Garlic
Introduction Allium sativum (Garlic) has been used for centuries and was popular even during the Plague of London in 1665. Garlic is an excellent tonic to support immune system functioning, promoting the body in its natural ability to assess foreign organisms. Garlic is odiferous, tasty, and medicinal. The first medical textbook known to have discussed the use of garlic in medicine was the Collection of Commentaries on the Classic of the Materia Medica (Ben Cao Zhing Zhi Ju), written over 1,500 years ago. Constituents Allicin, citral, geraniol, linalool, phellandrene, s-methyl-1-cysteine sulfoxide. Parts Used Bulb Typical Preparations Garlic oil can be applied topically, and diced garlic with Epsom salts treats skin abscesses. May be used liberally in food as a powder, granule or chopped. For convenience it may also be taken as a capsule. Summary The traditional use of garlic in herbal medicine has been to kill parasites. It is used by itself for hookworms and pinworms, and in combination with other herbs for other kinds of parasitic infections. Garlic is also antibacterial, antifungal, and cholesterol-lowering.Garlic has a very long folk history of use in a wide range of ailments, particularly ailments such as ringworm, Candida and vaginitis where its fungicidal, antiseptic, tonic and parasiticidal properties have proved of benefit. The plant produces inhibitory effects on gram-negative germs of the typhoid-paratyphoid-enteritis group, indeed it possesses outstanding germicidal properties and can keep amoebic dysentery at bay. It is also said to have anticancer activity. It has also been shown that garlic aids detoxification of chronic lead poisoning. Daily use of garlic in the diet has been shown to have a very beneficial effect on the body, especially the blood system and the heart. For example, demographic studies suggest that garlic is responsible for the low incidence of arteriosclerosis in areas of Italy and Spain where consumption of the bulb is heavy. Recent research has also indicated that garlic reduces glucose metabolism in diabetics, slows the development of arteriosclerosis and lowers the risk of further heart attacks in myocardial infarct patients. Externally, the expressed juice is an excellent antiseptic for treating wounds. Precautions Do not apply to the skin for more than 2 weeks at a time. Avoid when there is fever in long-term deficiency conditions (AIDS, cancer, etc.).
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