The Garlic Plant

( Western & Chinese Herb )

LATIN NAME:

Allium sativum

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Garlic plant is a hardy, bulbous perennial that grows between two to three feet in height. It has long, green, strap-like leaves that hug a central rounded stem. In spring, a terminal cluster of small whitish flowers develops at the top of the stem. The bulb is made up of a number of cloves enclosed in a paper-like skin.

The Garlic plant is among the few herbs that is recognized for its universal use. The daily usage of garlic aids and supports the body in ways that no other herb does. Garlic is valued as a pungent culinary spice and as a medical remedy.

It can be eaten raw or cooked to release its therapeutic effects. Garlic enhances the flavor of most foods. The whole, roasted garlic bulbs are sweet and mild.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

* Increases sex drive

* Protects against heart disease

* Lowers LDL cholesterol

* Can reduce blood pressure

* Kills fungi

* Exhibits anti-microbial activity

* Clears chest infections

* Protects against blood clots

* May have cancer protective action

TARGET AILMENTS:

Chinese:

Take internally for:

* digestive disorders

* food poisoning from shellfish

* diarrhea

* conditions that require an enema

* coughs, colds,

* rheumatoid arthritis

Apply externally for:

* roundworm, hookworm, ringworm on the scalp

* carbuncles and swelling

* pinworm

* athlete’s foot.

Western:

Take internally for:

* high cholesterol

* high blood pressure

* arteriosclerosis

* digestive disorders

* bladder infection

* liver and gallbladder problems

* colds, cough, flu.

Apply externally:

* athlete’s foot ringworm of the body and scalp, minor skin infections.

PREPARATIONS AND DOSAGE:

Over the counter: Garlic is available as cloves, tinctures, and in tablet form.

At home: The clove should be eaten three times a day. If the smell becomes a problem, use garlic oil capsules.

Capsules: Take three once a day as a prophylactic or three times a day when an infection occurs. Take with a meal.

Tincture: Take 1 to 2 teaspoons daily.

Poultice: Crunch and apply a paste topically to the affected area.

Combinations: The Garlic plant combines well with Echinacea for microbial infections. a mixture.

Part used: Bulb

Collection: The bulb with its numerous cloves should be unearthed when the leaves begin to wither in early Fall.

Constituents: Volatile oil, mucilage, glucokinins

Actions: Antiseptic, anti-microbial, diaphoretic, anti-spasmodic, anti-catarrhal, expectorant, pectoral, stimulant, tonic

SIDE EFFECTS:

Not serious:

* When applying topically as a paste, do not tape in place because the oils can cause skin burns.

SPECIAL INFORMATION:

* Consult your physician before using garlic if you are pregnant.

* Garlic may irritate sensitive stomachs.

* Children need to be introduced to garlic very slowly.