Garlic is definitely worth more than
it's weight in gold, with uses superceding that of "warding off
vampires", and giving a fabulous taste to meals!
Having more
recently received scientific and medical approval, garlic has been
the favorite herbal remedy for the past 5000 years. It has been
extensively tested by the German Commission E, ESCOP and The World
Health Organization, and has been proven to aid the following ailments:
· Acne
· Asthma
· Arthritis
· Colds
· High blood pressure
· Bowel disorders
· Bronchitis
· Digestive problems
· Heart problems
· Kidney complaints
· Limiting the side affects of chemotherapy in cancer patients
· Rheumatism
· Insect bites
· Sinus problems
· Tension
· Toothache
· Warts
Garlic is
also a very strong immune system booster and an excellent anti-inflammatory
and a natural antibiotic.
As mentioned
in the ailment list, garlic does wonders for digestive problems-as
it is proven to increase the secretion of bile. It also reduces
pain relating to a spastic colon, acting as an antispasmodic. Garlic
has been noted not to destroy or harm the normal balance of intestinal
flora, so it works well in healing digestive tract infections such
as thrush.
The primary
objective of a significant number of clinical trials conducted on
garlic has been it's ability to regulate blood lipid (fat) levels.
Garlic has had an 80% success rate in decreasing the cholesterol
that causes the thickening of the arteries, and specialists have
claimed that it causes blood vessels to widen, so reducing the blood
pressure inside them!
I was told
a story by actress Barbara Babcock that when she was in Kenya 20
years ago (before medical scientists researched the healing powers
of garlic), she developed a bad throat infection with swollen glands,
which became progressively worse over three days.
The tribal
"medicine man" told her to place a clove of garlic in both ears
before she went to sleep. Skeptically she placed one clove in her
right ear, not believing it would do anything. The following morning
the right side of her throat was free from pain and the swelling
had dissipated, whereas the left side remained swollen and painful!
Apparently the clove of garlic in the ear warmed up with the natural
body heat and the secreted oil dripped down into the Eustachian
tube working as an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory.
The recommended
daily doses of garlic are as follows:
· For optimum
health and a strong immune system take one garlic capsule or one
garlic clove three times a day.
· During infections and colds take one capsule or one clove every
three hours to destroy viruses and bacteria
· For bad coughs and bronchitis-make a natural tried and tested
cough syrup (garlic is a fantastic expectorant). Pour 500ml of boiling
water over 50g of crushed or finely chopped garlic into a sealed
dish and leave to stand for ten hours, then add two tablespoons
of honey and a touch more boiled water, until a syrupy consistency
is formed. Take a teaspoonful every four hours!
Tips:
· Look for
a good garlic capsule from a reputable herb and health store
· If you choose to take a real garlic clove have a large sprig of
parsley straight afterwards, you don't want to be warding off all
vampires-let's not forget the likes of Brad Pitt!
· Garlic is great to protect the sensitive stomach and it works
well when flying abroad-so up your dose when traveling, it will
help you to acclimatize!
· It is advised not to take garlic while pregnant and breast-feeding
as it may cause the baby to have colic.
· Try garlic before pharmaceutical drugs and antibiotics- it has
5000 years of magical healing success rates to back it up!
Enjoy life to the fullest, create your own optimum health, and don't
forget the parsley!
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© Melt Magazine 2002
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