Almost there is no cuisine in the world that does not use garlic to spice and add flavor the foods! Of course, there are a few communities that prohibits the use of garlic in certain auspicious days.
People have been using garlic for several generations for several centuries for its medicinal values. The medicinal value of Garlic has been well appreciated by Sushruta, the father of surgery in his Ayurvedic manuscripts. However in Ayurveda, garlic wasn’t much appreciated in the cooking process, rather the phenomenal properties of garlic was harnessed through direct application on the body and intake of raw and fresh garlic.
Garlic, belongs to onion family, referred as Lasuna.
The prominent spice cum herb in Ayurvedic medicine is the rarest herb of all that carries the characters of five tastes. Garlic is sweet, pungent, bitter, salt and astringent and it isn’t sour! There are very few herbs and other ingredients that contain all the tastes.
Garlic and Doshas
- Garlic is one of the hottest herbs. Although it carries all tastes, it is heavy and pungent.
- When it comes to doshas, people with Pitta dosha are recommended not to overuse garlic for it hot nature. Garlic aggravates the heat quotient in the body. However, since it has flavors to influence all doshas, usage of garlic in cooking is recommended at very limited proportion.
- Kapha dosha can use it generously to balance the dosha and increase the heat quotient in the body.
Medicinal Properties of Garlic
- Garlic and its medicinal properties is an exhaustive list. It is an effective anti-microbial ingredient. It is an anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant. Garlic makes wonders when it comes to prevention and treatment of hydropic diseases, breathing diseases, diseases caused in cold season, jaundice, etc.
- Garlic improves the immunity and it is a blood purifier.
- The antioxidants in garlic prove to be beneficial to skin. Rubbing off garlic on the skin is one of the ancient practices followed to overcome and prevent many skin conditions. For instance, rubbing off raw garlic on the face cures acne and scars. It ease of the blemishes and scars on the face, provides crystal skin clear with a natural glow.
- Garlic is a pain reliever! It treats cramps, muscle pain, especially arthritis.
- Eating garlic cleanses the digestive systems, improves the digestive function, produces natural gastric juices, etc. It is a boon to entire digestive system.
- Regular intake of garlic reduces and regulates the blood sugar levels, a great herb for diabetics. Also, it reduces the bad cholesterol levels in the body.
- Garlic improves the metabolic rate and can be very effective in promoting weight loss.
- Garlic prevents the blood clot and reduces the risk of stroke.
- Eating raw garlic everyday improves the immune system and reduces the risk of developing cancer.
- Garlic is an aphrodisiac.
Note to Remember:
- Garlic causes too much heat and it is an aphrodisiac
- Garlic worsens the bad breadth problem.
- Women during the menstrual days should avoid taking garlic.
- People who underwent any surgery should avoid eating garlic in any form until the complete recovery.
How to eat garlic:
- Garlic can be taken in any form. If you want to eat it raw, take it in an empty stomach to get the ultimate benefits. Garlic cloves mixed with honey enhances the health benefits.
- Add garlic with ginger to multiply the medicinal benefits as well the taste.
Simple delicious garlic recipe:
- Cook rice, sauté the cloves of garlic in ghee. Add ghee to the rice and mix the sautéed garlic in the rice. Garnish with cilantro and serve hot. Simple delicious garlic ghee rice!
- Crush the garlic and add it with warm milk – A great drink to fight off many illnesses.
- Spice the healthy soup with garlic paste or roasted garlic cloves cut into pieces.
- Garlic roasted in ghee enhances the flavors and medicinal value.
- Those who eat meat (not recommended by Ayurveda) can remove off the ill-effects of meat by adding garlic paste and ginger paste generously.
Thank you very much for the info on this site – it’s very clear and detailed.
Sometime ago I was in error considering that Garlic amplify tamas guna.
Now I am reconsidering this wonderful plant.