Garlic

Garlic is commonly known as "lahsun" in Hindi, and it's a perennial herb from the Allium family, like onions, shallots, and leeks. Garlic is known primarily for its intense odour and flavour, which naturally ensures that most foods worldwide are enhanced with garlic. However, beyond the kitchen, garlic has an incredible medicine powerhouse history. From infections to cardiovascular diseases, garlic has been given to millions worldwide for thousands of years. Garlic is grown underground as bulbs; one bulb contains several cloves. Each clove is richly filled with sulphur compounds that are accountable for its pungent smell, besides providing multiple health benefits.

Garlic is called by other names in different parts of the globe due to its value and importance.

• Lahsun: Hindi
• Ajo: Spanish
• Allium: Scientific name
• Knoblauch: German
• Alho: Portuguese

Garlic is a nutritionally rich food with many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Some of the contents found in 100 grams of garlic are as follows:

Garlic has been used for ages due to its medicinal properties, and it is mentioned in Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and Chinese texts. The medicinal properties of garlic mainly arise from its most notable sulphur compounds, which have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. All these compounds make garlic an excellent medicine for the stimulation of immunity, cholesterol reduction, and health and well-being of the heart. Garlic is a component that, as prescribed by Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, should be administered to live a longer life and several diseases.

Health benefits associated with garlic go beyond culinary application. Here are some of the best-researched health benefits of garlic:

1. Boosts the Immune System

It promotes the immune system and has high sulphur compounds such as allicin levels. These compounds increase the body's defense against various infections. Generally, regular intake of garlic will reduce the severity and duration of common diseases such as flu and colds.

2. Lower Cholesterol Levels

Garlic reduces LDL (bad) cholesterol and, to a tiny extent, it raises HDL (good) cholesterol. The antioxidants in garlic inhibit the development of plaques inside arteries, reducing the chances of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, or strokes.

3. Blood Pressure Control

Garlic is helpful for those with high blood pressure. Daily garlic intake may control blood pressure levels as it functions as a natural dilator of blood vessels and calms them.

4. Anti-Cancer Property

Garlic also contains compounds that may reduce the risks of certain cancers, like stomach, colon, and esophageal cancer, through compound contribution. The antioxidants in this food even regulate the oxidative damage causing cancer through free radicals neutralisation.

5. Healthy Digestive System

Garlic has prebiotic effects that enhance healthy gut bacteria, aiding in digestion. It also has anti-inflammatory effects to improve gastrointestinal disorders like bloating, indigestion, and flatulence.

6. Healthy Skin and Hair

The bacterial, antiviral, or antifungal activities and antioxidant properties of garlic benefits for skin. Acne is reduced, infections are prevented, and wound healing is enhanced. When the application is to the scalp, the hair growth is stimulated, and the overall scalp health is improved.

Garlic is a common ingredient in both culinary and medicinal traditions worldwide. Its characteristic flavour and wide-ranging health benefits have made it a staple in kitchens and holistic practices for centuries. Here are some of the common uses of garlic:

1. Culinary Uses:

• Flavor Enhancer: Garlic is used to add depth and flavor to various dishes, including soups, sauces, stir-fries, marinades, and salad dressings. It can be used raw, roasted, minced, or as garlic powder.
• Pickling: Garlic cloves are often added to pickles and preserves for an extra tangy flavor and aroma.
• Seasoning: Garlic is a key seasoning in many cuisines, from Italian pasta dishes to Indian curries and Middle Eastern dips like mayo and hummus.

2. Medicinal Uses:

• Cholesterol support: Garlic is commonly used in Indian kitchens as a home remedy to support the management of raised cholesterol levels. 
• Immune Support: With its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties, garlic is commonly used with honey to support immunity and combat common colds and infections.
• Digestive Health: Among the home remedies, the most common one is the application of garlic in indigestion, gas, and bloating

3. Topical Uses:

• Skin Health: Garlic can be applied topically to help manage fungal infections like athlete's foot or ringworm.
• Hair care: Since garlic's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can support hair growth, that is an excellent remedy.

There are numerous uses of garlic in traditional and modern medicine, depending on what disease has to be dealt with. The common diseases that use garlic as part of their management include:

• Cold and Flu: Garlic strengthens the immunes while fighting off infections
• Cardiovascular: It decreases cholesterol levels within your body and lowers blood pressure.
• It is antibacterial: Garlic can be used on wounds to prevent infections
• Anti-inflammatory: By killing bacteria, it helps to reduce inflammation that creates joint and muscle pain
• Digestive: It improves gut health with the beneficial growth of bacteria.
• Skincare and hair care: Since garlic's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties can remove pimples and increase hair growth, that is an excellent remedy.

