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In herbal Medicine, garlic has been traditionally used for asthma, deafness leprosy, bronchial congestion, arteriosclerosis that is hardening of arteries- fevers, worms and liver gall bladder trouble. Garlic is good for the heart, a food for the hair a stimulant to appetite, a strength-giving ,used in Leucoderma, leprosy, piles, worms, Catarrhal disorder, asthma and cough.

In recent times, experiments have confirmed several ancient beliefs about the healing value of this herb. These experiments have in fact proven much greater power of garlic than known previously. The unpleasant odour in garlic is due to its sulphur content. This mineral is content to a greater degree in its volatile oil, which has remarkable medicinal values.

Chest diseases:

Garlic has proved effective in certain diseases of the chest. It reduces stinking of the breath in pulmonary gangrene. Garlic is also useful in the treatment of tuberculosis.

In Ayurveda a decoction of garlic boiled in milk is considered a wonderful drug for tuberculosis. One gram of garlic, 250ml of milk and a liter of water are boiled together till it reduces to one fourth of the decoction. It should be taken thrice a day .Taken in sufficient quantities; it is marvelous remedy for pneumonia.

Asthma:

Three cloves of garlic boiled in milk can be used every night with excellent results in asthma. A pod of garlic is peeled, crushed and boiled in 120ml pure malt vinegar .It is strained after cooling and an equal quantity of honey is mixed and preserve in a clean bottle. One or two teaspoon of this syrup can be taken with fenugreek decoction in the evening and before retiring. This has been found effective in reducing the severity of asthmatic attacks.

Digestive disorders:

Garlic is one of the most important herbs for the digestive systems. It stimulates peristalsis or movement of the intestines and the secretion of the digestive juices.

High Blood Pressure:

Garlic is one of the most effective remedies for lowering blood pressure; pressure and tension are reduced because it has the power to ease the spasm of the small arteries. It also modifies the pulse and modifies the heart rhythm.

Rheumatism:

In Russia garlic is used extensively in the treatment of rheumatism and associated diseases .Even in Britain, garlic is recommended for Rheumatic afflictions.

Heart attack:

Garlic helps to break up cholesterol in the blood vessels, thereby preventing any hardening of arteries which leads to high blood pressure and heart attack If a patient takes garlic after a heart attack, the cholesterol level comes down .Though the earlier damage may not be repaired ,the chances of new attacks are reduced.

Blood Disorders:

The herb is regarded as a rejuvenator. It has been found to help remove toxins revitalize the blood, stimulate circulation and promote intestinal flora, or colony of bacteria that prevent infection by harmful bacteria.

Skin Disorder:

Garlic has been used successfully for a variety of skin disorders. Pimples disappear without a scar when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. Even very persistent forms of acne in some adults, have been healed with garlic. Garlic rubbed over ringworm, gives quick relief. The area is burnt by the strong garlic and later the skin peels off and the ring worm is cured.

Other uses:

Garlic has a pronounced aphrodisiac effect. It is a tonic for the loss of sexual power from any causes. It also treats sexual debility and impotency caused by overindulgence in sex and nervous exhaustion from dissipating habit. It is said to be especially useful to old men with nervous tension and falling libido.

Heart is the most important organ of our body,stopping of which means DEATH. Here are few tips to keep Heart Healthy:

*Avoid smoking,since smoking is highly injurious to Heart.

*Engage in regular exercise to maintain your Cardiovascular fitness.

*Reduce weight since excessive weight can put more load on your Heart.

*Keep your Blood Pressure and Blood sugar under control, since both Hypertension and Diabetes damage your Heart.

*Reduce intake of salt since excessive intake of salts leads to hypertension and also creates deposits along the inner lining of the arteries leading to Coronary Artery Disease.

*Avoid Fatty foods high in Saturated fats since they cause high LDL levels(bad cholesterol). This LDL causes plaque build up in arteries leading to Artherosclerosis and subsequent Heart damage. Foods high in Trans Fat (Hydrogenated vegetable oil) like sweets, biscuits, pastries, etc shud be avoided.

*Alcohol taken in moderate quantities have shown cardioprotective benefits. Wine consumed in moderation has shown to improve HDL levels(good cholesterol). Excessive alcohol consumption leads to Hypertension, Alcoholic Cardiomyopathy, besides so many other health problems.

*Daily consumption of good sources of Minerals like Potassium, Magnesium and calcium like broccoli, dark leafy vegetables, Bananas,Orange juice, Potatoes, whole grains, Almonds, Peanuts, Raisins, Tomatoes, Dairy products is useful since Deficiency of these three minerals has been linked to Hypertension. Magnesium is also required for regulation of Heartbeat and proper functioning of Cardiac muscles. One can also take Multimineral supplements to provide these.

*Taking a daily pill containing Homocystiene lowering vitamins like B vitamins and Folic Acid also helps in preventing heart disease. Antioxidants like Vitamin A,C,E,Selenium, Beta-Carotene and other Carotenoids, Flavanoids also help in preventing early onset of Heart disease.

*Daily consumption of plenty of dietary Fiber is also helpful since it helps in controlling Diabetes and Hypertension. Wheatgrass taken as juice or in powdered form also helps since it also helps in combating Diabetes and Hypertension.

*Garlic taken in raw form or in pill form helps in lowering Blood pressure and also makes the blood thinner, improves blood circulation and reduces Total cholestrol. Ginseng also lowers LDL and Triglycerides

*Omega 3 Fatty Acids are probably known supplements for your Heart. They Help in clearing the clogged Arteries and also keep the Arteries and other blood vessels strong and flexible. Fishes like Mackerel, Sardines, Tuna, Salmon, etc are good sources of Omega-3, one can also get it in supplement form. Another supplement, Co-Enzyme Q 10 is also useful for Heart.

*Aspirin or acetylsalicylic Acid taken on every alternate days has also shown to help prevent Heart Disease.

*Stess is another factor that can adversely affect heart. Practising of Yoga, meditation and Pranayama is very useful in combating stess. Pranayama also strenghtens cardiovascular system, besides improving Blood circulation and lowering Blood pressure.

*Ayurvedic Medicines like Prabhakar Ras, Arjunarista, Jawahar Mohra and Brihatvatchintamani are useful in Heart Disease.

Modern Medicines like Statins, Nicotinic Acid significantly lower Blood Cholestrol level thus helping those suffering from Heart Disease associated with Hyperlipidemea. Also many Licensed Herbal Medicines are available in India which have shown excellent Cardioprotective results.

*Kitchen Remedy for Strengthening Heart-1)Take equal proportions of Dry Ginger and Fenugreek Seeds and grind them together into powder-take 1 teaspoon of this powder every morning on empty stomach. 2)Mix Ginger and Betel and Tulsi(Holy Basil) leaf juice and take one Teaspoon daily.

*Finally Mental Peace and Happiness goes a long way in keeping your Heart healthy.