Garlic
Latin name: Allium sativum
A Remedy For
In folk medicine Garlic is also taken internally for high
blood pressure, digestive ailments, menstrual pain, and diabetes,
though its effectiveness for these problems is unproven. Also
unverified is its ability to relieve corns, calluses, ear
infections, muscle and nerve pain, and sciatica through external
application.
What It Is; Why It Works
Garlic fights hardening of the arteries through its proven
ability to lower cholesterol. It also has proven antibiotic
properties and a mild anti-clotting effect on the blood.
Garlic has been used as a medicine and a food since the time
of the Egyptian Pharaohs and the earliest Chinese dynasties. When
Garlic cells are crushed, they release allicin, the active
ingredient responsible for Garlic's characteristic odor. To be
effective, Garlic preparations must smell of allicin.
Avoid If...
There are no known reasons to avoid Garlic when used at
recommended dosages.
Special Cautions
If you are taking anti-clotting drugs or are preparing for
surgery, check with your doctor before using Garlic.
Taking large quantities of Garlic may cause stomach problems,
and will lead to bad breath and body odor. Although the problem
is rare, frequent hand contact may cause eczema (itching and
weeping rash).
Possible Drug Interactions
No harmful effects are known.
Special Information If You Are
Pregnant or Breastfeeding
No harmful effects are known.
How To Prepare
Garlic oil: Crush the cloves using a Garlic press; stir
into equal amounts of fatty oil and let stand for 48 hours. When
finished, filter the oil preparation.
Solid Garlic extract: Chop bulbs and soak in alcohol for a while. Pour off liquid; allow alcohol to evaporate.
Aqueous (water) extract: Crush fresh bulbs in cold water using equal amounts of water and Garlic.
Fermented Garlic: Soak minced Garlic for a long period in a water-alcohol mixture.
Distilled preparations and tinctures (alcohol solutions) are
also available.
Typical Dosage
The usual daily oral dosage is 4 grams (approximately three-quarters
teaspoonful) of fresh Garlic or 8 milligrams of Garlic oil.
For external use, apply according to need.
Strengths of commercial preparations may vary. Follow the manufacturer's labeling whenever available.
Hang braided Garlic in a dry place to store.
Overdosage
No information on overdosage is available.