Many benefits are offered by garlic, yet some precautions have to be taken while taking garlic.

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid higher doses because they induce bleeding and may affect the supply of milk.
• Patients suffering from bleeding disorders: As garlic acts like a blood thinner, it might lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Thus, patients suffering from bleeding disorders or patients seeking to undergo surgery should avoid a higher intake of garlic.
• Diabetics: Garlic has lowering effects on blood sugar. Thus, those diabetic patients who are already under some medicines regarding their diabetes should regularly check up on their blood sugar levels while on garlic.
• Hypertensive Patients: Garlic has blood pressure-lowering effects, thus, patients taking antihypertensive medications should not consume garlic in excess and monitor their blood pressure levels regularly.
• Kidney patients: Patients with kidney diseases should consult with a doctor regarding taking garlic since excess intake has been known to worsen kidney conditions.
• Alcohol use: Garlic should not be taken in high percentages with alcohol since it may cause adverse digestive discomfort and acidity.

It is essential to know how to consume garlic and in what quantity. Here are some of the common use cases of garlic and the steps to use it:

1. As a Flavour Enhancer in Food and Drinks

Garlic is a versatile ingredient that adds the rich, savoury flavour of investment in food and drinks. It provides a range of nutrients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, to our system.

Steps to use:

• Finely chop or crush 1-2 cloves of raw garlic and add them to soups, stews, sauces, or stir-fries.
• Minced garlic is also put into salad dressings, marinades, or pasta dishes for extra flavour.
• Garlic-infused oil is used for cooking or drizzling over grilled vegetables, pizza, or bread.

In addition, this method will flavour the dishes prepared on your end while allowing you to reap the health benefits of garlic, such as boosting immunity and better digestion.

2. As Anti-Sore Throat and Cough Medicine

Being a natural antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory, garlic is widely used to help soothe sore throats and coughs by soothing irritation, killing bacteria, and reducing inflammation.

Steps to use:

• Crush 1-2 cloves of raw garlic. Mix them with 1 tsp of honey.
• Swallow this mixture once a day or whenever the sore throat comes on.
• You can steep more garlic in hot water with a twist of lemon to make a herbal tea.
• Once you know how to eat garlic in the morning, the regular intake gets easier. 

This ment provides quick relief from throat irritation and coughing, as it is an over-the-counter, prescription-free medication.

3. Topical Beauty ment

Garlic has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help manage acne and other skin conditions. However, caution is advised, as applying raw garlic directly to the skin can cause irritation or burns, especially for sensitive skin types.

Steps to use:

• Use a clove of garlic to be crushed, and its juice applied directly to areas of acne or spots.
• However, garlic juice may also be mixed with aloe vera or honey for a soothing mask.
• Applying the mask for 10-15 minutes and then washing it off using warm water can give excellent results.

This application helps clear acne and control future outbreaks while improving the texture and radiance of the skin.

Amount varies with the preparation:

• Fresh garlic: one to two raw, fresh, or cooked cloves a day
• Garlic supplements: use as directed on the package. For example, aged garlic extract is usually 600-1200 mg daily.
• Garlic oil: 1-2 tsp a day.

However, a proper prescription from a doctor can always ensure that medicinal levels are prescribed. Only consistent, moderate use does the best in providing the advantages of garlic.

Garlic may interact with some medications, especially those with blood-thinning effects. The reason behind this interaction is that garlic possesses anticoagulant properties. Combining garlic with other anticoagulants or antiplatelet medication augments the risk of too much bleeding. Aspirin, warfarin, and clopidogrel are some medications that may interact with garlic adversely. Consult a doctor before taking garlic supplements if you are on any anticoagulant or severe medicines.

• Garlic is an herbal medication with many health benefits, such as improving digestive health, immunity, the health of the heart, and the amount of cholesterol in the body.
• Lahsun as per traditional or modern medicine, helps fight off infections. It promotes digestion as well as skin and hair health.
• Consumption of garlic on an empty stomach maximises its detoxification and digestion benefits. 
• However, Garlic must be consumed in moderation to reduce potential side effects, especially for individuals on medication or with certain health conditions. Always consult a healthcare professional before using garlic for medicinal purposes."

Conclusion

Garlic is valued for both its culinary richness and therapeutic properties. With a legacy rooted in traditional medicine and continued relevance in modern health practices, garlic supports heart health, boosts immunity, and offers natural antibacterial and antioxidant effects. Its strong flavour enhances meals, while its natural compounds contribute to overall wellness. Whether consumed raw, cooked, or as a supplement, garlic remains a versatile and essential part of a health-conscious lifestyle. Embracing garlic is a simple yet effective way to support long-term well-being.