Using Garlic to Heal
So you think garlic stinks? Think again!
Garlic is a powerful antibiotic that’s been used for centuries. Garlic was used back in WWI to treat infected wounds. Chinese researchers used garlic to treat meningitis and proved time and time again how it can kill bacteria and fungal infections and is an herbal wonder drug. But how can this be possible?
Garlic’s mysterious power comes from Alliin, which when used alone has no medicinal value. However as soon as Alliin comes in contact with one of the garlic’s enzymes called “allinase” (by means of chewing, cutting or chopping the garlic bulb) it transforms into what is known as “Allicin” and then becomes a powerful antibiotic.
Garlic has a long list of benefits, which many people have heard of but here’s a just few worth mentioning.
Did you know that garlic may prevent or even kill:
- Tuberculosis
- Bladder Infections
- Yeast Infections
- Influenza Virus
- Athletes Foot
- Lead Poisoning
- Diabetes – That one might shock you. If you’re looking for natural alternative treatment for diabetes, garlic may be the answer. Upping garlic intake proved to reduce blood sugar levels in lab animals and humans.
- Stomach Cancer – Yes I said cancer! One study reported from The Journal of the National Cancer Institute analyzed over 1,800 people in China and lead to the conclusion that a diet high in garlic can “significantly reduce risk of stomach cancer”.
- Reduces Cholesterol and prevents blood clots which cause heart attacks.
This herb, dubbed The Stinking Rose is no stinking joke. Just one medium -size clove of garlic is the equivalent of about 100,000 units of penicillin. And can be used for so many different ailments.But of course it should be used in conjunction with other forms of medicinal treatment if using it for the sole purpose of treating infectious diseases. You also want to keep in mind that garlic MUST be crushed, chewed or chopped up in some way to release the antibiotic properties of allicin.
We’ve learned so much more about garlic’s anti-inflammatory properties which makes this miracle herb perfect for treating my husbands brain condition. Needless to say garlic has now become part of our daily routine. We chop it up and put it on as much food as possible. Mostly over rice or on top of our lunch or dinner meals as it has a very sharp taste, which we have now grown to love! You’d be surprised how much your pallet changes when you start using natural herbs and spices on your food and yes you can eat garlic daily!
But what about Garlic Breath?
I know, I know, no one wants to be around someone who’s breath smells like they just ate 10 cloves of garlic! But we’re talking about using it for medicinal purposes for bigger and more important things than fresh breath….like your health and….your LIFE! If stinky breath is a concern there are a few things you can do to help. To eliminate garlic breath you can brush your teeth and tongue and chew on herbs which cancel out the garlic smell. Herbs like fennel, fenugreek or parsley will do the trick! Don’t use chewing gum or mints which contain nasty cancer causing toxins like: Aspartame, Titanium Dioxide, Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) or Calcium Phosphate. Ever read your gum labels? It’s probably worth taking a look at something you chew on a daily basis.
So no more excuses, with all these benefits from garlic there is no reason to not incorporate it into your life as a way to heal and improve overall health!
Sources:
Castleman, M. (1991) The Healing Herbs, Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press.