For over 5,000 years, garlic has been thought of as the king of the healing herbs. The most useful part of the garlic plant is the bulb, which develops a series of partitions, or cloves. Although we think of garlic mainly as a food seasoning, many other cultures used it to cure everything from warts to witchcraft. In modern times, researchers are finding that the chemicals in garlic can, indeed, treat a wide variety of ailments. As an example, there is exciting new research that indicates garlic may be able to prevent certain cancers. Garlic has been known to have positive effects on the cardiovascular and digestive systems. It is also a powerful antibiotic that can cure yeast infections wherever they occur on the body.



While many people cannot tolerate the smell of garlic, it is this odor which gives away some of its most powerful ingredients - sulfur compounds. Many of the first antibiotics were based on sulfur, and are still in use today. Thus, it should come as no surprise that garlic can heal many infections. It works well for any infection that is bacterial or fungal in origin. This includes yeast infections and chest infections. For the most part, garlic is a safe remedy for a wide range of illnesses. However, garlic can interfere with anti-coagulants. It is also not recommended at therapeutic levels for pregnant women and those that are breastfeeding.

As with most other herbs, garlic is best used when fresh. It has been shown that 'deodorized' or "pearl capsules" have less healing potential than the natural form. Garlic cloves can be applied topically to treat a variety of skin disorders, including acne. For the treatment of skin infections, corns, warts, or acne, mash fresh garlic cloves and apply to the afflicted area. Eating garlic cloves regularly is also recommended for protecting against any number of infections.

Garlic cloves have also been successfully used as a viable long-term treatment for cardiovascular problems. This herb has been shown to effectively reduce cholesterol, and the plaques which cause atherosclerosis. Garlic has also been shown to dilate peripheral blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of thrombosis. Recent clinical trials have shown that 2 grams of garlic powder taken daily can prevent heart attacks in individuals who have already suffered one.

Garlic cloves have also been shown to regulate blood sugar levels, and may prove particularly effective in the treatment of adult-onset diabetes. While garlic can solve numerous digestive problems, it can irritate sensitive stomachs. For the treatment of severe digestive disorders, including dysentery, worms, and gastroenteritis, the consumption of 3-6 crushed cloves daily is recommended. For the treatment of intestinal parasites, maceration is recommended. Simply seep 3-4 garlic cloves in water or milk overnight and drink the next day. Garlic can also be easily consumed in capsule form; however, the powdered versions seem to work better.

some people think of garlic as a simple bulb that may smell bad when being cooked, but do wonderful things for the flavoring of food dishes. Other people may have noticed dietary supplements, or garlic capsules, and tried them to see if they would do any good. Across time, Garlic has proven its title as the "King of Herbs" because of its efficacy in treating a wide range of diseases safely and effectively.