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Page 19
| group of sulphur-containing compounds, notably allicin, which account for its medicinal activity. Deodorizing garlic by removing the allicin thus makes the remedy markedly less effective. |
| Parts used: Clove. |
| Actions: Antibiotic, antihistamine, antiparasitic, antithrombotic, diaphoretic, expectorant, hypotensive, reduces cholesterol level, reduces blood sugar levels. |
| Uses: Garlic has been used since ancient times as a remedy for colds, chest infections, and digestive upsets, including amoebic dysentery; today we know it is strongly antibacterial and antifungal, thus active against a wide spectrum of infections. It also reduces cholesterol levels in the blood, helping to prevent the development of arteriosclerosis. |
| In the East, garlic has long been regarded as an important tonic for the elderly, helping to improve weak digestive function, and researchers have now shown that low doses of garlic (typically a daily clove used in cooking) do indeed have a tonifying effect on the intestine, improving peristalsis and performance. For colds and catarrhal problems take up to 2 g of garlic in capsule form daily. If using fresh garlic, mash one clove and mix with 1/2 cup of hot milk to make a pungent, but palatable drink. Repeat up to three times a day. Eating parsley can help to reduce garlic odor. |
| Caution: High doses of garlic are best avoided in pregnancy and lactation as they may lead to heartburn or may flavor breast milk. |
| Ginger (Zingiber Officinalis) |
| Ginger originated in tropical Asia and spread to Europe in ancient times; it is mentioned by the Romans, listed in some of the earliest Chinese herbals, regarded in Ayurvedic medicine as a universal medicine, and introduced by the Spaniards to America where it is now cultivated extensively in the West Indies. It has a pungent, aromatic flavor and is widely used as a commercial flavoring. As a |
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