Garlic, Powder (Allium sativum)

Parts used: Bulb

Properties

Adaptogen, alterative, antibiotic, anti-coagulant, antifungal, antineoplastic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, blood purifier, diaphoretic, digestive, expectorant, febrifuge, rubefacient, stimulant, vulnerary

Primary nutrients

Calcium, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, sodium, sulfur, vitamins A, B-complex, and C

Garlic is well known for its health benefits.  Garlic is nature’s antibiotic.  It is effective against bacteria that may be resistant to other antibiotics, and it stimulates the lymphatic system to throw off waste material.  Unlike other antibiotics, garlic does not destroy the body’s natural flora.  Instead, it has the ability to stimulate cell growth and activity, thus rejuvenating all body functions.  It opens up blood vessels and reduces hypertension.  Garlic is a health-building and disease-preventing herb.

Garlic is known to be effective in inhibiting bacterial growth.  Garlic has been found to be effective in inhibiting the growth of many different strains of mycobacterium.  Garlic also contains broad-spectrum capabilities for fighting bacteria, viruses, worms and fungi.  Garlic extracts have been found to contain anti-fungal activity, which may help in cases of candidiasis.

Several studies link garlic to lower incidence of cardiovascular disease.  Garlic has been found to reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, lower blood pressure, increase immunity, and reduce the blood’s clotting ability.

Garlic contains antitumor properties and studies have shown it has the ability to inhibit the growth of cancer-causing nitrosamine.  Results showed that garlic may be toxic to some cancer cells and may encourage the immune system to spot the invaders and destroy them.  This allows for a natural immune process for destroying tumor cells.

Garlic is thought to stimulate the lymphatic system in ridding itself of toxins. Studies have found that garlic will lower cholesterol, prevent blood clotting, protect the liver from drugs and toxins, kill parasites and worms, and protect the cells from free-radical and radiation damage.

Garlic is often used to prevent disease and heal the body.  It is nourishing for the body, especially the heart, circulation, stomach, spleen and lungs.  It has been used to stimulate circulation and to help the immune system function more effectively.  It may help prevent some forms of cancer, heart disease, strokes and infections.