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Garlic Health
ANTISEPTIC PROPERTIES As an antiseptic, garlic acts in two ways, killing both bacteria and fungi. This means that it is useful in treating mild intestinal infections such as diarrhea as well as lung infections such as bronchitis and seems to act as a protective agent against these infections if taken regularly. Applying a topical solution of raw garlic and water may stop wounds from getting infected. (Simply crush one clove of garlic and mix it one-third of a cup of clean water. Use the solution within three hours because it will loose its potency over time.) A garlic solution used as a footbath several times a day is traditionally believed to improve athlete’s foot. A study conducted at CAUTION: Always use a diluted garlic solution when applying garlic directly to the skin. Pure cut garlic is so powerful that prolonged exposure to the skin may result in a burn! GARLIC & YOUR GUMS Garlic mat even help your gums stay healthy. In a study published in July 2005 issue of Archives of Oral Biology, researchers concluded that garlic extract inhibits disease-causing bacteria in the mouth and may be valuable in fighting periodontitis, a serious gum disease. (Untreated gingivitis often leads to periodontitis, a condition in which the ligaments and bones supporting the teeth infected and inflamed, ultimately resulting in tooth loss.) CANCER Experiments in the laboratory and in population studies all support the premise that garlic may interfere with tumour activity. Cancers of the stomach, colon and skin seem to be the most likely to be affected. The exact mechanism is unclear and probably consists of several different actions but intake of fresh garlic definitely shows promising results. Garlic is a powerful antioxidant helping to protect against free radicals in the body, which are known to cause damage to cells and encourage cancers. FOLKLORE In In this region garlic was a common folk’s medicine against early forms of tuberculosis and bronchitis and used to help cure pneumonia and lung problems.
NATURAL INSECT REPELLENT Garlic has a long folk tradition as an insect pest repellent used to combat aphids, white flies, spiders and other pests, but garlic’s insect repellent abilities are more than just folklore. Diallyl disulfide and diallyl trisulfide, two compounds in garlic oil, are insecticidal. In scientific studies, garlic has successfully destroyed mosquito larvae and certain species of ticks, and has repelled mosquitoes, black flies, fruit flies and fleas. Garlic has also demonstrated success repelling larger pests, including rabbits, moles and deer. It can be used to prevent the spread of mould and repel insects from stored fruit, and some people even place garlic in drawers to repel moths. Studies have found that garlic is also effective as an insect repellent for humans when used as a spray or when consumed. When garlic is eaten and its components are metabolized, compounds are released from the body through the skin and breath which can help ward off bugs.
CARDIOVASCULAR PROPERTIES Garlic has been proven to:
FLU FIGHTER: Garlic vs. the Common Cold Herbalists recommend chewing garlic and holding it in your mouth for a while before swallowing it to obtain the best dose of bacteria-fighting allicin. Taking three cloves a day when you have a cold may help you feel better. If the raw garlic bothers your stomach, take it minced and mixed with olive oil. Other folk remedies battle colds and chest congestion with a garlic poultice or plaster. To make one, put some chopped garlic in a clean cloth, this washcloth, or paper towel. Fold it over to enclose the garlic. Pour very warm (but not hot) water over the wrapped garlic, let it sit for a few seconds, and then lightly wring it out. Place the wrapped garlic on the chest for several minutes. Reheat with very warm water and place on the back, over the lung area, for several minutes. GARLIC & ERECTILE DISFUNCTION Garlic is a time-honoured remedy for sexual dysfunction in ancient For most men erectile disfunction is physiological and not psychological. In order to maintain an erection the arteries need to have an efficient blood flow. Erectile dysfunction indicates a hardening of the arteries, which means it could be an early biomarker of impending cardiovascular disease. Garlic produces allicin, which improves blood flow. A recent BBC study took seven volunteers and asked them to eat 4 cloves a day. Six out of seven of the group did see an improvement just by eating four cloves a day! |
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