Garlic is high in sulfur, which accounts for some of it’s medicinal potency.  The stronger the taste of the garlic, the higher the sulfur content and the better it is for you.  Two other medicinally potent compounds in garlic are Diallyl Sulphides, which increase blood circulation, and Allicin, an anti-biotic and anti-fungal compound.

 

In general terms raw garlic are:

A broad spectrum anti-biotic

Highly Anti-fungal

Highly Anti-bacterial

Highly Anti-parasitical

High in antioxidants

 

And the major health benefits of garlic are:

1.  Increases blood circulation and thin the blood - this can lower blood pressure, reduce the likelihood of blood clots and lower the risk of heart attack and stroke.

 

2.  Suppresses the growth of tumors.

 

3.  Decreases levels of LDL or “bad cholesterol”.

 

4.  Stimulates the immune system by increasing blood cell count.

 

5.  Supports recovery from cancer.

 

6.  Kill some intestinal parasites - this may be related to its potency as a cancer treatment, as some naturopaths consider intestinal parasites to be directly linked to cancer.

 

7.  Repels insects – some Sulphur in raw garlic passes into the blood and is carried to the skin where it is excreted.  This helps to make the skin unattractive to insects.

 

8. Soothes coughs and colds - this is due to garlic’s anti-biotic properties.

 

9. Kills fungi such as Athletes Foot and Warts.

 

It’s important to note that these health benefits only apply to the use of raw garlic.  The active compounds in garlic are destroyed by cooking.   They are also lost over time.   Crushing or chopping raw garlic releases its medicinally potent compounds, which are sensitive to oxidation.   It is best to consume the raw fresh garlic shortly after crushing or chopping to get the highest benefit.

 

How To Use Raw Garlic

Internally - take 1 to 2 cloves or crushed raw garlic every other day.   May be taken with some fruits like avocado (to keep it from burning), or blend it in raw soups, or sprinkle over salad. 

 

Topically - make a poultice with raw garlic to use on skin infections like athletes foot or warts.   Be careful not to irritate the skin by using too much.

 

As a tincture - use garlic oil drops in the nose, as a gargle or in the ears to fight infection.   Make garlic oil drops by mixing 1 clove of crushed garlic with 10ml (4 oz.) pure water.

 

Garlic is generally very safe, but in some people and at higher doses, it can cause irritation to the stomach and skin and should be used very sparingly with small children.

8:17 AM | Health, Tips |