In the book, "The Healing Power of Garlic," Paul Bergner explains that not only is garlic a major component in the cuisines of many countries, it has also been used medicinally for thousands of years. Garlic has been used for both preventive and therapeutic reasons. Garlic can be found in supplement forms as well as in the herb and vegetable section of any grocery store. While it may be part of a holistic approach to health, you should consult your health care professional before attempting naturopathic remedies at home.
History of Medicinal Garlic
In the article, "Garlic: The Pungent Panacea," Christopher Hobbs reports garlic was, and is still used in the three major healing systems of Ayurveda, traditional Chinese medicine, and traditional European medicine. In "The Healing Power of Garlic," Paul Bergner states garlic was used historically for the prevention of bubonic plague, also known as "Black Death," because of its antibiotic and immune-stimulating effects. In his 1993 survey, Bergner identifies garlic as one of the top fifty herbs used by contemporary herbalists in North America.
Medicinal Properties
Author Christopher Hobbs says garlic is a member of the lily family of plants and is related to onions and leeks. These plants contain aromatic sulphur-based compounds, which contribute to their beneficial healing effects. Website Miracle of Garlic explains the healing power of garlic is due to the compound allicin, which is considered to be the component of garlic that helps fight bacteria, viruses, molds and yeasts.
Potential Benefits
On his website the Virtual Herbal, Christopher Hobbs suggests garlic has healing powers for digestion and respiratory tract conditions. Hobbs explains that garlic's antibiotic and antiviral properties may help treat colds and infections. In "The Healing Power of Garlic," Paul Bergner reports garlic has been used to lower cholesterol levels and treat cardiovascular problems such as high blood pressure and stroke. Bergner also explains garlic has been considered a natural aid for the prevention of some cancers.
Preparations
Allicin, the healing component of garlic is formed from enzymes, aliin and other compounds in the garlic when it is chopped or crushed. In, "Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicine," Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno, explain allicin is inactivated by heat and thus suggest eating garlic raw in order to experience its true healing power. Murray and Pizzorno explain that commercial preparations are available including odorless supplements. They conclude the best commercial products should be rich in garlic compounds, alliin and allicin.
Precautions
Natures Super Store warns that garlic is a powerful blood thinner and therefore should be used with caution for anyone who has a bleeding disorder or is on blood thinning medication. Natures Super Store also reports side effects of using garlic can include bad breath, body odor, heartburn, upset stomach and allergic reactions.
References
- "The Healing Power of Garlic"; Paul Bergner; 1996
- "Garlic: The Pungent Panacea"; Christopher Hobbs; 1998
- Miracle of Garlic: The Healing Power of Garlic
- "Encyclopaedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno;1998
- Natures Super Store: Garlic
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