Health Benefits And Uses Of Garlic

Health benefits of garlic and its medicinal properties have long been known (1). Garlic has been considered a herbal "wonder drug", with a reputation in folklore for everything from preventing colds and flu to the plague! Has been widely used in herbal medicine (phytotherapy, sometimes written phytotherapy).


Raw garlic is used by some to treat the symptoms of acne and there is some evidence that may help control high cholesterol. It may even be as effective natural repellent against mosquitoes. In general, a clove of garlic has a strong taste of sulfur content and thus more drug can have more value.

Some people have suggested that organic garlic tends towards a higher level of sulfur and therefore are entitled to better health. In my experience, certainly knows better than I can buy organic whenever possible or is not better for my health.

Some people prefer a garlic supplement. These pills and capsules are beneficial to avoid garlic breath. Modern science has shown that garlic is a powerful natural antibiotic, albeit broad-based than expected. The body does not build up resistance to garlic, so its health benefits continue over time.

Healthy Antioxidant:

Studies (2) have shown that garlic – especially aged garlic – can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants can help to protect the body against damaging “free radicals”.

Side-Effects:

Raw garlic is very strong, so eating too much can cause problems such as irritation or destruction of the digestive tract. There are some people who are allergic to garlic. The symptoms of allergy rash of garlic, temperature and headaches. In addition, garlic can alter blood thinners, so it's best avoided before surgery. As with any medication, always check with your doctor and tell your doctor if you use it.

Important: Research published in 2001 concluded that garlic supplements “can cause a potentially harmful side effect when combined with a type of medication used to treat HIV/AIDS”.

Medicinal Ingredients of Garlic:

There are two main medical ingredients which produce the garlic health benefits: allicin and diallyl sulphides. I’ve given each of these a page of their own:

* Health Effects of Allicin
* Health Effects of Diallyl Sulphides

Garlic makes a wonderful health supplement but the garlic cure is no substitute for the basics: sensible eating and appropriate exercise. Garlic should be seen as part of a healthy lifestyle – not as an alternative to it. Always consult your doctor first regarding any medical condition.