Garlic has long been considered a herbal "wonder drug".
- It has been known to prevent everything from the common cold and flu .It has been used extensively in herbal medicine(phytotherapy, sometimes spelt phitotherapy).
- Raw garlic is used by some to treat the symptomsof acne and there is some evidence that it can assist in managing high cholesterol levels.
- It can even be effective as a natural mosquito repellent.
- Studies have shown that garlic – especially aged garlic – can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants help to protect the body against damaging "free radicals".
- The medicinal properties and benefits of garlic are strongest when it is raw and crushed or very finely chopped. Don't overdo it – too much can irritate the digestive tract.
- Raw, crushed garlic is an anti-fungal, however it can produce skin blistering.
- Cooked prepared garlic is less powerful but still reputedly of benefit to the cardiovascular system.
- Garlic cloves cooked whole have very little medicinal value.
- There have been claims that garlic can help with cholesterol management however the research is inconclusive.
- If buying garlic pills, check the ingredients.
- Garlic should be seen a part of a healthy lifestyle, not an alternative to one.