Medicinal Benefits of Garlic

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | RSS

Garlic is one of the earliest documented medicinal plants in history. From the ancient Greeks to the Egyptians, and all the way to research studies being conducted today, garlic continues to be a focus for its extraordinary health benefits. Stick with us as we talk through the history of this wonder plant and some of its amazing uses. Let’s get real – do you really need much convincing to eat more garlic?

Disclaimer: Always consult a physician before beginning a health regimen.

Links mentioned in this episode:

Drink Recipe: Clementine Moscow Mule
Potential Benefits of Consistent Supplementation
- Prevent and/or reduce the severity of common illnesses like the common cold or flu (Study Abstract: double-blind, placebo-controlled study abstract)
- High blood pressure (Study Abstract: effects of garlic on patients with essential hypertension)
- Lower cholesterol
- Reduce risk of dementia through essential antioxidants
- Battle oxidative stress (Study Abstract: garlic reduces dementia and heart-disease risk)
As Needed Uses
- Acne – Slice clove in half and rub directly on the affected area
- Cold sores – Cut a thin slice of garlic and put it on the affected area for 5-10 minutes a few times a day
  - Tape it on to avoid having to hold it
  - It may sting!
- Ear Infection (adults or children) – Crush a clove and combine with 1 TBSP of oil in a pan on the lowest setting. Let it cook together for 10 – 15 minutes. Strain out the chunks of garlic and let the oil cool. Put a few drops of oil in the affected ear(s).
- Splinters – Tape a thin slice of garlic to the affected area. The splinter will work its way out on its own within a few hours.
- Hair Health – Garlic infused oil massaged onto the scalp may stimulate hair growth. Crush 3 cloves and combine with 3 TBSP of oil in a pan on the lowest setting. Let it cook together for 10 – 15 minutes. Strain out the chunks of garlic and let the oil cool. Massage through
Tips
- Garlic is best raw (3 – 4 raw cloves daily for supplementation)
- Allicin is activated when raw garlic is chopped, chewed or otherwise cut up
- Cooking garlic destroys the allicin but does not destroy the antioxidant properties
- If using a supplement, make sure it contains allicin
- Because garlic is a natural antibiotic it can impact your gut health – take a probiotic!
  - Hyperbiotics PRO-15 (Men and Women)
  - Garden of Life: Men and Women / Women’s Formula / Kid’s Formula

Recommended Supplements:

Episode Sponsor: Hello Fresh

HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that shops, plans, and delivers your favorite step-by-step recipes and pre-measured ingredients so you can just cook, eat, and enjoy. With a great selection of chef-designed meals, tons of flexibility in scheduling your deliveries, and all the built-in convenience of easy step-by-step instructions for getting dinner ready, we’re big fans of what Hello Fresh means to busy families.

Get $30 off your first week of Hello Fresh meals with promo code CRUNCHY30 when you sign up at hellofresh.com.