NATURAL HERB

                                  GARLIC

English name: Garlic
Hindi name: Lahasun 
Sanskrit name: Rasona, Yavanesta
Latin name:  Allium Sativum Pennel

This plant of liliaceae family has a stem, which is more than a meter tall with leaves present in the bottom half of the stem. Flowers are replaced by bulblets, which are glabrous, whitish or with a reddish tinge. Flowering is during May to July.

Garlic, or Allium Sativum, a native of Central Asia dating back to over 5000 years is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. The ancient Egyptians believed that Garlic endowed with consecrated virtues were most worthy to be reverently placed in the tombs of Pharaohs.  To boost the strength and vitality garlic was bestowed to the slaves who built the pyramids. Besides this, during ancient times, the Greek, Roman soldiers and athletes, consumed garlic before leaving for the battlefield and sporting event to enhance their strength and stamina.

 Chemical composition

Garlic contains a wealth of sulphur compounds; most important for the taste is allicin (diallyl disulphide oxide), which is produced enzymatically from alliin (S-2-propenyl-L-cysteine sulfoxide) if cells are damaged; its biological function is to repel herbivorous animals. Allicin is deactivated to diallyl disulphide; therefore, minced garlic changes its aroma if not used immediately. In the essential oil from steam distillation, diallyl disulphide (60%) is found besides diallyl trisulphide (20%), diallyl sulfide, ajoene and minor amounts of other di- and polysulphides.

For ages, in various cuisines of the world, Garlic has been used as a key ingredient, for its unique aroma and flavour. Nevertheless, besides culinary uses, Garlic, the “Wonder Drug”, possesses various medicinal and healing properties; hence, are widely used for their therapeutic benefits, especially in countries like India.

A member of the lily family, garlic is a rich source of flavonoids, enzymes, antioxidants, mineral and vitamins such as Vitamins A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), vitamin B6, C, potassium, protein, copper, manganese, phosphorus, Zinc, selenium and Calcium.  Abundant in various potent substances, garlic contains two vital healthy components containing sulphur such as allicin and diallyl sulphide.

The popularity of garlic over the centuries has been incomparable. Various scientists across the globe have authenticated its medicinal and healing properties by unlocking the secrets of garlic fondly known as the Stinking Rose.

   Effect on dosha

 Pacifies Vata and Kapha

Application

Garlic has a very long folk history of use in a wide range of ailments, particularly ailments such as ringworm, Candida and vaginitis where it's fungicidal, antiseptic, tonic and parasiticidal properties have proved of benefit. The plant produces inhibitory effects on gram-negative germs of the typhoid-paratyphoid-enteritis group; indeed it possesses outstanding germicidal properties and can keep amoebic dysentery at bay. It is also said to have anticancer activity. Garlic reduces glucose metabolism in diabetics, slows the development of arteriosclerosis and lowers the risk of further heart attacks in myocardial infarct patients. Externally, the expressed juice is an excellent antiseptic for treating wounds.

 Health Benefits of Garlic

1) Anti cancer food

Garlic contains innumerable anti carcinogenic properties and antioxidants that prevent formation of cancerous substances, inhibiting the growth of tumours. These include potent substances such as quercetin, diallyl sulphide, allin and ajoene.  Ajoene and allicin work as natural chemotherapy due to their ability to restrict and bind the cancer cells. According to scientists at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, a diet rich in Garlic prevents various cancers such as the colon, breast and prostate as Garlic has the power to enhance production of Hydrogen Sulphide.

Recent Research suggests that meat cooked at very high temperatures touching 400F/204C, produce cancer (carcinogenic) related properties.  This is one of the leading causes for the incidence of breast cancer among meat eating women as these properties have a tendency to change into DNA damaging substances. However one of the compounds in garlic containing sulphur, Diallyl sulfide (DAS), inhibits the transformation of these chemicals to cancer causing agents `

2)  Healthy Cholesterol Levels

Garlic offers incredible cardiovascular benefits. The antioxidant properties of Garlic lower triglyceride levels and total cholesterol from 5 to 15%. They also prevent oxidization of LDL (Low Density Lip Protein) thereby protecting against plaque build-up, which tends to clog the arteries.

3) Prevents Atherosclerosis

Besides the ability to protect the arteries from clogging, Garlic prevents formation of clots within the blood vessels. A substance known as Ajoene present in garlic contains anti-clotting properties that prevent the platelets from becoming too sticky and clumping together to form a clot.

4) Lowers Blood Pressure

Another impressive benefit of garlic is the ability to stabilize blood pressure levels. Allicin, a substance in garlic impedes the movement of angiotensin II, a peptide (a tiny piece of protein) that is responsible for the contraction of the blood vessels. This contraction causes the blood flow forcefully through a constricted space, resulting in increased pressure.

