The Wonders of Garlic


Updated:
12/16/97

By: Brenda R. Generali, C.N.C.

Since the oldest times garlic has been recognized as a healer with almost mystical powers. Now, medical science is linking its use to lower blood pressure and are finding garlic acts to lower blood cholesterol. Garlic can be an aid against heart attacks because it contains an oil which interferes with the formation of blood clots. If a clot does form, garlic has an ingredient to help dissolve it, and so minimizes damage. Some old-time health hints using garlic follow:

  1. Slice a bit of garlic into fried foods to lessen their artery clogging effects.

  2. For a good cough and cold syrup, simmer a handful of garlic cloves in water until very soft. Mash the garlic and add an equal amount of honey. Stir in a tablespoon of vinegar.

  3. Eat garlic every day for a healthy heart and to live long.

  4. Rub mashed garlic on broken skin. It will encourage healing and discourage infection.

  5. To ease a nagging cough, sip on the juice of raw garlic cloves. It is best when sweetened with honey and flavored with caraway.

  6. Eat a clove of garlic each day to relieve dizziness.

  7. Children fed regularly with garlic will not develop worms.

  8. Chew a bit of parsley after eating garlic and it will moderate breath.

  9. A fine dressing for salads is produced by adding a garlic clove to cider vinegar.

  10. A light broth, rich in garlic, will soothe gas pains.

  11. Treat the distress of respiratory infections with hot soup, laced with sliced garlic.

  12. Prevent infection by wrapping minor abrasions with soft moss, soaked in garlic juice.

For questions relating to any issue of the Joyful Living Services newsletter, please contact Brenda.