Garlic as Herbal Antibiotic and Home Remedy

Garlic is one of the best sources of natural medicinal compounds, daily used by many as home remedy for a number of ailments. The botanical name of garlic is Allium sativa and it is a rich source of germanium, a mineral thought to strengthen the immune system. The health benefits of raw garlic are numerous, as are its uses. Use of garlic may play a big role in your overall health. It can protect you from digestive and allergic disorders, and provide prophylaxis against a wide range of infections and infestations. Garlic probably is nature's most potent immune system booster. Its aphrodisiac properties enhance the vitality and libido. Experimental studies have demonstrated that garlic has bactericidal action on over two-dozen bacteria. Though the modern physicians have bypassed the use of herbal antibiotics due to easy availability and reliability of pharmaceutical antibiotics, but the herbal antibiotics have least side effects.

The history of civilization stands testimony to the medicinal properties and use of garlic in a variety of ailments including atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, digestive disorders like dyspepsia and gastritis, stroke, cerebral aging, asthma, cough and cataract. The garlic's power as health promoter probably comes from germanium and rich variety of sulphur containing compounds, mainly allicin-an amino acid. It is a natural cholesterol buster also. Modern physicians have also appreciated its use in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hyperlipidemia. Some benefits of regular use of garlic are listed below:

• Garlic boosts the immune system and bone marrow.


• It provides prophylaxis against bacterial and viral infections.


• It helps lowering the blood pressure as it relaxes the smooth muscles and reduces the viscosity of blood.


• It helps to prevent and treat the cancer of digestive system.


• It is helpful in the management of hyperlipidemia as its regular intake lowers the LDL-cholesterol.


• Its regular intake can help to prevent atherosclerotic plaques in arteries.


• Regular consumption of raw or cooked garlic improves brain function and memory.

Important Tips:

• Chewing raw garlic should be avoided as it may cause very strong burning sensation on your tongue.


• Paste of raw garlic should be taken with curd, buttermilk (lassi), lemon water or hot curries.


• Paste of raw garlic and green coriander leaves with lemon juice with salt and pepper to taste is the best recipe to be taken with major meals.


• Curries and snacks cooked with garlic paste are equally beneficial.


• Daily intake of raw garlic in any recipe should not be more than 2 gram.