Garlic, whose botanical name is Allium Satiuum, is a member of the lily family. The
ancient Greek name for Garlic was “scorodon” which translates to “stinking rose”.
Besides warding off evil spirits, demons, vampires and such, Garlic is also credited with
warding off the German Army in World Wars I & II. Garlic has the nickname “Russian
Penicillin” because it was used extensively by the Russian Army during both World Wars.
While German forces succumbed to the flu and the brutal winter weather when
marching on Russia, The Russian Army used garlic to keep their troops strong and
healthy.
The tradition of using garlic medicinally goes back thousands of years. Sanskrit records
indicate its use 5,000 years ago and the Chinese have used it for at least 3,000 years.
According to folklore, Egyptian slaves were given a daily ration of Garlic because it was
believed to increase strength, endurance and health. Egyptian records indicate the
pyramid builders were given beer, flatbread, raw garlic and onions as their food ration.
It cost the Pharaoh $2 million dollars, (today’s monetary equivalent) to keep the Cheops
pyramid builders supplied with garlic. Greek athletes would eat huge amounts of Garlic
before competition and Greek soldiers would consume garlic before battle.
Besides winning wars and Olympic competitions, Garlic is used today for a number of
healthy reasons. Although we don’t necessarily need Garlic to ward off Dracula or the
Vampire Lestat, we can use garlic to ward off “pesky vampires” – mosquitoes.
Mosquitoes do not like the smell of garlic. Eating a good quantity of garlic or rubbing a
clove on the skin will ward off the pesky blood-suckers…mosquito or otherwise.
Mosquitoes are naturally attracted to the smell of human sweat but add a nuance of
Garlic and the pests stay off!
Garlic is nature’s wonder antibiotic, antispasmodic, antiviral, antiparasitic, blood
cleanser and tonic. The sulfur content of Garlic helps remove heavy metals like mercury,
cadmium and lead from the blood. Garlic naturally lowers cholesterol and normalizes
blood pressure while fortifying the system with vitamins A, B & C. In addition to sulfur,
garlic also contains selenium, manganese, copper, calcium, iron & potassium – a truly
nutritious lily! Garlic’s anti-parasitic quality will cleanse the body of microscopic
parasites found in contaminated water and food sources; and yes, humans can get
worms. Luckily, trusty Garlic is only a kitchen away from healing what ails you. Garlic
supplemented to pets has the same health-giving, rejuvenating qualities it provides
humans. Garlic keeps pests away from your pooches, too.
Some studies indicate that Garlic may help win yet another war – the war on cancer.
Because of Garlic’s “Super Food” qualities it helps build the immune system and may
subdues angiogenesis, (new blood vessel formation) that feeds tumors. A study by Tarig
Abdullah, MD found that white blood cells from garlic-fed people are able to kill 139%
more tumor cells than white cells from non-garlic eaters. Garlic and onions, (garlic’s
cousin) fed to lab animals decreased the number of skin tumors. According to Chinese
studies, a high intake of Garlic and onions cuts the risk of stomach cancer in half. It is
important to note that even though Garlic is antagonistic to cancer cells that Garlic does
not harm but indeed fortifies healthy cells.
Do not underestimate the powers of Garlic. As the Welsh used to say, “Eat leeks in
March and Garlic in May, then the rest of the year your doctor can play”.
