Wednesday, March 4, 2009

The Herb Emporium: Garlic

Nutrients & Health
The Herb Emporium-Garlic
By Candace Booth, ND, PhD, CNC, SHC

It is recommended that you speak with a knowledgeable health professional before using any herbal remedy.
Garlic has been prized for the last 5000 years as a marvellous healing remedy. Even Western medicine acknowledges garlic's amazing ability to help lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of further heart attacks in cardiac patients. However, it's also known for its ability to stimulate the immune response along with its antibiotic properties.1
As a food seasoning, the garlic bulb (also known as the clove) is used. However, garlic's medicinal value is largely in its highly volatile essential oil. It is used both in healing and nutrition because of its ability to build energy. It is also beneficial to the nervous system and is especially useful in lowering hypertension (proven in laboratory tests). Garlic equalizes blood circulation and is very useful as an expectorant for lung congestion and infections.
Garlic has an affinity for the respiratory tract because of its ability to enhance bronchial secretions while it rapidly diffuses through the whole body. The odor is so readily diffusely that when the juice (oil) is applied to the bottom of the feet, it only takes seconds for it to be exhaled by the lungs and detected on the breath. This is a great experiment for everyone to try. Babies suffering a viral infection receive benefit when you use this method as well. It is a very effective way to help baby heal and lower fever.

Soldiers used garlic as an antiseptic during World War I and also as an aid to kill parasites (worms). Hookworms, pin worms, roundworms and tapeworms all perish in the presence of garlic. Garlic was used so prevalently in Russia that it became known as "Russian penicillin."2
Animal studies conducted at Penn State University concluded that garlic helps stop the growth of tumors and contains substances that actually destroy tumor cells and promote the invasion of immune cells such as lymphocytes and macrophages to the tumor site.3
Here are some other natural remedies for which garlic can be used.
• Cloves: Fresh cloves can be rubbed on acne or mashed and used on warts or skin infections; mashed garlic taken internally will reduce cholesterol, lower blood sugar levels, and aid in digestive disorders.
• Juice Drink: A juice drink can be made for digestive infections, combating atherosclerosis, and killing intestinal parasites.
• Capsules: Clinical trials suggest that 2 g powder in capsules daily can prevent further heart attacks.1
• Garlic Enemas: In the bowel, garlic kills parasites and harmful bacteria, cleanses mucus congestion, and helps reduce yeast infections.
• Grated Garlic: Placed on or near the most virulent bacteria, garlic will kill them in 5 minutes.4
References
1. Ody, P, The Complete Medicinal Herbal, DK Publishing, New York, 1993, p. 33.
2. Christopher, JR, School of Natural Healing, Utah, 1999 (11th printing), p. 109.
3. Herb Allure Nutritional Research, Jamestown, article on Garlic
4. Christopher, JR, School of Natural Healing, Utah, 1999 (11th printing), p. 111.

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