Garlic Medicinal Uses

Garlic medicinal uses date back into antiquity. One of the most popular medicinal herbs, the garlic cloves located in the bulb of the garlic is the portion of the plant used for therapeutic purposes.

History of Garlic

Louis Pasteur observed garlic's antibacterial properties and it was used to treat gangrene before the advent of antibiotics. In ancient times it was widely consumed as an aid to proper digestion.

Garlic Uses Today

Garlic Allium contains several pharmacologically-active organic sulfur compounds and has been used to treat a host of illnesses. Infections, respiratory issues, diarrhea, heart disease, and diabetes are but a few of the maladies garlic has been used to combat. Allicin is the compound that provides the traditional garlic odor and is also thought to be one of the most important medicinal agents in the plant. Today garlic is commonly used as an antioxidant and to help prevent atherosclerosis, hypertension, and to reduce cholesterol levels.

Garlic as a Cancer Preventative

A number of studies have been done to evaluate the efficacy of garlic in cancer prevention. While test data is subject to interpretation in many instances, the body of evidence supports the contention that dietary garlic consumption leads to a decrease in the incidence of gastric and colo-rectal cancer. Some preliminary studies also indicate a benefit in the prevention of other cancers as well.

Garlic Side Effects

Some of the clinical studies of garlic medicinal uses have yielded equivocal results. Also, certain side-effects have been attributed to the use of garlic. Patients who are taking anticoagulants or whose blood doesn't coagulate properly may be susceptible to excessive bleeding. Some patients are acutely sensitive to garlic and prolonged exposure or usage may cause skin conditions, nasal irritation, or a systemic allergic reaction. Bad breath and body odor are also caused by the consumption of garlic.

How to Use Garlic

Garlic can be used in a variety of ways and in different forms. Garlic cloves can be powdered, chopped, or freeze-dried. The oil from the garlic cloves can be extracted by steam, boiling or soaking in alcohol. The garlic oil can simply be released by chewing the clove. It can be inhaled, applied topically or eaten.

Garlic medicinal uses are many and varied and it has been in the pharmacopeia of civilizations for thousands of years. Garlic appears a safe supplement for patients to use to improve cardiovascular health. It's effectiveness in some instances is not substantiated but it remains one of the most venerable herbal medicines.

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