5) Relieves Oxidative stress

Several studies have proved that Garlic helps reduce oxidative stress (free radicals) in the blood.

6) Promotes Circulatory health

Garlic acts as a blood thinner as they contain salicylate content, which has the ability to make blood thinner.  This enables proper blood flow and enhances circulatory health.

7) Cure for Impotence

Due to its ability to enhance circulatory health, Garlic acts as a fantastic cure for impotence.

8) Benefits of Garlic in Stabilizing Blood sugar

Allicin, a substance present in garlic increases insulin secretion and slows down the glycation process, which occurs when blood sugar increase. Besides this, garlic prevents diabetic complications of the eye, kidneys, skin, heart and the blood vessels.

9) Promotes Immunity

Rich in antioxidants garlic has a very healthy effect on the immune system.  Therefore, they act as a protective shield against all kinds of bacteria and viruses attacking the body.

10) Prevents Yeast Candida infections

Apart from protecting the body from invasion of bacteria and other viruses, garlic also safeguards the body from other microbes like worms, parasites fungi and yeast. This is chiefly due to the presence of ajoene, that prevent yeast candid albicans.

11) Protects infection from Burns

Garlic also prevents infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that attacks patients suffering from burns.

12) Helps Absorption of Minerals

According to a study conducted by Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, garlic taken in conjunction with whole grains appear to increase the body’s absorption of iron and zinc.

13) Garlic helps to Reduce Fatty liver

Garlic has a miraculous effect on the symptoms of fatty liver.  Loaded with allicin and selenium, Garlic enhances bile production that reduces the fatty liver condition.

14) Liver Cleanse

Garlic activates the liver enzymes and helps the body get rid of unwanted toxins.  The liver needs sulphur to detoxify the body from harsh medications or environmental toxins. Since garlic is a great source of sulphur it is a healthy food for the liver

15) Natural antibiotic

Raw garlic acts as a natural antibiotic, destroying bacteria that become immune to antibiotics.

16) Protects from Osteoarthritis

Garlic contains anti-inflammatory properties that protect against osteoarthritis, a degenerative disease that result in the loss of cartilage between joints.

17) Improves Iron metabolism

Garlic helps increase the production of Ferro protein thus enabling better absorption of iron in the body.

18) Improves Babies weight

Expectant mothers consuming Garlic may improve weight of the baby in the womb, thus preventing low weight babies.

19) Removes poison from Insect Bites

Garlic juice applied with salt to the affected area of insect bites like centipede and scorpions help remove poison from the blood and reduce pain.

20) Protect against Metal poisoning

Aged garlic protects the body from heavy metal poisoning.

21) Relief for Herpes

Crushed garlic applied to the affected area provides relief from herpes

22) Combats Allergies

The antiviral properties in garlic help combat allergies

23) Relieves Sinusitis

According to ancient folklore, inhaling the fumes of chopped garlic in a streamer proves effective.  Another method is to place a couple of garlic cloves between the gum and teeth, biting occasionally to release their potent substances.  However, these ought to be replaced frequently and kept for a few days, (not while sleeping though) to achieve better results.

24) Reduces Snoring

Sinus blockage results in heavy snoring. Garlic inhalation, providing immense relief from sinusitis, ultimately reduces snoring.

25) Toothache Remedy

A wonderful remedy for toothache is applying a clove of garlic to the affected area.

26) Resolves Gingivitis

Chewing three to five cloves of garlic post meal help resolve gingivitis, a condition caused due to the inflammation, bleeding and swelling of the gums.

27) Prevents Cataracts

Consuming a couple of garlic cloves everyday prevents cataract and improves vision. (Also readHow to take care of your eyes)

28) Remedy for Sty

A chopped piece of garlic applied directly on the sty works wonders. Apart from this applying mashed garlic with a q tip on to the sty gets rid of it rapidly.

29) Backache Relief

Consuming garlic regularly gives relief and prevents backache.

 30) Prevents Tuberculosis

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is receptive to numerous sulphur components present in garlic. 

31) Cough Remedy

The antibacterial properties of garlic make it an excellent remedy for cough. A mixture of honey and garlic makes an excellent expectorant providing relief from cough.

32) Effective for Food poisoning

A natural antibiotic, Garlic with antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties, is several times more effective than antibiotics, erythromycin and ciprofloxacin, medications generally prescribed for treatment of food poisoning.

33) Asthma Remedy

Garlic combined with honey acts as an excellent remedy for an asthma attack.

34) Prevents Bladder infections

Consuming a teaspoon of garlic juice effectively kills the bacteria that are the major cause of bladder infections.

35) Great Mosquito repellent

Garlic makes a great mosquito repellent.  Hence, many of the commercially available mosquito repellents include garlic as one of the main ingredients.

