Essential Garlic Facts

Essential Garlic Facts
by Laura Blankenship

Garlic and its many uses is something that people have pondered for ages. Ancient Egyptians worshipped garlic as a God believing it to cure all and to predict fertility. Greek athletes used it for stamina and strength while some ancient Indians believed it took your soul. And let us not forget the myth that wearing garlic or keeping it hanging in your home will keep the Vampyres at bay!

Through time though the medicinal value of the herb has grown in popularity. Folk cures with garlic have been used to battle everything from insomnia to seizures. First and foremost for diagnosed diseases and conditions I would never attempt herbal solutions without discussing them with your physician. Prescription drugs and herbals can have side effects and reactions when combined. Studies have shown that the regular use of garlic does reduce cholesterol and triglyceride levels. New studies have also shown many benefits of using garlic during pregnancy. The use of garlic in treatment of conditions such as cancer, diabetes and stroke are being conducted more and more as public awareness has forced institutes to do in order to educate the public more. Garlic is even used more and more in pet care also.

The plant itself grows several feet high with flower, as the bulb itself is underground. The flowers from fresh garlic are used in salads to add a little extra flavoring as well as add to the appearance of your salad by dressing it up a touch. Garlic needs to be planted in early fall. It does not like excessive water and takes nine months to grow to maturity. Store your fresh garlic in a cool dry place but not in the refrigerator. The dampness there will not let it keep for long.

Garlic is available in many forms now that you can purchase. Garlic bulbs can be bought in most grocery stores today. Garlic pills come in different varieties also. Odorless being the most popular for obvious reasons. Garlic is even marketed in nail hardener also. Health stores and vitamin centers all carry many brands and variations of garlic making it easy enough to find the supplement that works for your lifestyle and budget.

© 2001 Laura Blankenship