Since medieval times garlic was eaten as vegetable and was thought to possess magical powers against evil sources. In Homer's Odysseus it was used to keep a sorceress from turning him into a pig. The Egyptians would hold garlic when they took a solemn oath. The many legends of garlic have to do with its strength and endurance. Slaves of Egypt were given garlic daily while they built the pyramids. Romans used it before going into battle and it was thought if a person in a foot race ate a whole garlic before no one would come near him. (Although they meant in speed, more than likely it was in smell).

In pre biblical times garlic was used to treat high blood pressure and respiratory disorders. There are Egyptian writings that list 22 different medicinal uses of garlic, the Romans 60 cures, and doctors today still believe it is medicinally warranted. Several studies have made claims to the findings that garlic has effective uses. The component that gives garlic its smell is called allicin. One clove is equal to about 1% penicillin. Allicin forms in the garlic is crushed. Cooking the garlic reduces its effectiveness. Clinical studies have shown that garlic is effective against flu viruses, fungi and yeast virus. It has been shown to be more effective in treating typhus than even penicillin. It can work for staph and strep bacteria.

A traditional cure of garlic is to prevent worms and other parasites. Many pet owners live by the idea of giving their animals a clove of garlic a day. Several of the sulfur compounds found in garlic are noxious to parasites.

In both China and Europe garlic is used for many different respiratory ailments. A teaspoon of garlic syrup is believed to relieve congestion. The Chinese use garlic to treat high blood pressure and circulatory ailments and are currently studying the effects of garlic on blood clotting. In India studies they have found that it reduces cholesterol levels. How any of these remedies work is still unknown.

In China they are working on using garlic to prevent gastric cancer. Given the fact that China has the lowest rate of stomach cancer deaths and residents regularly eat 20 grams of garlic a day, it gives reasoning to have further studies as to the relationship of garlic and stomach cancer.

Garlic is one of the safest herbs that can be used and has no ill side effects other than the breath issues. A few folk remedies to remove the smell from your breath are chewing on parsley immediately after taking garlic, nibble on cardamom seeds, or eat strawberries.

The Garlic cough syrup of Britain calls for one quart of boiling water to one pound of sliced garlic. Steep for 12 hours then add sugar until it is the consistency of a syrup. Honey can reduce the flavor.

Garlic tea is used for sore throats and flue. Chop several cloves and steep in 1/2 cup of water for six to eight hours.

To soothe an earache place a few drops of warm garlic oil in the ear. Make the oil by slicing a garlic clove and adding a small amount of olive oil, heat for 3-5 minutes, strain and cool to a warm temperature.

Learn more about this author, Reverend Ashira Goddard.
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