 Beauty Benefits of Garlic

36) Aids Weight loss

Garlic benefits to boost metabolism.  Therefore, juice of half a lemon mixed in lukewarm water taken with two cloves of garlic twice a day for three months provides positive results.

37) Prevents Hair Loss

Garlic strengthens the hair roots thus preventing breakage. They facilitate proper blood supply to the scalp thereby removing harmful toxins and infections from the scalp.

38) Acne Treatment

Garlic works as a blood cleanser, cleansing the system from within. Taking two cloves of garlic every morning with warm water makes the skin glow and gets rid of blemishes and blackheads. 

39) Anti Wrinkle Food

Garlic, a potent antioxidant, helps in improving the skin elasticity of the face. Garlic contains sulfur, which helps the body produce collagen. They also contain a wealth of skin-protective polyphenols. Therefore a garlic clove, chopped into several pill-size pieces, taken every day, works beautifully well to protect the skin from damages that results in wrinkles. Read home remedies for wrinkles

40) Anti ageing Solution

Garlic has proven powerful antioxidant properties protecting the skin against damage caused by free radicals, oxidation, and environmental stressors. This prevents signs of aging caused because of skin damage.

The benefits and uses of this “Miracle Food” have been indisputable over the centuries.  Hence, they have remained synonymous with eternal youth, health, vigour and vitality.

Herbal remedies have been used by people in different parts of the world to treat a variety of conditions. When it comes to cancer, many people with a strong belief in alternative therapy will often approach an herbal medicine practitioner to find relief from the symptoms of the condition, alleviate the side effects of radiation or chemotherapy or to prevent spreading of the cancer. Considering the astounding findings being thrown up by studies on the medicinal properties of herbs, modern-day research is beginning to focus on the usefulness of herbal drugs in cancer.

Basics of Cancer

Cancer basically consists of normal cells getting transformed into abnormal ones by activation of certain oncogenes and suppression of certain other genes that normally suppress tumour formation. These abnormal cells then grow in an uncontrolled manner, avoiding the process of cell death called apoptosis that normal cells undergo. New blood vessels develop to supply nutrition to the tumour and this growth soon attacks other tissues and spread all over the body. The presence of chronic inflammation has been linked to cancer growth and much of the current research on herbal drugs shows that plant ingredients that can reduce or control inflammation are valuable against cancer.

Turmeric

People living in countries like India, where turmeric is regularly consumed, show low rates for some cancers and perhaps this is the reason behind it. Turmeric contains an ingredient called curcumin and research shows that this may have a preventive action against cancer. It has been found to show an ability to differentiate between normal and cancerous cells and can create apoptosis selectively in the latter; besides, it also helps the normal cells stay healthy and thrive. In laboratory studies, turmeric shows best results against cancers of the bowel, skin, breast and stomach. Some studies have also found that curcumin suppresses a mechanism that is responsible for growth of tumours in cancer of the head and neck.

Tulsi

Tulsi is well known for its expectorant properties, making it a valuable ingredient for home remedies for cough and cold. However, researchers are now finding that it is a rich source of antioxidants that helps prevent the negative effects of oxidative stress in the body. One of its components, carnosol, has shown promising results in liver, stomach and prostate cancer as well as leukaemia; it is believed to reduce the size of the blood vessels that supply the tumour and this slows down its growth.

Saffron

A costly ingredient that is generally reserved for use in sweet preparations, saffron has been found to reduce tumour growth in animal experiments. Saffron contains a carotenoid called crocin that reduces the rate of tumour growth probably by inhibiting the synthesis of DNA and RNA in the cancerous cells or by exerting an antioxidant action. In liver cancer studies, saffron was found to stimulate apoptosis and blocking the inflammatory response.

Ginger

Ginger is most well-known for its use as a digestive and the important role it plays in combating nausea. Now, researchers are finding that ginger tends to cause apoptosis in breast and ovarian cancer and leukaemia.  More importantly, it has been found that this ability to kill cells is a selective one – only the cancerous cells are attacked, while the normal cells are left unaffected. Some research studies also show that ginger stops the action of enzymes associated with cancer and causes the body to synthesise a greater number of proteins with cancer-fighting properties

Garlic

Garlic gives a typical flavour to food and this prized quality is a result of the sulphur-containing ingredients present in it. Since the past few years, it has been recognised for its action as a digestive, an expectorant, and a cholesterol-lowering agent. Now, preliminary research is showing that consuming garlic may also prevent the development of cancer in the gastrointestinal tract – the mouth, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum – the breast and pancreas.

