Medicinal Uses of Garlic- Allium sativum
Dr Himanshu Sharma
Ayurvedic Consultant
NIAPR,Motibagh,Patiala
AmritAyurvedicChikitsalya ,Nabha.
9569266659,9465343479 www.counterwithayurveda.blogspot.com smily_himanshu@yahoo.com
Garlic has been used as both dietary agent and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years. Garlic is mentioned in the Bible and the Talmud. Hippocrates, Galen, Pliny the Elder, and Dioscorides all mention the use of garlic for many conditions, including parasites, respiratory problems, poor digestion. Its use in China was first mentioned in AD 510.
Different culture used different varieties of garlic depending upon their ecological productivity. In India Allium species of garlic is very commonly used, while another species of garlic named Allium tuberosum is used in South-east Asia, China and North-east part of India. Both the species are important constituent of customary diet in Indian and Chinese food.
Medicinal Uses of Garlic
· Garlic contains sulphur containing compound Allin, which is converted to active ingredient ‘Allicin’ when the garlic bulb is crushed,Injury to the garlic bulb activates the enzyme Allinase,which metabolises Allin to Allicin. This compound has antiinhibitory effect upon the key enzymes involved in cholesterol biosynthesis, such as HMG-CoAreductase.Garlic oil,steamed distilled garlic and aged garlic donot contain significant amount of Alliin orAllicin,Maximum activity of garlic is seen in fresh crushed and cooked form.
· Garlic helps to prevent lipid implantation on the arterial wall. Allicin, has antimicrobial effects against many viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Garlic lowers blood pressure by relaxing vein and artery walls. This action helps keep platelets from clumping together and improves blood flow, thereby reducing the risk of stroke. Garlic also decreases the levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, substances that increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
· As an antimicrobial, garlic seems to have a broad action. It displays antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral properties and is reportedly effective against many flu viruses and herpes simplex (the virus responsible for cold sores). In 1858, Louis Pasteur observed garlic's antibacterial activity, and it was used as an antiseptic to prevent gangrene during World War I and World War II.Add garlic to soups and salad dressing during the winter months to help prevent colds, or eat garlic at the first hint of a cold, cough, or flu. Garlic reduces congestion and may help people with bronchitis to expel mucus.
· Garlic is also a rich source of. highly bioavailable selenium, which is thought to account, in part, for garlic’s antioxidant and cancer preventive effects This popular herb may improve immunity by stimulating some of the body's natural immune cells. Studies suggest that garlic may help prevent breast, bladder, skin, and stomach cancers. A study suggests that those who eat garlic may lower their risk of colon cancer. Garlic appears particularly effective in inhibiting compounds formed by nitrates, which are preservatives used to cure meat that are thought to turn into cancer-causing compounds within the intestines.
· Garlic has been found to enhance thiamin absorption, and therefore reduces the likelihood for developing the thiamin deficiency beriberi
· Hypocholesterolemic effect of garlic is exerted by decrease in hepatic cholesterogenesis.
· Garlic apart from having anti hyperlipidemic, antiinflammatory,anti diabetic effect,also reported as platelet inhibitory or anti thrombotic in action.
How To Use Garlic As Home Remedy
· Lasun Ksheer Pak (Garlic Milk Extract) is one of the time tested Ayurvedic formulation to reduce serum cholesterol.As garlic if given in high dose or taken empty stomach is highly irritant to gastric mucosa.Its pungent smell sometimes becomes intolerant to patient. Garlic bulbs are crushed fresh and boiled in milk with equal amount of water.The mixture is boiled till all the water gets evaporated leaving the milk. It should be taken under the guidance of An Ayurvedic physician.
· Garlic is a useful remedy for Earache. Boil 2-3 cloves in mustard oil and let the temperature be down to tolerable. Put 2-4 drops of this oil in your ears.
· Garlic is antiseptic in action.Take one part of galic extract and three parts of distilled water ,wash any wound and ulcer with it. It will remove the pus and fastens the process of healing.
· Patient suffering from whooping cough should take fresh crushed garlic cloves and make a paste mixed with honey.
· Add Garlic in your daily food preparations, it improves appetite and digestive system.
· The Russians uses garlic in the treatment of Rheumatisn by using garlic extract.
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Garlic: Potential Clinical Benefits
Cardiovascular: Antilipedemic, antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic
Gastrointestinal/hepatic: Spasmolytic, hepatoprotective
Antimicrobial: Antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic
Hematologic: Antithrombotic/antiplatelet
Antioxidant: Antioxidant
To sum up ,Our Indian kitchens are highly scientific in their way of cooking. Use of Garlic ,Ginger ,onion and many other spices are basically those medicinal herbs which keep our digestive system healthy.Our Ancient Acharayas were highly intellectuals who added these herbs as our daily diet supplements. Keeping these in view,we must follow a right diet plan in our lives to kep our selves healthy.
