Garlic’s botanical name, Allium sativum and it is the one of the oldest plants to be widely used as a natural medicinal ingredient for centuries, both in its fresh plant form and as a supplement. It has been used as a Siddha medical herb and cooking spice in Tamil Culture in India for many centuries. In Tamil Language, it is known as Poondu and the Siddha medical System recommend garlic as medicine for many diseases. It’s commonly said “a single bulb of garlic a day, keep diseases away”.

It is cultivated throughout world and the parts used are the pulp and the oil.  Garlic is easy to grow and can be grown year-round in mild climates. China and India are the largest producers of Garlic .It is very hot in action, a stimulant and reduces vayu (gas) and kapha (Cold) disorders. Garlic plays important part in many or most dishes around the world and its flavour varies in intensity and aroma with the different cooking methods. It is packed with vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 and C, as well as other minerals and nutrients such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and proteins.

Garlic has been popular for many centuries in Siddha Medicine in South India for its medicinal value and I have listed some of the medicinal benefits below

• Athlete’s foot can be treated

• Antioxidant and it is rich in vitamin B6 which helps to build a healthy immune system.

• Anticoagulant - Cardiovascular disease can be reduced

• Controls your weight

• Clears Acne

• Helps to fight chest infections, coughs and congestion

• Lowers blood pressure levels

• Its anti-inflammatory properties is useful in reliving psoriasis outbreaks Splinters can be removed with garlic

• Regulates blood sugar as it enhances the level of insulin in the blood and assist in the control of diabetes

• Reduces fat level in liver

• A high level of allicin helps in reducing hair loss.

• Prevents Food Poisoning

• Treating asthma, ear infections and to remove pain from the throat and the pain caused by insect bites from scorpions.

• Tumours have reduced when treated with garlic

• Vitamin B6 has cancer fighting abilities and it helps in the prevention of multiple types of cancer ( Bladder cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer and stomach cancer)

Dosage:

Adult: Max of 3 cloves a day (One in Morning, One in Afternoon and One in Evening)

Children above 5 years: Max of 1 clove a day (Half in Morning and Half in Evening)

Storage Method:

• Leave garlic unpeeled and freeze.

• Garlic will keep longer if the tops remain attached.

• If no freezer garlic can be stored warm and dry upto 3 months without peeling (at 16 to 20 degrees).

• Garlic bulbs must be discarded, if they are soft or spongy or show signs of mould.

The above information is to share the knowledge of Traditional Siddha Herbs and do not serve as a medical advice.