Aloe Vera

Traditionally recognised for its value in injuries to the skin and as a laxative, aloe vera is now being studied for anti-cancer properties. Researchers have found that aloe contains an ingredient called acemannan that has antiviral and anti-inflammatory action as well as the ability to stimulate the immune system; this, along with its lack of toxic effect even at high doses has spurred further investigation into its use against cancer.

Some of the most widely used allopathic cancer drugs have been derived from nature – vincristine and vinblastine from the Vinca or periwinkle plant and taxol from the yew plant are examples that easily come to mind. Yet another substance called camptothecin found in the Mappia foetida plant is widely used as an over the counter remedy for cancer in the USA. Although Mappia foetida is not mentioned anywhere in Ayurvedic or Siddha literature as having anticancer action, camptothecin has been found effective against different forms of cancer.

What all this indicates is that many herbs are a storehouse of ingredients that have been hitherto unrecognised for their medicinal value. Including them in your diet can have a cancer preventive action and for people diagnosed with cancer, these herbs alone or in combination with allopathic drugs may prove useful in combating the disease. The fact that they have shown promising results in laboratory studies indicates that in the near future, it is quite likely that herbs will occupy a greater place in the fight against cancer.

A new study suggests that dark chocolate can help in anger management! Researchers claim that the polyphenols in dark chocolate increase calmness and the sense of contentment!  Polyphenols are found naturally in plants and are a basic component of the human diet. These compounds have been shown to reduce oxidative stress which is associated with many diseases. They may also have beneficial psychological effects, scientists believe.

‘Anecdotally, chocolate is often linked to mood enhancement,’ said lead author of the study, Matthew Pase, from Swinburne University of Technology, Australia. ‘This clinical trial is perhaps the first to scientifically demonstrate the positive effects of cocoa polyphenols on mood,’ Pase said.

Seventy-two healthy men and women aged 40-65 years took part in the randomised study to receive a dark chocolate drink mix standardised to contain either 500 mg of cocoa polyphenols, 250 mg of cocoa polyphenols or 0 mg of cocoa polyphenols. The drink mixes were given to participants in identical packaging so that both the investigators and participants were unaware of which treatment they were receiving. Participants drank their assigned drink once a day for 30 days.

After 30 days, those who drank the high dose concentration of cocoa polyphenols reported greater calmness and contentedness than those who drank either of the other drink mixes. The researchers did not find any evidence that cocoa polyphenols significantly improved cognitive performance.

Additionally, only those who consumed the highest amount of polyphenols (500 mg per day) reported any significant positive effects. Participants who consumed a moderate amount (250 mg per day) reported no significant effects. The study was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology.

Earlier research has shown that dark chocolate has immense health benefits but only when consumed in moderate amounts. It’s supposed to keep heart disease away, lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol.

Here are some of the some benefits of dark chocolate:

1. Reduces heart attack risk – Antioxidants protect the body from aging caused by free radicals, which can suppress the chances of heart attacks. Also it is the oxidative damage by free radicals that is responsible for cancer.

2. Lowers blood pressure – Flavonoids (the antioxidants in chocolate) lower high blood pressure through the production of nitric acid and helps maintain hormonal balance.

3. Lowers cholesterol- Dark chocolate Lowers LDL cholesterol (the bad kind) by 10% according to some studies.

4. Makes you happy – Like exercising, chocolate stimulates endorphin production which gives an immense sense of pleasure. Alcohol too gives an endorphin high but then chocolate is a much healthier option and isn’t known to cause liver damage.

5. Lowers depression – Chocolate raises your serotonin level (neurotransmitter) which acts as an anti-depressant.

6. Acts as a stimulant – Theobromine can be described as a stimulant similar to caffeine but without affecting the Central Nervous System to a great extent which gives a similar feel-good effect.

7. Mostly contains good fat – Chocolate contains three kinds of fat in equal proportion:

The Good: Oleic Acid is a healthy monounsaturated fat that occurs in olive oil as well.

The Neutral: Stearic Acid is a saturated fat but one which research shows has no effect on cholesterol levels.

The Ugly: Palmitic Acid is also a saturated fat (the bad fat), one which raises cholesterol and heart disease risk. So we can see 2/3 of the fat from dark chocolate isn’t bad at all. We are not saying that you tuck into a pound of chocolate a day though.

8. Acts as an aphrodisiac – Chocolate has long been linked to sexual desire. In fact it was the Aztecs who drew a connection between cocoa beans and libido. Chocolate contains two chemicals with aphrodisiac qualities: tryptophan (building block of serotonin) a brain chemical involved in sexual arousal and  phenylethylamine, a stimulant related to amphetamine, which is released in the brain when people fall in love.

9. Contains lots of natural minerals – As a plant-based cocoa contains many naturally occurring minerals that boost your health. Some of them are copper, iron, magnesium, potassium and calcium.

Overconsumption of dark chocolate may lead to obesity and other related diseases