Garlic is Native to central Asia, South Asia and southwestern Siberia. It is also known to be world’s oldest cultivated crops. Garlic’s name originates from Garleac. It is from the lily family and relates to onion, leeks, chives and shallots. This strong smelled sulphur containing plant is mostly used to boost immunity and increases the ability of the body to fight against various infections. The allyl sulphur compounds in Garlic give it a distinctive smell and pungency.
Garlic is been used in Ayurveda for treating cold and cough and it’s symptoms by facilitating the release of mucus from the respiratory tract. It helps to maintain healthy body weight by boosting metabolism. Scientifically, garlic is found to promote cardiac health by maintaining the levels of good and bad cholesterol in the blood. It acts as a vasodilatory agent that widens the blood vessels, thus preventing plaque formation in arteries (which can later lead to Atherosclerosis) and managing blood pressure levels. The anti-oxidant property of garlic also helps in reducing the oxidative stress in the body further lowering the chances of blood clot formation, heart disease and cancer.
Raw Garlic: 1-2 raw garlic cloves. Juice: 5-10 ml once or twice a day Capsule: 1-2 capsule in day. Oil: 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
Garlic Side-effects and Warnings
Common side-effects: Vomiting if consumed in large amount. Not so common side-effects: Not known. Pregnant or Nursing Mothers: Avoid excessive therapeutic doses Children: Not known.
Chinmayi is a Nutritionist turned Marketer, with Masters in both Marketing and Nutrition. Her focus is to combine her knowledge to understand and evangelize Ayurveda.
Do you want to learn more? Ask us! OR Do you know more about this topic? Educate us.