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| dient, helps prevent clot formation by inhibiting platelet aggregation that leads to strokes and heart attacks. |
| Although garlic supplements have no adverse side effects and fresh garlic's only problems are its odor and, in large quantities, some digestive disturbance, garlic may have one significant danger. Health officials warn that homemade garlic oil, consisting of olive oil and garlic, can harbor botulism. Commercial garlic and oil preparations are now required to contain lemon juice, vinegar, tomatoes or other acidifying ingredients or to be processed at high temperatures to prevent the growth of botulism bacteria. The traditional method of letting garlic and olive oil stand in sunlight for several days is considered unsafe for internal consumption. |
| To avoid garlic's social disadvantage, eat fresh garlic with large quantities of chlorophyll-rich plants, such as fresh parsley, or take a breath-freshening product that works internally, such as Breath Assure. |
| To increase garlic's benefits, combine it with onion whenever possible. Onion has its own heart-friendly medicinal properties, including blood-thinning, blood-purifying, digestive and diuretic effects. |
| Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) |
| Rich in volatile oils, ginger is both a popular culinary spice and a medicinal plant. Classified as a stimulant, carminative and rubefacient, ginger improves circulation and digestion, relieves intestinal gas and increases blood circulation to the skin when applied externally. |
| Add ginger to any herbal tea for improved flavor and to enhance the tea's action. Brew fresh-cut or grated ginger as an infusion; dried or powdered ginger should be simmered as a decoction. Ginger makes a delightful tea by itself; use 1 tsp. fresh root or 1-1/2 tsp. dried |
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