Garlic is one of the oldest known medicine from plants. Ancient Sanskrit documents describe garlic remedies being used in India 5,000 years ago. Chinese medicine has used the healing and beneficial health qualities of garlic for over 3,000 years. In 1858, Louis Pasteur praised the anti-bacterial properties of garlic. World War I surgeons used garlic juice to fight infections in wounds. Garlic was also used as an antibiotic during World War II. Garlic has been used as a spice for food for centuries because of it’s ability to kill germs that cause food to spoil. Roman Senator, naturalist and scholar, Pliney the Elder, recorded the beneficial effects of garlic on human health. In Marseilles, in 1722, garlic was the main medicine used to prevent and treat the plague. Dr. Albert Schweitzer used garlic as an antiseptic in his hospital. Garlic is actually licensed as a drug in Japan.
Garlic contains a sulphur compound called allicin. Allicin is what gives garlic its taste and aroma and is thought to be the key ingredient that gives garlic its natural health benefits.
Garlic kills 30 types of bacteria that are known to cause intestinal disorders and digestive problems. Garlic has been used for hundreds of years to treat dysentery. Garlic has been known to help kill intestinal worms and other parasites. Garlic also has anti-fungal properties to prevent and help treat intestinal disorders such as candida. Garlic’s anti-fungal qualities has also been used to treat fungal and bacterial skin infections as well as infections of the lung, sinus, bladder, vagina, colds and flu.
Garlic has also been found to be an important nutrient for the prevention of heart disease. Garlic helps lower blood pressure and cholesterol. Garlic has also been found to lessen destructive oxidation and helps prevent the formation of blood clots. Garlic has been shown to slow hardening of arteries and helps to maintain the elasticity of the artery walls. Garlic helps improve blood circulation and therefore is effective in relieving fatigue and headaches. Garlic supplements not only help maintain a healthy heart, but also reduce infections and strengthen our immune system which aids in combating hypertension
Garlic helps in the regulation of blood sugar. Garlic is a blood thinner that reduces the possibility of strokes and thrombosis. Garlic has been found to reduce the size of certain tumors and help prevent cancer especially in the digestive system. Garlic helps us eliminate heavy metals such as lead and mercury from our bodies. As a natural antibiotic, garlic kills some strains of bacteria that have become immune or resistant to prescription synthetic antibiotics without harming beneficial bacteria we need for our digestive health. Garlic has anti-oxidant qualities and is a source of selenium that promotes our cognitive and emotional well being.
Garlic indeed is an ancient natural medicine. Centuries of use with experiential documentation has now been supported and validated with our present-day scientific research and studies. With all the health benefits and medicinal benefits of garlic supplements, it would be a wise choice for us to include garlic supplements as part of our daily nutritional pattern. Even though we may not be suffering an unhealthy condition which garlic can help relieve, it would be well advised that we use garlic supplements for their immune system strengthening qualities and preventative value.
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