Garlic (Allium sativum)

Family: Amaryllidaceae

Genus: Allium

Energetics: warming, drying

Taste: pungent

Plant Properties: circulatory stimulant, diaphoretic, expectorant, antimicrobial, carminative, immune modulating, vermifuge (parasites)

Plant Uses: Hypertension, fungal & bacterial infections, colds, influenza, bronchial congestion, small intestinal bacteria growth, digestion, asthma, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance

Garlic has been approved by the Commission E as a preventative measure for age-dependent vascular changes. With minimal clinical trials garlic has been used for relief of cough, colds, rhinitis (inflammation of the mucus membrane of the nose, caused by a viral infection), and catarrh (excessive discharge or buildup of mucus in the nose or throat)

Plant Preparations: Food, oil, vinegar, honey, extract capsules, powder

The alliin and the enzyme alliinase are separated in the garlic cell structure when whole. Cutting or pressing the garlic ruptures the cells and releases the alliin and alliinase allowing them to mingle and form a powerful new compound called allicin which is a phytonutrient adding to garlic’s health promoting benefits. Kelli Hill

Colds and the flu

Cold and stagnant conditions

Upper respiratory infection

May help to shorten the duration of an illness and the severity of the symptoms

Antimicrobial action using raw garlic can address a store throat (best with honey and oil)

Diaphoretic actions will warm the body up and support the fever process (feels cold/having chills)

Relieves congestion in the lungs or sinuses, stimulating mucus flow and expelling it from the body by taking internally or externally on the chest or feet

Address ear infections as well when combined with oil (and mullein flowers if you have them!)

Digestion

Address gas, bloating, or feeling heavy in the stomach

High in inulin (PREbiotic) that helps feed healthy gut flora

Can have adverse affects (causing excessive gas) if taken in large quantities or for those sensitive to garlic

Used as a vermifuge (anti-parasitic herb), in vitro studies have shown effectiveness against pathogens such as E. coli and Salmonella

Considerations

Generally safe but may cause heartburn, nausea, and stomach distress for some

Large amounts (1-2 bulbs daily) will have a negative affect on healthy gut flora

Nursing mothers should avoid if child becomes fussy

Skin irritant when used topically

Consult doctor if taking blood-thinning medication

Fun fact – eat a sprig or two of fresh parsley to freshen garlic breath

GARLIC RECIPES

Four Thieves Vinegar Recipe

Use for a cold/flu or as a preventative

Ingredients

4 cloves garlic, finely chopped

½ cup lavender flowers

½ cup rosemary leaves

½ cup sage leaves

¼ cup thyme leaves

1 teaspoon clove powder

Raw apple cider vinegar

What to do:

• Place all the herbs in a wide mouth mason jar and cover completely with apple cider vinegar by a few inches
• Store jar on a shelf or counter top for 3-4 weeks, shake daily
• Strain and store in a cool dark place for 1 year, use a plastic lid or parchment paper to avoid rusting
• Take 1 T diluted with water daily or 3-4 times a day.  Try adding it to meals or use as a cleaning agent.

 

Garlic oil Recipe

External or internal use for colds, sinus, and congestion

This makes a small batch

Fast method:

• Combine 2-3 garlic cloves with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan
• Heat on low for 30 minutes or until fragrant
• Strain (for external use on chest/feet) or keep garlic in oil (if you plan on consuming immediately)
• Store in the refrigerator for a few months

Not so fast method:

• Combine 2-3 garlic cloves with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a mason jar
• Let the mixture infuse for up to 12 hours
• Strain (for external use on chest/feet) or keep garlic in oil (if you plan on consuming immediately)
• Store in the refrigerator for a months

Enjoy this oil with food or rub on chest and/or feet when congested.

Garlic Ear Oil Recipe

 Ear infections associated with colds and respiratory congestion, not “swimmer’s ear”, NOT for ruptured ear drums

• Combine 2-3 garlic cloves with 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan, if you have Mullein Flowers add those as well.
• Heat on low for 10-15 minutes or until fragrant, don’t saute it!
• Strain VERY well, no pieces should be left behind
• Label and place in a small dropper bottle
• Store in refrigerator for several months
• To use place the dropper bottle in a hot water bath until the oil has warmed up a bit
• Dispense a dropperful of oil in each ear and massage around the ears. Repeat every 30 minutes or as needed

Be sure to take note that the ear is not ruptured and if symptoms don’t improve in 24 hours, consult health-care provider

Garlic Honey Recipe

For sore throats, colds, and the flu

Ingredients

• ½ cup minced garlic (roughly 15 cloves)
• ½ cup honey

What to do

• Add garlic to mason jar and add half the honey
• Stir together
• Add remaining honey and stir again
• Additional honey may be necessary to reach the top of the jar
• Let the mixture rest for 24 hours before using
• Straining is optional. I encourage you to keep the garlic!

Enjoy as needed! Love eating this by the spoonful or spread on toast. Yum!