While garlic (Allium sativum) is best known as a culinary herb
and vampire retardant, the medicinal benefits and claims for garlic have awarded it the
name "wonder drug among all herbs". Garlic has been used all over the world for
thousands of years for a wide range of health benefits.
Modern day research helps explain the broad applications of this "miracle" herb.
The same component that gives garlic it's strong odor is the one that destroys, or
inhibits various bacteria and fungi. When garlic is crushed, it's alliim is converted tot
he pungent allicin by the action of the allinase enzyme. Allicin is associated with
many of garlic's beneficial properties.
Garlic is reported to be effective against a range of microbes, and is the reason it is
used in folk medicine to threat various infections. Garlic oil has expectorant properties
which may explain its use for respiratory health, helping opening up lungs and bronchial
tubes.
Ancient herbalists and traditional healers were on to a food that may be
very helpful in addressing a host of health challenges, including heart disease and cell
damage caused by pollutants, radiation and aging. Studies suggest that garlic, contains
more than 200 different compounds, with biological activities that can favorably influence
long term health and well-being. For example, garlic preparations have been shown in
laboratory studies, to support normal cell growth and normal circulation and heart
health..
One effect garlic has is supporting normal blood pressure. Dr. F. G. Piotrowski, of
the University of Geneva, used garlic on patients with abnormally high blood pressure. The
study revealed that garlic treatment brought "excellent results". Garlic,
according to Dr. Piotrowski, has a dilating effect on blood vessels and thus
is effective in reducing blood pressure
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