| Garlic (Allium
sativum)
Description...
Garlic has been used
medicinally for over 5000 years and is still recognised as one of the invaluable natural
remedies in both Chinese and Western cultures.
It can be eaten raw or
cooked, to release its therapeutic effects but does cause a pungent and offensive odour
from the breath.
It is allicin, an amino
acid derivative that is responsible for the herb's pungent smell. Allicin is also
responsible for the herb’s potency and therapeutic powers.
Garlic has many beneficial
effects - it is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory. It purifies
the blood and eliminates excess mucus and toxins. In traditional Chinese medicine, garlic
is characterised as acrid, bitter, and warm.
How It May Benefit
You...
Take internally for:
digestive
disorders
diarrhoea
food poisoning from
shellfish
conditions that require
an enema
colds
coughs
rheumatoid arthritis.
good for bacterial,
fungal and viral diseases
prevents arteriosclerosis
or hardened arteries
helps blood pressure
skin problems - acne,
pimples, boils, abscesses etc.
bladder infection
liver and gall bladder
problems
Apply externally for:
Caution
People allergic to garlic
may develop a rash from touching or eating the herb.
Consult your Doctor before
using garlic if you are pregnant.
Garlic has a blood
clot-preventing agent. Talk to your Doctor before taking garlic if you have a
blood-clotting disorder.
WARNING:
Herbs should only be used under the supervision of an experienced
herbalist or naturopath experienced in herbs.
Availability...
Garlic is available as
cloves and in tablet form.
External treatment:
Garlic is combined with sesame oil and applied externally to treat ringworm of the scalp,
pinworm, carbuncles, swelling, athlete's foot, arthritis, and rheumatism.:
Garlic is combined with sesame oil and applied externally to treat ringworm of the scalp,
pinworm, carbuncles, swelling, athlete's foot, arthritis, and rheumatism.
Combinations: A mix
of garlic and sugar water is sometimes prescribed for digestive disorders, diarrhoea,
colds, coughs, food poisoning from shellfish, and conditions that require an enema. : A mix
of garlic and sugar water is sometimes prescribed for digestive disorders, diarrhoea,
colds, coughs, food poisoning from shellfish, and conditions that require an enema.
Also a mix of Garlic and
Echinacea is often recommended for colds and flu.
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