Gaining health from garlic
By Dr. Krishna.R.S
Garlic ( Allium Sativum) belongs to the family Liliaceae. The plant has leaves which are long, narrow and flat like grass. The bulb is of a compound nature, consisting of numerous bulblets, known technically as 'cloves,' grouped together between the membraneous scales and enclosed within a whitish skin, which holds them as in a sac.
It is referred to by different names
in ayurveda . The names describe its qualities. It is known as Rasona (Rasena
vunaha = as it is devoid of amla rasa or sour taste) Ugraghandhi ( ugra Gandhi =
as it has strong pungent smell )
It has Snigdha (sticky), teekshna (penetrating) , pichhila (slimy), guru
(heavy), sara (quickly spreading) qualities. It has all rasas (tastes) except
amla (sour).
It reduces kapha and vata but it should be used with lot of precautions in
persons who have pitta prakruti and in patients who are suffering from rakta,
pitta disorders.
Ancient greeks used to place garlic on stones at cross roads as a supper for
Hecate(Greek goddess of the three paths, guardian of the household, protector of
everything newly born, and the goddess of witchcraft ).According to Pliny garlic
and onion were invoked as deities by the Egyptians while taking oaths.
According to a Mohammedan legend 'when Satan stepped out from the Garden of Eden
after the fall of man, Garlic sprang up from the spot where he placed his left
foot, and Onion from that where his right foot touched.'
Garlic contains pungent, volatile, essential oil. This oil is a sulphide of
radical Allyl. The intensely smelling allyl compound has such a diffusive
property that even when the crushed bulb is rubbed to the soles of the feet, its
odor is exhaled by the lungs after some time.
Medicinal Action and Uses
Acharya charaka has said that garlic is an effective remedy in conditions like
intestinal worm infestations, skin disorders,
low libido
and erectile
dysfunction.
Acharya Sushruta has appreciated the uses of this herb in skin disorders,
low libido
and
erectile dysfunction.. It also improves memory, modulates voice, enhances
complexion, improves eye sight, strengthens bones and joints, improves digestion
and regularizes bowel movement. It is very useful in cardiac diseases too.
As an antibiotic:
Many marvelous effects and healing powers have been ascribed to Garlic. Garlic
is popularly known as “nature's antibiotic “.As an antiseptic, its use has long
been recognized. It is very effective against fungus, Yeast and viral
infections. It is said to prevent anthrax in cattle, being largely used for the
purpose.
As an expectorant:
Garlic reduces increased kapha. Garlic syrup is an excellent medicine for
asthma,
hoarseness of voice,
coughs, difficulty in breathing, and most other disorders pertaining to the
lungs. As this
promotes expectoration it is very useful in chronic
bronchitis.
Garlic is a very good remedy for whooping cough.
As a cholesterol reducing agent:
Many publications have shown that garlic supports the cardiovascular system.
According to them it lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood,
inhibits platelet stickiness and slows blood coagulation. It is mildly
antihypertensive and has antioxidant activity.
As an antihypertensive:
Garlic is considered as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood
pressure. It eases the spasm of small arteries and reduces the pressure on them.
As a remedy in digestive disorders
Garlic stimulates peristaltic action and the secretion of the digestive juices.
It eliminates body toxins. It has an antimicrobial effect and is an excellent
remedy for intestinal infections. It expels intestinal worms.
As an anti inflammatory:
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. It is effectively used to cure
arthritis, migraine and other inflammatory conditions.
Garlic in skin Disorders:
A regular consumption of garlic purifies blood and reduces minor skin
infections.
Garlic and cancer:
Few studies suggest that eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal,
colon and stomach cancer. This may be partly due to garlics ability to reduce
the formation of carcinogenic compounds.
Garlic as an aphrodisiac:
Garlic is said to be a tonic for impotence. It also treats sexual debility
caused by over indulgence in sex and nervous exhaustion. It is said to be very
useful in older men.
Garlic has always been known as an
aphrodisiac. It can improve blood circulation significantly. According to recent
studies an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (NOS) appears to be responsible
for the mechanism of
erection.
Researches on garlic have shown that garlic can stimulate production of this
enzyme.
Garlic in pregnancy
New research shows that consuming garlic during pregnancy can reduce the risk of
raised blood pressure in pregnancy (Pre-eclampsia). Studies have shown that
garlic may help to boost the birth-weight of babies.
Action of garlic in Herpes:
In future garlic may find its place in treatment of genital herpes. It was found
that the oral or topical application of garlic or garlic extract markedly
reduced the outbreak of the genital herpes virus.
Home remedies with garlic
1. Used in cookery it is a great aid to digestion, and keeps the mucosal coats
of the stomach healthy.
2. A clove or two of Garlic, pounded with honey and taken two or three nights
successively, is effective rheumatism.
3. Grind few cloves of garlic and pour ¼ cup of boiled water on it. Add this
infusion to sugar syrup . This is an excellent
cough expectorant
to children and elderly adults.
4. when sniffed , it greatly helps in relieving hysteria.
5. Garlic juice taken with hot water twice a daily relieves
asthma attacks.
6. Three cloves of garlic boiled with milk taken every day at night cures
productive cough and
bronchitis.
7. 10 drops of garlic juice with 2 teaspoon of honey
reduces the acuteness of asthmatic symptoms. It can also be administered at the
time of attack.
8. Taking garlic juice with fresh water regularly reduces high blood pressure
9. Half a clove of raw garlic consumes each day can increase body activity to
dissolve blood clots, thereby preventing heart attacks and strokes.
Precautions and adverse effects :
Some may experience heartburn and flatulence when they consume garlic.
Individuals who are consuming anti coagulant drugs should consult their
dietician before consuming garlic products as garlic has anti coagulant
property. It should be used cautiously by individuals who have bleeding
disorders. Garlic should never be consumed during migraine headache. Avoid
rubbing garlic on skin as it causes burns and peeling of skin.
About Author:This article is copy righted. The author Dr.Krishna.R.S is
an Ayurvedic Physician and web master of
http://www.ayurveda-increaselibido.com
contact him drkrishnars@gmail.com
. Read more at
http://www.ayurveda-increaselibido.com/articles/garlic.html