Garlic as Medicinal Herb: Used in Ayurveda for Thousands of Years

Garlic is a spice of the onion family. It is native to central Asia and has been used globally for food seasoning for thousands of years. In Ayurveda medicine of ancient India, garlic is a central ingredient.

Garlic as medicinal herb contains a substance called allicin. This substance is known to have antibacterial properties.

Before the invention of modern medicine and science, the sages of India (Saptarishi) invented Ayurvedic medicine and treatment. Ayurveda is generally referred as a science of life. “Ayur” means life while “Veda” means science. This study is designed to help your body and mind to be healthy and strong. In return, this helps you tap into your full human potential.

Learn more about Ayurveda here.

Garlic as Ayurvedic Herb

Garlic as Ayurvedic herb is one of the most ancient of spices. Ayurveda in its beliefs describes tastes as bitter, salty, sour, pungent, sweet and astringent. Now, did you know that garlic has all these tastes except sour? These six tastes ensure you are eating a balanced diet according to Ayurveda. The fact that garlic has almost all these tastes makes it a special Ayurvedic herb.

The human body and mind need nourishment and it should come from such foods. Garlic has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Here are some of its benefits:

Useful in treatment of asthma and other respiratory diseases

Used to relieve Vata Dosha imbalance e.g. constipation, bloating etc.

Inhibits tumor growth. Studies show that garlic actually prevents tumor growth, read here.

Helps to treat skin diseases

Used to treat worm infestation

Useful as an aphrodisiac and improves vigor

It is used to treat colds and coughs

Increases Pitta Dosha which controls your metabolism, digestion and energy production.

Treatment of piles and hemorrhoids

It improves general strength and immunity

Also Read: Garlic as Ayurvedic Tonic: Builds Strength and Stamina, and Enhances General Wellbeing

As we see here , garlic can also be used externally. The herbal clove is known to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-infection properties. It is therefore applied to wounds and infected parts of the body. Read: Garlic Kills Viruses: Where as Conventional Antibiotics are Ineffective Against Viral Infections

Garlic as medicinal herb has been used to treat and relieve various ailments in people.

Here are some treatments and how it works in Ayurveda:

1. Heart Ailments

Chewing raw garlic releases the substance Allicin into your blood. Allicin has anti-oxidant properties which reduce cholesterol properties in your blood vessels.

This in return regulates your blood pressure. Your heart, therefore, is healthier and stronger.

2. Cancer

Garlic's organosulfur compounds -- allicin, allyl and alliin -- have shown potency over tumor growth in the stomach, bladder, colon and even prostate.

3. Anti-Aging Properties

According to Ayurvedic beliefs, garlic has Rasayana properties -- meaning if taken for a long time it has anti-aging properties.

4. Treating Colds

Garlic juices and honey left for 3-4 hours is very effective on your cough. When taken consistently, it relieves the cough completely.

Ayurvedic medicines with garlic (Lahsun) include "Rasnadi Kashayam". This ayurvedic treatment is used in treating coughs nausea and even bloating. This link gives much more on this.

Also Read: Benefits of Garlic as Ayurvedic Medicine in The United States

Conclusion

The role of garlic as Ayurvedic herb cannot be overlooked. Its antibiotic and anti-bacterial properties help to boost your immunity. The presence of allicin and sulfur properties also help to fight off many ailments.

In case you have an existing prescription, you need to discuss the use of garlic with your doctor. Garlic should not be used to substitute any prescription medicine. Always consult your doctor as garlic may inhibit the effectiveness of other medicines. Read: Garlic Improves Three Ayurvedic Doshas: Benefits Vata, Pitta and Kapha