How to use garlic to prevent and treat diseases

Garlic is one of the most beneficial plants in the field of natural medicine, having been used for thousands of years in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China, and Greece to promote health and treat many diseases. Thanks to its active compounds like allicin, garlic possesses antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In this article, we will review the best ways to use garlic for disease prevention and treatment, mentioning its scientifically proven health benefits.

Health Benefits of Garlic

Before discussing how to use it, it’s important to know the main benefits of garlic:

1. Boosting Immunity: Strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of viral and bacterial infections.
2. Lowering Blood Pressure: Helps dilate blood vessels, thus reducing high blood pressure.
3. Improving Heart Health: Reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and prevents atherosclerosis.
4. Fighting Inflammation: Contains compounds that reduce chronic inflammation associated with diseases like diabetes and arthritis.
5. Antifungal: Effective in treating fungal infections such as athlete’s foot.
6. Improving Digestion: Stimulates the secretion of digestive juices and helps in expelling intestinal parasites.
7. Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that garlic may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, especially stomach and colon cancer.

How to Use Garlic for Prevention and Treatment

1. Eating Raw Garlic on an Empty Stomach

• Method: Swallow one or two cloves of garlic in the morning with a glass of water, or chew it (but this may cause a strong odor).
• Benefit: Strengthens immunity, cleanses the body of toxins, and improves blood circulation.
• Note: Honey can be added to alleviate the pungent taste.

2. Garlic Tea

• Ingredients:
  • 3-4 crushed garlic cloves
  • One cup of hot water
  • Juice of one lemon (optional)
  • One tablespoon of honey (to sweeten)
• Method: Steep the garlic in hot water for 5 minutes, then strain and drink.
• Benefit: Beneficial for colds, sore throats, and respiratory infections.

3. Garlic Oil for Massage and Topical Treatment

• Ingredients:
  • Chopped garlic cloves
  • Olive oil or coconut oil
• Method: Soak the garlic in the oil for 24 hours, then strain and use the oil for massage.
• Uses:
  • Relieving joint and muscle pain.
  • Treating skin infections and fungi.
  • Stimulating hair growth when massaging the scalp with it.

4. Garlic with Honey

• Ingredients:
  • Chopped garlic cloves
  • Natural honey
• Method: Mix the garlic with honey and let it sit for 3 days before use.
• Benefit: Natural antibiotic, treats coughs, and strengthens immunity.

5. Garlic Milk

• Ingredients:
  • 2-3 crushed garlic cloves
  • One cup of warm milk
• Method: Boil the garlic with milk, then drink it before bed.
• Benefit: Helps in treating insomnia, coughs, and bronchitis.

6. Garlic with Yogurt (for Improving Digestion)

• Ingredients:
  • One crushed garlic clove
  • One cup of natural yogurt
• Method: Mix the garlic with yogurt and consume.
• Benefit: Improves gut health and protects against digestive tract infections.

Warnings and Precautions

• Do not overconsume: Excessive intake of raw garlic can cause heartburn or irritable bowel.
• Avoid before surgery: As it may increase bleeding.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women: Should consult a doctor before consuming large amounts.
• Interaction with medications: May affect blood-thinning medications like warfarin.

Conclusion

Garlic is considered a complete natural pharmacy and can be used in various ways for disease prevention and treatment. Whether raw, with honey, in tea, or as a topical oil, incorporating garlic into your daily routine can significantly boost your health. However, it is advised not to overconsume it and to consider specific health conditions. Continue to use garlic regularly to fortify your body against diseases! 🌿🧄