The Medicinal Value of Raw Garlic

 Allium sativum is the Latin term for garlic which is one of my most favorite medicinal plants. It has been used throughout history medicinally from as early as the Giza pyramids 5000 years ago to now. Hippocrates used garlic to treat respiratory problems, parasites, poor digestion and fatigue.
     Garlic has also been used for bronchitis, hypertension, TB (tuberculosis), liver disorders, dysentery, flatulence, colic, intestinal worms, rheumatism, diabetes, fevers, cholesterol, heart disease, and different forms of cancers. The NIH (National Institute of Health) states that many of these claims are scientifically supported.
     Sulfur compounds called Allicin found in raw garlic is what what gives it its medicinal properties. Heat reduces the anti-inflammatory effects of the sulfur compound and the medicinal quality drops so it is important to consume garlic in its raw state.
     Not only does raw garlic taste fantastic and has amazing healing properties it is also a source of vitamins and minerals essential for the body like Manganese, B6, C, Selenium, Calcium, Copper, Potassium, Phosphorus, iron, and B1.
     A 12 week study showed that colds were reduced by 63% with garlic compared to a placebo.  The length of a cold and symptoms were reduced by 70%. The cold symptoms lasted 5 days for the placebo group and 1.5 days for the garlic group.
     There are many ways I have used or taught my clients and students to use garlic. If you or your child suffer with an ear infection or pain in the ear possibly due to an infection you can place garlic in the ear until you seek professional help. Simply peel the clove that you feel would be the appropriate size to fit in the ear very carefully using caution to not nick the clove. Then place it in the ear open end down towards the canal. DO NOT shove it in hard just place it gently into the open area.
     The same idea works for sinus infections as well. Just peel the approximate size clove to fit in a nostril being very cautious to not nick the surface of the clove. Then place gently in the nostrils. Again DO NOT shove them up the nostrils. They will be slightly hanging out and look rather silly but it works. I know MANY clients and students that now swear by them. In fact I have one who uses it and her kids use to laugh at her but they are use to it now and it has become quite common when mom has a cold or sinus condition that she walk around the house with garlic hanging from her nose!
     Another way to use garlic is as a suppository for yeast infections. Simply peel a large clove of garlic again being quite careful not to nick the surface of the clove. Then place it inside cheesecloth and tie a knot around it so the garlic remains in the cloth. Insert the garlic and cloth inside the vagina right before bedtime and sleep with it over night. When you get up in the morning remove it and you will be surprised how excellent it worked. Keep in mind there are other factors that must be addressed when dealing with a yeast infection but this is one component.
     So now you know that eating raw garlic is really the best way to gain the medicinal benefits but the question I always get is just HOW to eat it! I love it in salsa or minced over a salad with fresh lemon and a pinch of salt. Putting inside fermented veggies or with an avocado on toast. I’m not into hot sauce but why not add a little zip to it with raw garlic?! On a teaspoon of honey would be easy to consume. My absolute favorite is on a cracker with goat cheese or on bread soaked with extra virgin olive oil. But really when all else fails mince it up, scopp a little on a spoon, put it in your mouth and swallow it with something (not hot) to drink. DONE! Make sure that you have food in your stomach before doing this as it is strong. I also don’t do large amounts but rather smaller amount more often.
     If you should have further questions about this article or on a topic you would like to hear about please feel free to contact me at DrSharrie@gmail.com