Country Herbalist Apothecary

Well known for its distinct, pungent odour & taste it’s completely safe for use throughout the home as well as a powerful treatment for a wide range of host problems. It counters many infections including those of the nose, throat & chest. Additionally, it can reduce cholesterol, aid circulatory distorders such as high blood pressure, & lower blood sugar levels.

A bulbous perennial growing 30cm – 1 metre (1-3 feet), with pale pink or green-white flowers.

Garlic

Allium sativum (Liliaceae)

Habitat & Cultivation:
Originally from central Asia.
Grown worldwide.
Grown by diving the bulb & harvested late the following summer.

Key Constituents:
Volatile oil: Aromatic plant extracts characterized by their high vaporization rates, which allow them to easily evaporate at room temperature, & are commonly used for their fragrance and therapeutic properties.
Scordinins: Are bioactive compounds that promote growth & development by enhancing protein digestion & exhibits chemopreventive effects against liver cancer by reducing the incidence of hepatocellular neoplasms.
Selenium: A chemical element with the symbol Se and atomic number 34, known for its essential role in human health as an antioxidant that supports metabolism, immune function, and thyroid health.
Vitamins A, B, C & E: Essential nutrients that play crucial roles in maintaining various bodily functions: Vitamin A supports vision and immune function; Vitamin B encompasses a group of vitamins vital for energy metabolism and red blood cell production; Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant and is important for collagen synthesis and immune health; and Vitamin E serves as a powerful antioxidant that protects cell membranes from oxidative damage.

Key Actions:
Antibiotic: Possesses antibiotic properties primarily due to its active compound allicin, which exhibits broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains, making it a natural alternative for combating infections.
Expectorant: Ability to promote the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract, helping to relieve congestion & improve respiratory function through its active compounds that enhance mucus secretion & facilitate coughing.
Increases sweating: The physiological response that occurs when certain substances, like garlic, stimulate sweat production, often due to their thermogenic effects or sulfur compounds that can alter body odour & perspiration.
Lowers blood pressure: Ability to reduce systolic & diastolic blood pressure levels, primarily due to its active compound allicin, which enhances blood flow & may inhibit the production of angiotensin II, thereby providing a natural remedy for hypertension.
Reduces blood clotting: Ability to inhibit platelet aggregation and thromboxane production, which can lower the risk of thrombosis and improve cardiovascular health by promoting better blood flow.
Anti-diabetic: Potential to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity, primarily due to its bioactive compounds like allicin, which may enhance glucose metabolism and reduce the risk of diabetes-related complications.
Expels worms: ability to help eliminate intestinal parasites, as its active compounds, particularly allicin and ajoene, can kill existing worm eggs and inhibit their reproduction, making it a natural remedy for parasitic infections.

Uses:
Traditional remedy: Always been well-regarded for it healing powers. Before the development of antibiotics it was a treatment for all types of infections, from tuberculosis to typhoid. Was used to dress wounds in the First World War.
Bronchial infections: Remedy for all types of chest infections. Good for colds, flu & ear infections. Helps reduce catarrh.
Digestive tract: Digestive infections respond well to garlic. Can also rid the body of internal parasites.
Circulatory remedy: Prevents circulatory problems & strokes by keeping the blood thin. Lowers cholesterol levels & blood pressure.
Other uses: Used to treat diverse health problems from hay fever & asthma to an enlarged prostate & osteoarthritis. Useful when taken alongside conventional antibiotics to help prevent side effects like diarrhea. Strongly antifungal, can be an effective treatment in fungal skin conditions, either taken internally or applied directly to the skin. Also has anti-cancer activity & aids to protect against stomach & colon cancer.

Parts Used:
Whole: Chopped or crushed. Used as a medicine & tonic for thousands of years.