Food is medicine, medicine is food” this saying was originated by the Siddhars.
When we consume naturally available vegetables and fruits in the right quantities, diseases do not approach us. However, due to various factors such as individual living conditions and resources, the body undergoes various changes, causing the three humors (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) in the human body, composed of the five elements, to become imbalanced, leading to the manifestation of diseases. In this way, we can understand the greatness of GARLIC, a natural gift that balances Vata and Kapha.
Properties of Garlic:
Agathiyar beautifully described garlic in his book “Gunavagadam”
சன்னியொடு வாதங் தலைநோவு தாள்வலி
மன்னிவரு நீர்க்கோவை வன்சீதம் – அன்னமே ! உள்ளுள்ளி கண்பாய் உளைமூல ரோகமும் போம் வெள்ளுள்ளி தன்னால் வெருண்டு
Garlic can be used for various ailments, including:
Tri-Dosha imbalance (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
Gas and bloating,
Small tumors
Earache
Chronic cough
Heartburn
Headache
Mouth ulcers
Dehydration
Diarrhea
Piles etc.
Five Elements Siddha Theory:
Garlic is predominantly characterized by the taste of ‘kaarppu‘ (fire + air) and the quality of ‘heat‘. According to the natural principle that air increases the intensity of fire, the nature of this herb can be understood through the concept of the five elements. This makes garlic a restorative and rejuvenating agent for the body. Due to the presence of the fire element, it also acts as an appetite stimulant and heat generator.
Chemical Compounds in Garlic:
Garlic contains amino acids such as Leucine, Methionine, and cysteine, as well as the enzyme allicin allisatin and sulfur compounds.
From a Modern Scientific Perspective:
- Garlic has antibiotic properties against Escherichia coli bacteria that cause diarrhea and ulcers.
- Prevents the growth of Candida albicans, a fungal infection.
- Reduces the level of phospholipids in the blood and prevents the deposition of fatty substances (atherosclerosis) in blood vessels.
- Prevents the formation of Nitrosamines, which cause stomach cancer.
- Lowers blood sugar levels.
- Cures rheumatoid arthritis due to the presence of Allicin and Allisatin enzymes.
- Acts as an expectorant as the oil extracted from garlic mixes with the bloodstream and is expelled through the lungs and bronchial mucosa.
- Helps remove toxins caused by lead poisoning.
- Acts as an anthelmintic, removing worms from the intestines.
Garlic as a Rejuvenating Tonic
In our bodies, the complete oxidation of prana vayu (life force) during the preoxidation process is a major cause of aging. However, garlic and its components contain (ANTI-OXIDANTS) that prevent this process, delaying the onset of aging, which is the root cause of our human life’s decline, including gray hair, cataracts, old age, diseases, and death. Thus, garlic manifests as a rejuvenating tonic.
Garlic for Heart Health:
In today’s world, the leading causes of heart disease are atherosclerosis, thrombosis, vasoconstriction, and oxidation. However, research on garlic’s properties has revealed that it has anti-atherogenic, anti-thrombogenic, vasodilator, and antioxidant effects. Additionally, ALLICIN, a metabolite of garlic, helps treat atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. ALLICIN can be combined with other herbs to treat angina.
Garlic helps reduce blood levels of TRIGLYCERIDE and other fats, and lowers the pressure caused by blood flow on the walls of blood vessels. It is also known to have the ability to prevent blood clots (platelet aggregation).
Garlic’s Role in the Respiratory System:
Garlic’s essential oil is absorbed into the bloodstream and expelled through the bronchial mucosa, the inner lining of the lungs and bronchi. This makes it effective as an antiseptic (killing germs) and an antispasmodic (relaxing muscles). Additionally, garlic can be used as a prophylactic (preventive) medicine for fevers and typhoid fever, and as a treatment for pneumonia and laryngeal tuberculosis.
Garlic: A Cancer Fighter:
Scientific studies have shown that garlic can prevent the development of cancer and tumors. This is attributed to the sulfur compounds present in garlic.
Garlic: A Remedy for Intestinal Worms:
The juice extracted from the leaves of well-grown garlic plants is known to have the ability to kill intestinal worms. It has also been found that garlic juice inhibits the activity of worms and has the ability to remove worms like roundworms and hookworms when applied externally.
Garlic: A Fungicide:
Studies have shown that the juice extracted from garlic can prevent the growth of a type of fungus called MYCELIUM and treat systemic fungal infections. Consuming four to five garlic cloves daily can help treat a fungal infection called CANDIDIASIS. Additionally, garlic juice has the ability to disable parasites that are even smaller than fungi.
Medicinal benefits garlic
- Cough, Indigestion: Take 20-30 drops of its juice 2-3 times a day to cure cough, indigestion.
- Arthritis, headache: 20 grams of peeled garlic. put 60 ml in neem oil and boil till the garlic turns brown. It can also be used for skin diseases.
- Nail fungus: Add a clove of garlic and 1 pinch of turmeric powder to boiled rice and cure it.
- Hemorrhoids: Garlic and Ponnanganni greens are cooked and eaten.
- Diarrhea: Boil garlic the insides and mash them with ghee and sugar to cure diarrhea.
- Chest pain: Mix both garlic juice and ginger juice in the morning and evening for 3 days to cure.
- Blood pressure : Boiled cow’s milk along with peeled white garlic cloves reduces blood pressure.
- Sprains: Salted and squeezed garlic juice is used to cure sprains and skin collapse.
- Grind these three together in a mass of white garlic, pepper, kayanthagari, and eat it to cure stomach upset.
- Garlic-Honey Remedy for Inner Tongue Infections: Garlic-honey remedy is an effective treatment for bacterial infections of the inner tongue. For tonsillitis, an inflammation and swelling of the inner tongue, applying a garlic-honey mixture can help kill the bacteria that cause inflammation and reduce swelling. Garlic holds a prominent place in the natural arsenal of antibiotics that nature has provided us with.
Conclusion
In rural areas, there is a proverb that says, “If you have garlic on hand, you can go to war.” Garlic, which is a great support for the body in all aspects, including digestion, energy, and waste removal, is a blessing from the medical world. Garlic is an indispensable ingredient in all kinds of food, both vegetarian and non-vegetarian. Let us understand the importance of garlic and use it in moderation.
Note: The information provided above is for general knowledge only. If you have any medical concerns, it is important to consult a qualified doctor.
Dr. Augastina B.S.M.S., PGDY, is a passionate Siddha Doctor with a heart of gold. She believes in healing one step at a time. In her writing, you’ll find not just knowledge, but genuine care and a holistic approach to health and well-being.
