Garlic (Allium sativum), originally from Central Asia, is one of the most ancient cultivated plants. It belongs to the Liliaceae family. Its shape consists of a single bulb, which can be composed of more or less numerous cloves. Garlic is not only a food, but also a real traditional medicinal remedy, considered useful for combating numerous ailments that can afflict our body.
THEgarlic (Allium sativum), originally from Central Asia, is one of the most ancient cultivated plants. It belongs to the Liliaceae family. Its shape consists of a single bulb, which can be composed of more or less numerous cloves. Garlic is not only a food, but also a real one traditional medicinal remedy, considered useful for combating numerous ailments that can afflict our body.
therapeutic use, should be taken daily at least four grams of garlic, but its flavor is not particularly pleasing to everyone. In place of the actual garlic, it is possible to resort to herbal extracts based on the same, which could be useful if you want to use garlic as a real natural drug.
The normal use of garlic cloves in one's diet can however constitute an important enrichment. To have garlic easily on hand, you can decide to cultivate at least some on your balcony or in the vegetable garden. In fact, garlic is found among the medicinal plants and they can be grown in pots, in order to create a real herbal garden. Whole garlic should be kept in the pantry, away from light, after having placed it in paper bags. Once opened, the ideal storage place is a container with a steel lid.
There are over 300 different species of garlic. L'white garlic represents the most common variety. Less common arepink garlic andred garlic, among the symbols of the agricultural biodiversity of our territory. Whatever your favorite type of garlic, it is good that you first know its beneficial properties.
beneficial properties of garlic
Garlic is considered to be the most powerful natural antibacterial. It has a hypotensive effect, that is, it helps to lower blood pressure. Helps thin the blood and contributes to lower cholesterol levels. Particularly by those who take drugs for the treatment of hypertension or for blood thinning, the consumption of garlic should be controlled, as it is able to enhance the effects of the drugs themselves. Consumption of garlic is contraindicated during the'nursing, as it makes the taste of breast milk unpleasant.
Garlic plays an important antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant. Its use for therapeutic purposes was already known over 5000 years ago, both in Chinese medicine and in Egyptian and Ayurvedic medicine. The consumption of garlic can be useful in case of diseases affecting the kidneys or the bladder, due to its purifying action.
Purifies the blood and tones thecirculatory system. Facilitates the proper functioning of the intestine. It is useful in case of headaches and irritability. Promotes digestion and the process of elimination of toxins by the body. It helps to fortify the immune system and is considered a natural remedy not to be underestimated in case of anemia. It can also be useful in case of fatigue and the need to counteract the accumulation of uric acid. Finally, unexpected events are attributed to garlic aphrodisiac properties.
Use of garlic
The use of garlic can be useful in case of Herpes or eczema, for which the application of a liquid herbal extract obtained from it is indicated. Since ancient times garlic has been attributed superstitious virtues, which is why braids of garlic were hung at the entrance of the houses, in such a way as to ward off evil spirits.
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As far as the food uses, the active ingredients present in garlic, with particular reference to allicin, the release of which is the cause of its characteristic odor, in order for it to maintain its beneficial characteristics, it should be used raw. L'raw garlic it can represent a condiment to be used in the preparation of pasta, in sauces or in combination with raw vegetables. If the garlic turns out indigestible, try to eliminate any sprouts and the innermost part before adding it to your dishes.
Small amounts of garlic can be taken daily to check its beneficial effects on blood pressure, in case of hypertension. A crushed clove of garlic, to be kept close to the aching tooth, can be useful in case of toothache to relieve pain, taking advantage of the antibacterial and analgesic properties of garlic itself. The application of liquid garlic extract can be useful in case of mosquito bites or small wounds ..
In addition to uses related to food and health protection, garlic is often used for prevent the arrival of parasites in the vegetable garden or in the garden. Planting garlic near the vegetables to be protected could be a useful first solution, especially if placed near tomatoes or lettuce. A clove of garlic placed at the foot of the rose plants it can help ward off aphids. It is also possible prepare a natural remedy to prevent the formation of parasites, in the form of a spray to be applied directly on plants.
Finally, if you love the garlic flavor and want to take advantage of its benefits for the body, but would like to avoid the repercussions of its taste on your breath, the grandmother's remedy is to chew some fresh parsley or coffee bean. You know other possible uses garlic as a natural remedy?
Marta Albè
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