|
|
|
GARLIC
(Allium sativum)
Other Names: Allicin.
General Description: A member of the lily family a bulbous perennial growing 1-3 feet tall with pale pink or green flowers.
Parts Used: The cloves taken from the bulb
Active Ingredients: allicin
Traditional Uses: Garlic is widely cultivated commercially for use in cooking and has been used as a medicinal herb in China for at least 3,000 years. Garlic was used in the First World War to dress wounds as it has antibiotic actions which were known to Louis Pasteur in 1858. Garlic was used by Albert Schweitzer to treat dysentery in Africa.
Current Status: Garlic is not used as an antibiotic now that we have more effective modern antibiotics.
Most of the attention is now focused on garlic's potential to reduce heart disease by lowering cholesterol, and blood pressure and its ability to decrease platelet aggregation (stickiness).
Precautions: Side effects are rare at recommended doses.
Because of it's blood thinning properties garlic should be discontinued one week before surgery and not taken
if on blood thinners.
|
SEE ALSO
Vitamin Database
Good Foods Glossary
References 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152.
Disclaimer - Menopause-OnlineTM is not intended as medical advice. Its intent is solely informational and educational. The information is not a substitute for talking with your health professional.
Please read our Legal Disclaimer
