Garlic As An Alternative Medicine?

by Paulina Jenkins

Garlic is more commonly known as a spice or additive in cooking. Both its smell and flavour are strong. Garlic has been used as an alternative medicine since ancient history as an alternative medicine for treating a range of health conditions. There are any recordings of its popularity in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China and India.

Researches into garlic since the 1940's have shown that it has anti-cancer properties. National Cancer Institute's recent studies have further confirmed that garlic has the ability to inhibit the formation of tumor cells. Garlic can be used as a preventative for some form of cancer such as colon and stomach cancers.

When garlic is used on a long term basis it helps to balance blood pressure and blood sugar. It is also of benefits in the maintenance of healthy circulation and resistance to infection. Garlic is very often used to treat urinary infections, respiratory infections, acne, sinusitis, ulcers, bronchitis and asthma.

Garlic has the ability to restrain bacteria making it a good antibiotic. It shows a better effect than penicillin. Garlic is very effective against strep, enteritis, staph bacteria, cholera and dysentery.

Garlic is claimed to be able to reduce heart problems. It acts like aspirin to thin the blood. It is also useful in reducing blood clots. For this reason garlic is often taken as prevention for vascular changes which could lead to cardiovascular disease.

Garlic is also able to inhibit the absorption of cholesterol thus lowering cholesterol level. When garlic is taken for this purpose, it does not have any of the side effects of cholesterol lowering drugs.

Some studies have shown that garlic kills hookworms and other parasites lodging in the intestinal tract. Many cultures have used garlic for thousands of years to get rid of worms and harmful organisms living inside our bodies.

Do not take garlic when one is taking the HIV drug Saquinavir, garlic can affect the effectiveness of the medication. If you are undergoing surgery stop taking garlic at least a week before that date. It may result in excessive bleeding during operation. If you are on any blood-thinning drugs like Ticlopidine or Coumadin, use garlic with caution.

You can take garlic raw or cooked. There are also garlic capsules and tablets available in all health food stores. However, researchers have shown that raw garlic produces the best therapeutic effect if used on a regular basis. Garlic has been proven to be a remarkable alternative medicine in its past history and is still as effective today.

About the Author:

About the Author: Paulina Jenkins is a great supporter of the use of alternative medicine. One of her best loved alternative medicine is garlic. garlic is a also a great favorite of many This article is available as a unique content article with free reprint rights.