Behold: The Amazing Garlic Clove!

We all know that garlic can add wonderful flavor to just about any meal, but it is so much more than just a spice. Garlic has long been considered a herbal "wonder drug" and with cold and flu season upon us, we all may need to up our intake!

Which brings us to garlic's first health benefit, it is a powerful immune booster. Garlic is a health-building herb, rich in potassium, zinc, vitamins A and C and selenium. It also contains sulfur, calcium, manganese, copper, vitamin B1 and iron. And it does not destroy our bodies good bacteria like antibiotics do. It is an anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-microbial. Garlic can be used against infection of all types including upper respiratory tract infections such as colds, flu, bronchitis, sinusitis, etc., ear infections - can be treated by placing garlic oil on a piece of cotton wool in the ear (you need to be sure that the ear drum is intact before doing this - if in doubt seek professional assistance), tooth infections, candida (yeast) infections, herpes infections (including chicken pox), and urinary tract infections. It has also been proven successful in the healing of acne, wart removal and pain relief, as it is anti-inflammatory as well.

Garlic is also used in the treatment of cardiovascular conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and can be beneficial to people with diabetes because it tones the heart and circulatory system, helps to lower the blood pressure, reduces high cholesterol and blood fats, reduces high blood sugar levels, reduces blood clotting abnormalities, and helps to reduce the risk of atherosclerosis by inhibiting at least two enzymes involved in the production of cholesterol in the liver.

 

Garlic is also full of powerful antioxidants, which decrease the amount of free radicals in our system. Free Radicals can enter our body through our own habits, but also due to environmental factors and can cause damage to cells and DNA, which can compromise our immunity and lead to diseases such as cancer, atherosclerosis and leukemia. Therefore, a diet rich in antioxidants is important for all of us!

Raw garlic is the most potent form, offering the most health benefits, however there is that strong odor that comes along with it. Capsules are also available, some even in combination with other herbs targeting specific conditions. And of course, cooking with garlic is tasty and healthy, just be careful not to overdo it. The longer it cooks, the less beneficial it is. However you consume it, garlic is truly an amazing herb!

The information available in this blog is for your personal reference only. Healthy Home Market is not engaged in rendering medical advice. Information available in this blog should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. Nor should the information replace the advice of your doctor or health care practitioner. Always see your practitioner concerning your treatment options if suffering from an illness or injuries resulting from an accident.