I am mad about garlic – especially in the cold months of winter!

And don't worry, I will tell you why. You will even get the recipe for my garlic cocktail! How is that for a friday treat ;)

Garlic (alium sativum) is a natural antibiotic, which also enhances the natural killer cells, and therefore strengthens the immune system. Garlic is one of my favourite herbs, and I eat it every single day during winter.

The wonder drug

The fact that garlic has significant health benefits as well as healing properties, is not breaking news.

In fact, garlic has long been considered a “wonder drug” within natural remedies, and has a reputation of being able to conquer anything from a harmless cold, the flu, and even plague!

Actually, garlic has been used to a large degree when it comes to traditional herbal medicine (phyto therapy).

Raw garlic can be used to treat symptoms of acne, and it may even be capable of lowering high cholesterol. Garlic may act as an effective and natural mosquito repellent.

Modern science show results that garlic is a strong natural antibiotic, and the body does not seem to build up any resistance towards it.

Research also shows that garlic – cured garlic in particular – can have a strong antioxidant effect. And you know that antioxidants help protect the body against “free radicals” - so you might want to start adding garlic to your diet know ;)

 

Two important medicinal ingredients are central to the health benefits of garlic: allicin and diallyl sulphides.

The active substance is called alliin, an amino acid, is mixed with alliinase during chewing process. This is how allicin is formed, and is released through the skin and lungs, and creates the famous garlic-smell. In a solution of 1:125:000 it can prevent growth of bacteria and fungus. In the organism alliin is converted in to other active substances.

Chinese garlic holds up to four times as much alliin compared to European garlic.

 Garlic seems to have beneficial effect on:

  • Asthma
  • Sinusitis
  • Bronchitis
  • A cold or a flu
  • Hay fever
  • Inflammation of the middle ear
  • Candida albicans
  • Diarrhoea
  • Enteritis
  • IBS – irritable bowel system
  • Vacation stomach
  • Blisters and gingivitis
  • Toothache
  • Acne
  • Abscesses
  • Impetigo
  • Eczema
  • Shingles
  • Herpes
  • Lice
  • Onychomycosis
  • Ringworm
  • Dandruff
  • Water warts and warts
  • Inflammation of the bladder
  • High cholesterol
  • Heavy metal poisoning
  • Inflammation of the eye (to be taken orally – never drip garlic directly in the eye!)

You can also buy garlic in tablet form (non-smelling)

Garlic can, of course, also be used in food. As long as it is consumed raw, to preserve the health benefits.

GARLIC COCKTAIL

A strong cocktail to cleanse the body.

YOU WILL NEED

  • 7 cloves of garlic
  • 3 tbsp. of raw honey or Manuka honey
  • 1/3 cup of water

Crush the garlic cloves in a garlic grater and mix with raw honey and water. Leave to rest for 12 hours and drink in small sips throughout the day. This drink is pure gold, and comes to the rescue as soon as you feel a cold coming, a sore throat, the flu etc. This drink is a scratchy one that clears the throat. Drink in small sips if you have a sensitive stomach.

Here is a tip:

If you eat parsley after, the smell will wear off slightly :-)

PS: garlic has natural blood thinning properties. If you are taking any blood thinning medication, then be aware that the effect will increase with the use of garlic.