Garlic Health Benefits

The Sankrit word, "Lahsunah", for garlic, means "that which devours diseases of the heart". Garlic is a potent home remedy for heart ailments, indigestion, joint pain, eczema, diabetes, ear infection and respiratory issues.

Garlic Origin

Garlic is an erect biennial herb with irregular roots, condensed, flattened stem and narrow, flat leaves. The bulb consists of bulblets called cloves, enclosed in a semi-transparent covering.

Garlic Medicinal Properties

The bulbs yield an essential oil containing allyl propyl disulphide, diallyl disulphide and two other sulphur compounds. The garlic bulbs have stimulant, anti cholesterol, antibacterial, aphrodisiac, analgesic, anthelmintic, diuretic, emmenagogue and anti fungal properties. The sulphur compounds give garlic the characteristic pungent odour and the nickname, 'the stinking rose'!

Garlic Home Remedies

It is used to treat the following conditions:

• Garlic Reduces Hypertension

  In clinical studies, garlic has shown to lower systolic and diastolic pressure. It can reduce the spasms in the small arteries and slow down pulse rate. Garlic supplements should be used under the supervision of a doctor as they may interfere with other prescription drugs. Excess garlic can also thin the blood and cause digestive upset. Read other High Blood Pressure Home Remedies.

• Natural Cholesterol Remedy

  Compounds in garlic causes blood clots to dissolve more quickly and improve blood fluidity. Studies show that garlic contains hydrogen sulfide, which interacts with the red blood cells and helps the vessels and capillaries to relax. This in turns lowers the blood pressure. It contains peptide which prevents blood pressure from raising. It has also shown to lower cholesterol levels. Garlic decoction or a few cloves of garlic in food is an excellent cardiac supplement. Read other Cholesterol Home Remedies.

• Earache Relief

  Garlic oil ear drops are excellent for fighting ear infections. Mince some garlic in olive oil and warm it at a very low temperature for about an hour. Sieve the oil and refrigerate. Every few hours, warm a few drops of this oil and gently drop it into the ear to reduce the inflammation and pain. Read other Ear Infection Home Remedies.

• Garlic Normalizes Insulin

  Frequent usage of garlic has a beneficial effect on diabetics. Clinical studies have shown that allicin in garlic combines with Vitamin B1 and stimulate the pancrease to release more insulin. It also arrests the chemical receptors that deactivate insulin. Read other Diabetes Home Remedies.

• Natural Treatment For Arthritis

  Consume a crushed garlic decoction daily to soothe those aching joints. In clinical studies, garlic has shown to reduce pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It also inhibits the formation of free radicals that accelerate joint damage. Read other Arthritis Home Remedies.

• Garlic Strengthens Immune System

  Garlic increases the production of interferon and white blood cells, both important contributors for a healthy immune system. Regular usage of garlic can prevent respiratory illnessness like bronchitis, cold and flu. Garlic is both a broad spectrum antibiotic and a potent antibacterial. Read other Cold Home Remedies.

• Soothing Eczema Relief

  Eczema patients are often prone to infections from a yeast-like fungus called candida albican. Garlic, with its potent anti-bacterial, anti-fungal and anti-viral properties is very effective against this immunity weakening infection. Consumption of raw garlic is advised. Additionally, sun dried garlic cloves are roasted in coconut oil, crushed and applied on the weeping lesions. The skin will turn healthy in a few days.

• Garlic Retards Cancer

  Clinical studies have shown that allicin, a compound in garlic, can lengthen survival time, work against tumors and help the white blood cells to defend against and fight cancer cells. Including garlic in the diet would greatly help cancer patients.

• Home Remedy For Indigestion

  Garlic is good for the lymph, and aids in the elimination of toxins. It stimulates peristalsis, or movement of the intestine - and the secretion of digestive juices. It is a wonderful worm expeller, it has the ability to destroy harmful bacteria and worms. Crushed cloves of garlic can be boiled in milk or water and consumed regularly. Read other Indigestion Home Remedies.

Garlic Side Effects

Over consumption of garlic can cause gas, indigestion and heartburn. It can also cause skin rashes.

Indian Language Glossary:

English	Latin	Sanskrit	Hindi	Marathi	Tamil	Telugu	Malayalam	Kannada
Garlic	Allium Cepa	Lasunah, Rasonah	Lahsun	Lasuna	Vellaipuntu	Velluli, Tellagadda	Velluli	Bellili