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Garlic Health Benefits

Submitted by Loring A. Windblad on February 2, 2010

Garlic Health Benefits And Curative Properties Of Garlic

Garlic is an herb that possesses grayish leaves that are flat and fleshy with a bulb containing garlic cloves. Sometime around summer, the plant develops pink or white colored flower heads and only the bulbs containing the cloves are used, in either raw or powdered form. The oil from this herb is often extracted and used for its natural medicinal qualities. Garlic has been used since time immemorial as an herb, an important ingredient in food, a medicinal plant, a beauty accessory, and even as an antidote to ward off evil.

Garlic As A Best Home Remedy

Garlic has been traditionally used for conditions such as congestion of the bronchial tubes, asthma, fever, arteriosclerosis, leprosy, ailments of the gall bladder, worms, and liver trouble.

The consumption of garlic is also known to have a favorable impact on the health of a person’s hair, is important for the heart and helps prevent leprosy and catarrhal disorders. The oil extracted from garlic is extremely volatile and is a strong antiseptic. It is known to inhibit the growth of Koch’s bacillus that the lungs, liver, kidneys and skin eliminate, as it oxidizes into sulphuric acid within the body.

When applied locally it can be absorbed easily into the skin and it penetrates deep into the tissues. The natural antioxidant properties of garlic help in restoring the blood flow to the heart and helps minimize the damage to the heart muscles especially after a heart attack. Garlic has strong antibacterial and antiviral properties and fresh raw garlic can be crushed and used to treat acne.

A broad spectrum antibiotic, the body does not develop a resistance to it; hence it can be used regularly and its benefits can continue over a long period of time. It aids in the increased production of bile and this helps reduce the fat levels in the liver. In addition it helps regulate blood pressure and equalizes it in people suffering from either low or high blood pressure.

The juice extracted from freshly crushed garlic can be mixed with a little salt and applied onto ringworm infections, bruises and sprains.

However, garlic is a health supplement and not a cure in itself. It cannot be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and daily exercise. Raw garlic is also extremely strong and is known to cause damage to the digestive tract if consumed in excess. Some people are allergic to garlic and this shows up as skin rashes, a high temperature and headaches. Garlic is best avoided before surgeries as it can on occasion disrupt anti-coagulants.