Garlic
(Allium Sativum)
Energetics: Warming. Drying.
Taste: Pungent
Tissue States:
Systems Affected: Digestion. Circulatory system. Respiratory system.
Parts Used: Bulb. Scape.
Key Components: Alliin (crushing cloves converts this to allicin). Mucilage. Volatile oils. Sulfur compounds. Germanium. Selenium. Potassium. Magnesium. Phosphorus. Vitamin A. B vitamins. Vitamin C.
Preparations & dosage: Food: Medicinal dose is about 3 cloves per day. Garlic oil can be encapsulated and taken 3 per day as a prophylactic or (3) 3x per day if fighting an infection. Vinegar. Tincture. Powdered. Oil: To make oil peel and mince 8 oz of cloves and cover with extra virgin olive oil. Shake a few times a day. Then strain and store in cool place.
Actions:
Foundational: Aromatic. Stimulating.
Primary: Carminative. Expectorant. Diaphoretic.
Secondary: Antiseptic. Vermifuge. Antibacterial. Antimicrobial. Antiviral. Antispasmodic.
Uses:
Called the “poor-man’s Penicillin”. Choice for treating Chronic bronchitis. Whooping cough. colds/flus, sore throats & sluggish digestion. Can be used as a treatment as well as a preventative for many viral and bacterial infections of both the respiratory and digestive system. Bacterial overgrowth in the small intestines. Stimulates the production of white blood cells which boosts the boys immune function. Sulfur compounds & essential oils make it a potent internal and external antiseptic, anti bacterial & antimicrobial for many types of infections. studies have shown it effective against many anti-biotic resistant strains of bacteria. Vermifuge to treat intestinal worms & parasites in humans and animals. Apply externally for ringworm and threadworm. Appears to be specific in the bacteria it attacks and seems to know and only attack the foreign pathogens while supporting the positive flora in the intestines. Maintaining healthy blood cholesterol levels as well as preventing blood platelet aggregation. Other studies have shown that it lowers blood sugar levels making it useful in treating type 2 diabetes. Helps to maintain healthy cholesterol levels and naturally lower blood pressure. Arteriosclerosis, cholesterol, angina pain. 1-2 drops garlic oil in each ear to treat ear infection. Garlic suppositories can be used to treat yeast infections. Warmed oil 3 drops in each ear for ear infection. Often combined with mullein flower oil for this use. Oil can also be applied topically for pain relief. Plauge. Cancer.
Identifying:
Growing:
Harvesting: Unearth bulbs when you see the leaves begin to wither and start to fall.
Contraindications: Can aggravate those who are already "hot". It can add too much fire to their bodies and cause heartburn, stomach problems and anger or irritation. Garlic can be too strong for infants and small children and cause stomach irritation. Nursing mothers should avoid garlic if they find their baby is fussy after nursing. Can irritate the skin of those with sensitive skin when applied topically. Personal experience has proven to me that it can cause lightheadedness in those with already low blood pressure. I love garlic but have naturally low blood pressure. Doesn't stop me from eating it though!
Sources:
Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: Rosemary Gladstar. Pg 70-77
The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 259
The Way of Herbs: Michael Tierra. Pg 77-78
Studies:
Antimicrobial activity of fresh garlic juice: An in vitro study
Fresh Garlic Extract Enhances the Antimicrobial Activities of Antibiotics on Resistant Strains in Vitro
Aged garlic extract prevents a decline of NK cell number and activity in patients with advanced cancer
Fresh Garlic Extract Induces Growth Arrest and Morphological Differentiation of MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.
Antimicrobial activity of fresh garlic juice: An in vitro study
Fresh Garlic Extract Enhances the Antimicrobial Activities of Antibiotics on Resistant Strains in Vitro
Aged garlic extract prevents a decline of NK cell number and activity in patients with advanced cancer
Fresh Garlic Extract Induces Growth Arrest and Morphological Differentiation of MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells
Protective Effect of Chronic Garlic Intake on Elastic Properties of Aorta in the Elderly
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.
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