GARLIC
Garlic is a perennial herb whose bulb, composed of small cloves, is readily identifiable by its particular odor. The odor is due to the many different sulphur compounds present inside each clove. Garlic usually grows to a height of about 2 feet and has flat, long, pointed leaves. Garlic flowers in mid-summer and the colors range from pink to white; the flowers are quite edible. Many varieties of garlic exist. Some of the large, white-skinned types are referred to as American or California garlic. The many varieties with pink- or purple-skinned bulbs may be called Chilean, Creole, Mexican or Italian. Garlic grows well all over the continental United States, although it seems to do best in dry, mild regions. In northern climates garlic doesn't develop as large a bulb because of the shorter growing season. Elephant garlic is a garlic relative whose large heads of 4 to 6 cloves can reach the size of an orange. Rocambole is another type of garlic sometimes seen in the gardens of garlic lovers. It goes by other names such as Italian or French garlic and looks somewhat dramatic, with many flat leaves like those of garlic chives appearing in spring and looped flower stalks in summer. The "flower" head of this particular garlic opens to reveal a cluster of bulbils instead of flowers. All parts of rocambole are edible and these bulbs are harvested just like those of regular garlic. According to some who have grown it, French or Italian garlic is well worth growing for different reasons. For one thing, the bulbs seem to keep very well; for another, the cloves peel a lot easier; and finally the flavor is quite good. Garlic is an effective remedy against bacterial, fungal, viral and parasitic infections. Raw garlic when crushed releases allicin, which has been shown to be a more powerfully antibiotic than penicillin and tetracycline. Garlic can be used for sore throats, colds, flu, bronchial and lung infections, infections in the gut and to help re-establish beneficial bacterial population after an infection or antibiotic treatment. Garlic is an effective remedy for worms as well as for candidiasis, and thrush in the mouth or vagina when used locally. Garlic improves digestion, relieves gas and distension, enhances absorption and assimilation of food. Garlic also enhances the production of insulin by the pancreas, making it an excellent remedy to lower blood sugar in diabetics. Garlic acts as a decongestant. Garlic is an excellent expectorant remedy for acute and chronic bronchitis, whooping cough and bronchial asthma, as well as sinusitis, chronic catarrh, hay fever and rhinitis. Garlic can significantly lower blood cholesterol. Garlic also reduces blood pressure and the tendency of blood to clot, thereby helping to prevent heart attacks and strokes. Garlic opens up the blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood to the tissues, increasing the circulation, relieving cramps and circulatory disorders. Recent research has shown that garlic acts as a powerful antioxidant and its sulphur compounds have antitumour activities, while it is also said to protect the body against the effects of pollution and nicotine. Traditional remedy - Garlic has always been esteemed for its healing powers and before the development of antibiotics it was a treatment for all manner of infections, from tuberculosis to typhoid. Bronchial infections - Garlic is an excellent remedy for all types of chest infections. Garlic is good for colds, flu, and ear infections, and it helps to reduce mucus. Digestive tract - Digestive infections respond well to garlic. The herb can also rid the body of intestinal parasites. Circulatory remedy - Garlic prevents circulatory problems and strokes by keeping the blood thin. Garlic lowers cholesterol levels and blood pressure. Other medical uses - Garlic is used for infections, and may be taken with conventional antibiotics to support their action and ward off side effects. Also, garlic reduces blood sugar levels and can help in late-onset diabetes.Abscess, Altitude sickness, Aneurysm, Breast cancer, Colorectal cancer, Endometrial cancer, Glue ear, Hantavirus, High Triglycerides (TGs), Septicemia, Strep throat, Stomach cancer, Thrombophlebitis, Toxic shock syndrome, Viral Infection, Xanthomatosis.
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