Garlic (Allium sativum) is a species in the onion genus, Allium. It is native to Central Asia and has been used for both culinary and medicinal purposes for thousands of years. Garlic is known for its pungent flavor and aroma, which comes from sulfur compounds, particularly allicin.
Here are some key points about garlic:
- Culinary Use: Garlic is a staple ingredient in many cuisines around the world. It can be used in both raw and cooked forms to add flavor to a wide variety of dishes, including soups, sauces, stir-fries, and marinades.
- Health Benefits: Garlic has long been associated with various health benefits. It is believed to have antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Additionally, garlic is touted for its potential to support heart health by reducing cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
- Nutritional Value: Garlic is low in calories but rich in nutrients. It contains vitamins C and B6, as well as minerals like manganese and selenium. It also contains small amounts of various other nutrients.
- Medicinal Uses: Garlic has been used medicinally for centuries to treat various ailments, including respiratory infections, digestive issues, and even as a topical treatment for wounds and infections.
- Cultural Significance: Garlic has significant cultural and religious symbolism in various societies. It has been used in rituals, folklore, and traditional medicine practices in many cultures throughout history.
- Varieties: There are many varieties of garlic, which can vary in flavor, size, and color. Some popular varieties include softneck garlic, hardneck garlic, and elephant garlic.
- Storage: Fresh garlic bulbs can be stored in a cool, dry place for several weeks to several months, depending on the variety. Once cloves are separated from the bulb, they should be used within a shorter period, or alternatively, can be preserved by pickling or fermenting.
Overall, garlic is not only a versatile ingredient in cooking but also offers potential health benefits and has a rich cultural history.
For hypertension, an infusion made from 5 cloves of garlic, 1 onion bulb, 1 lemon without peel and seeds helps. Grind everything and mix thoroughly with 1 cup of sugar and 2 cups of cool boiled water, infuse for 10 days in a cool dark place, strain. Take 1 tablespoon 3 times a day, 20 minutes before meals, until noticeable improvement.
In case of angina pectoris, an infusion of garlic, lemon and honey gives a good result. To cook it, infuse the gruel of 1 head of garlic, the juice of 1 lemon and 100 g of honey in a tightly closed container in a cool dark place for 10 days, stirring occasionally. Take 2 tablespoons once a day 20-30 minutes before meals.
Garlic is the most important component of medicines used in folk medicine and for the treatment of atherosclerosis. To prepare an alcoholic tincture, you need to pour 2 tablespoons of garlic gruel over 0.5 glasses of vodka, infuse for 10-15 days, add mint tincture or lemon balm to taste. Take 10 drops 2-4 times a day 30 minutes before meals for a long time.
Garlic wine infusion works in much the same way. To cook it, pour 0.5 liters of cahors wine over a slurry from one head of garlic, infuse in a cool dark place for 7 days. Take 1-2 tablespoons 3-4 times daily before meals.
Alcohol tincture of garlic also helps with rheumatism. Take it 10 drops 2 times a day 30 minutes before meals. To improve the taste, you can add a few drops of lemon balm or mint tincture.
The same tincture is very good for osteochondrosis. To do this, during the period of exacerbation, a compress is made on the sore places at night. The tincture is rubbed into the sore spot and tied with a towel or woolen cloth.
In case of deposition of salts and pain in the joints, it is necessary to infuse 0.5 glasses of garlic juice and 1 glass of cranberry juice for 24 hours, add 1 glass of honey, mix. Take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day, 15 minutes before meals.
In case of metabolic disorders, a wine tincture of garlic with juniper is used. To prepare it, chop 1 small head of garlic and 1.5 tablespoons of juniper berries, pour 0.5 liters of white wine, infuse in a cool dark place for 10 days, strain. Take 2-3 tablespoons 1-2 times 40 minutes after meals.
Garlic has a positive effect in the treatment of colitis and enteritis, it is one of the best remedies in the treatment of dysbacteriosis. To do this, you need to eat 1 clove of garlic in the morning and evening on an empty stomach. For the same purpose, you can use an alcoholic tincture of garlic.
For a patient with allergies to artificial medical antibiotics, garlic is also the best helper, since garlic can largely replace them. The allicin contained in garlic is a unique natural antibiotic.
In case of general severe weakness of the body, a wine infusion of garlic and wormwood is used in folk medicine. To prepare it, pour a gruel of one head of garlic and 2 tablespoons of strongly crushed wormwood leaves with 0.5 liters of hot wine, infuse at room temperature for 1 week, strain. Take 3 tablespoons in the morning 40 minutes before meals.
Oncology is also a field of application of garlic. It contains selenium, germanium, and zinc, which help prevent the onset and development of the disease. That being said, it is better to use old garlic extract as it is more effective.
And you can also get rid of the unpleasant smell of garlic in your mouth. For thisIt is necessary to chew the root or leaves of parsley or celery, anise or coriander seeds thoroughly. Reduces garlic odor and rinsing your mouth with village milk.
Remember! Garlic should not be used as a medicine for acute forms of diseases of the stomach, liver, kidneys, pancreas, epilepsy, pregnant and lactating women. In the latter case, the amount of milk decreases and it has a characteristic smell. In addition, some people do not tolerate garlic at all. And in general, garlic can be used as a strong medicine only on the recommendation of the attending physician.
conclusion
While garlic does have some health benefits and is rich in antioxidants, claiming that it can cure everything is an exaggeration. Garlic has been traditionally used in various cultures for its potential medicinal properties, including its ability to boost the immune system, reduce blood pressure, and lower cholesterol levels. It also contains compounds that may have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects.
However, it’s important to note that garlic should not be seen as a miracle cure for all ailments. While it can be a healthy addition to your diet and may provide some health benefits, it’s not a substitute for proper medical treatment. Always consult with a healthcare professional for any health concerns or conditions you may have.