Allium sativum
Part Used: Fresh bulb
Garlic (Allium sativum) is a member of the onion family and is nature's most versatile medicinal plant. It has been used all over the world for thousands of years for a wide range of conditions. It has been prized since the first records of civilization for its uses in treating wounds, infections, tumors, and intestinal parasites. Modern scientists in numerous clinical trials have concluded that Garlic lowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure, thins the blood (which reduces your risk of heart attack and stroke) and fights bacteria like an antibiotic. Garlic has been used as food and medicine since the age of the Egyptian pharaohs. It has alterative, anthelmintic, antiparasitic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, detoxifier, disinfectant, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, rubefacient, rejuvenative, stimulant, vesicant properties. There are various well documented evidences of the health benefits of Garlic that include reducing cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, reducing blood pressure, improving circulation, and helping to prevent yeast infections, cancers, colds, and flu. Garlic has good antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic, antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and immunostimulant properties. It is a potent antioxidant that has been found to inhibit tumor cell formation and is currently being studied by the National Cancer Institute. It may be effective in fighting stomach, skin and colon cancer. Although Garlic directly attacks bacteria and viruses, it also stimulates the body's natural defenses against foreign invaders. Garlic is reported to be more effective than penicillin against typhus disease, and works well against strep, staph bacteria, and the organisms responsible for cholera, dysentery and enteritis.
Garlic is generally regarded as a preventative measure for colds, flu and other infectious diseases. Furthermore, scientific studies have shown that Garlic stimulates the production of the liver's own detoxifying enzymes which neutralize carcinogens and other environmental toxins. It has also been used to rid the body of intestinal parasites and to treat digestive infections. It has great value as a long-term dietary supplement, helping to maintain healthy circulation, balance blood sugar and pressure, reduce fat levels in the blood, and improve resistance to infection. It can be taken with conventional antibiotics to support their action and ward off side effects. It has also been used in treating upper respiratory infections (especially bronchitis), late-onset diabetes, urinary infections, acne, asthma, sinusitis, arthritis, and ulcers.
References:
Herbal Information Center. http://www.kcweb.com/herb/garlic.htm
All Natural. http://www.allnatural.net/herbpages/garlic.shtml
