Garlic – Herb of the Month February 2017
Garlic is a warm pungent herb. It’s warm, dispersing energy can help to relieve productive coughs (where there is lots of phlegm). A simple home remedy for this can be made by pouring some honey over chopped garlic. Leave this for a couple of hours or so, strain and then take a teaspoon 3 to 4 times a day (see cautions below). You can keep some of the liquid in the fridge for a couple of days, after that it is to make up a fresh batch.
Regular consumption and supplementation can help to prevent atherosclerosis and lower blood pressure.
A substance known as allicin contained in garlic is considered to be one of the most active compounds exerting these beneficial effects.
The broad antiseptic qualities of garlic help to reduce the level of harmful bacteria in the gut.
Cautions: Garlic can be irritating if you have a dry cough and very little phlegm. Raw garlic can be irritating if you have a tendency to heartburn, reflux and gastritis.
Large amounts (say in supplement form) should be avoided if you are taking anti-coagulant or anti platelet medication, normal culinary amounts should be fine.
