatic, anti-bacterial, anti-biotic, anti-catarrhal, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, anti-protozoan, anti-pyretic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, anti-viral, blood sugar regulant, carminative, cholagogue, depurant, diaphoretic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, hypertensive, hypocholesteremic, hypotensive, immune-stimulant, nervine, parasiticide, prophylactic, rubefacient, stomachic, tonic, vulnerary,

Most people are familiar with using garlic in the kitchen, but may not be aware of it's power medicinally. Garlic's use as a medicine dates back some 5,000 years throughout various world cultures. With at least 33 sulfur compounds, 17 amino acids, and a dozen other compounds, Garlic has complexity that single compound antibiotics such as penicillin can not compare to. Many leading herbalists choose garlic over other herbs when faced with antibiotic-resistant diseases.

Allicin, is a compound that is created when garlic is crushed or cut and is responsible for that distinctive smell some of us love so much! (I am very fond of the smell because garlic has been my saviour more than once.)

Use garlic raw, cooked or encapsulated for immune boosting and for lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. For bacterial infections it is most potent raw- whole or as juice. You can use the juice to douche or simple insert a whole peeled clove into your vagina to combat yeast infections (consult Rosemary Gladstar's Herbal Healing for Women on specific instructions).  Garlic has proven quite effective with several bacterial strains that cause dysentery.  There is a long history of using an Ear Oil (Garlic, Mullein flowers, St. Johnswort buds, infused into olive oil) for ear aches and infections.   

Topical applications of garlic are quite effective because it's not broken down in the stomach or intestines. Try soaking your feet in some garlic juice or simply rubbing a bruised clove on the soles of your feet. In no time at all you, or your loved ones will notice that your breath smells of garlic! This type of treatment is indicated for respiratory infections because of garlic's affinity to the lungs. I personally have used a Garlic Shower (instructions to the left) for a systematic yeast imbalance that was nearly the end of me. Keep in mind some people are more sensitive to the oils and direct contact causes irritation, so start small and find your own concentration.

I am sure that I could go on for pages about the marvel of garlic, so I hope this will inspire you to do some reading on the usefulness of blessed garlic. I have been told of people eating 8 diced, raw cloves each day as a preventative to colds and flus. My suggestion is start small and work up to what works for you. Remember it's your health and it is up to you to maintain it. It is increasingly clear to me that we must look outside modern medicine for everyday practical answers.

Please remember what a wonderful gift laughter is and enjoy some with those you love each day. Herbs Rock:)

Books used for reference include:

Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer by Donald Yance
The Little Herb Encylepedia by Jack Ritchason N.D.
Peterson Field Guides- Medicinal Plants and Herbs  Eastern/Centeral
An Encyclopedia of Natural Healing for Children and Infants by Mary Bove N.D.
Medical Herbalism by David Hoffmann
Herbal Antiboitics by Stephen Buhner
Herbal Healing for Women by Rosemary Gladstar

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