Garlic A Powerful Alternative Medicine
by Paulina Jenkins

Garlic is more commonly known as a spice or additive in cooking. Both its smell and flavor are strong. Garlic has been used as an alternative medicine since ancient history for treating a range of health conditions. There are many recordings of its popularity in ancient civilizations such as Egypt, China and India.

Since the 1940′s garlic has been the subject of research in regards to its anti-cancer properties. Recent studies by the National Cancer Institute confirm that garlic inhibits the formation of tumor cells. It can be used for the prevention of some cancers such as colon and stomach cancers.

When garlic is used on a long term basis it helps to balance blood pressure and blood sugar. It is also of benefit in the maintenance of healthy circulation and resistance to infection. Garlic is very often used to treat urinary infections, respiratory infections, acne, sinusitis, ulcers, bronchitis and asthma.

Garlic is a good antibiotic that has the ability to inhibit bacteria. It is more effective than penicillin. Garlic has shown good results in fighting against strep, enteritis, staph bacteria, cholera and dysentery.

Garlic is claimed to be able to reduce heart problems. It acts like aspirin to thin the blood. It is also useful in reducing blood clots. For this reason garlic is often taken as prevention for vascular changes which could lead to cardiovascular disease.

Garlic can lower cholesterol level by inhibiting the absorption of cholesterol. Furthermore garlic does not show any of the side effects associated with cholesterol lowering drugs.

For thousands of years people have used garlic to expel worms and harmful parasites from their bodies. Studies have shown that garlic does have the ability to kill hookworms and other parasites living in the intestinal tract.

Avoid taking garlic if one is taking the HIV drug Saquinavir as garlic could reduce the effectiveness of the drug. If you are to have any surgery you must stop taking garlic a week before the operation. Garlic may cause excessive bleeding during surgery due to its ability to reduce blood clots. Anyone who is on blood-thinning drugs like Ticlopidine or Coumadin, should apply caution when using garlic.

You can take garlic raw or cooked. There are also garlic capsules and tablets available in all health food stores. However, researchers have shown that raw garlic produces the best therapeutic effect if used on a regular basis. Garlic has been proven to be a remarkable alternative medicine in its past history and is still just as effective today.

About the Author: Paulina Jenkins is a great supporter of the use of alternative medicine. One of her best loved alternative medicines is garlic. Click here to get your own unique version of this article.