Garlic

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GARLIC

Granulated Garlic

Photo by: TuMa

Allium sativum

COMMON NAME: Ajo, Garlique, Standard Garlic.

FAMILY: Liliaceae

SOLVENTS: Use fresh or granulated and dried.

ACTIONS: Antibiotic, pectoral, diaphoretic, hypotensive, and cholagogue.

NOTES OF INTEREST: Garlic was used as an antibiotic for pneumonia and tuberculosis in the 1800's, and was used extensively on the battle fields of World War I as an antibiotic for wounds and was once known as "the poor man's antibiotic".

PHARMACOLOGY: Garlic has so many constituents that all cannot be named here. Just the primary constituents will be shown.

Volatile Oils include alliin, allinase, and allicin.

Saponins,

Fructosans (polysaccharides),

Scordininsm,

Seleium

Vitamins A, B, C, and E

THERAPUTIC USES:

Internal - Used for bronchial infections and digestive problems. Reduces threat of stroke by keeping the blood thin and lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Known to help rid the body of worms and other parasites.

External - Use fresh, apply to wounds and inflammations of the skin. Good for acne, boils and athlete's foot.

CAUTION: Garlic, when consumed, can cause gastric distress.

PREPARATION: Garlic can be purchased as the drug store or a health food store in a odorless form and also in a high Alicin form. Of course, garlic can be found in your grocery store and it's also easy to grow. I infuse olive oil with garlic by throwing a handful of cloves into a 16-oz. jar of oil. I let it sit for 2 weeks to forever and use it to apply to the skin. I sometimes put a small amount in a gelatin capsule and take garlic that way for bronchial infections, coughs, and colds.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Frequent contact with garlic can cause allergic reaction on the skin and if you suffer from asthma. It is important not to leave garlic on the skin longer that 10 to 15 minutes as extended contact with the skin can cause necrosis and burns. Garlic can cause gastrointestinal discomfort with nausea and vomiting. If you are on blood thinners, check with your physician before taking. The elderly and the very young should not take Garlic internally. Use caution during pregnancy and nursing.

DOSAGE: For internal use, follow the direction on the product packaging. For external application, use as needed, but do not leave in contact with skin for more than 15 minutes.