You probably have a natural “medicine” in your kitchen, but do you know how wonderful it is? Garlic can be a minor miracle for us, if we just remember to use it as much as we can. There’s nothing exotic about it, it can be found in all grocery stores, and it’s even easy to grow in your own yard. Let’s take a close look at garlic.*
Garlic, known as Allium sativum, is possibly the most practical medicinal herb in the world! Most of us know and love this bulb for its delicious flavor and aroma and for what it does to our Italian dishes, and some of us use it in almost everything we cook! But we’re not sure how many people think of it or use it as a “medicine” or know of its healing applications. Let’s look at its ability to heal wounds.
Would it surprise you to learn that as recently as 60 years ago, garlic was included in the standard-issue medical kits carried by medics in both World War I and World War II to treat wounds? It is a natural antibiotic and works well when taken internally. It reduces infection, boosts immunity, and helps in the healing process. For external wounds, try this procedure: Wash the wound and about 15 cloves of garlic carefully. Grate the garlic and add a few drops of water to make a paste. Smear the garlic paste on a sterile gauze and carefully apply the gauze on the wound. Cover the gauze with a bandage so it doesn’t move. Leave it for 1-2 days, and then gently remove the gauze and carefully wash the wound with water. Clear the old garlic paste from the wound. Prepare a fresh gauze with more garlic paste smeared on it and cover with a new bandage. Remove after 2 days and the wound and infection should be gone.
Is you experience a burning sensation when garlic is applied to the skin, simply make a turmeric paste on the wound and drink a glass of turmeric milk. This works like an antiseptic and also speeds up the wound healing process.
Garlic is so versatile, very few herbs can compare. It is an effective blood thinner, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, anti-oxidant, and immune system stimulant that promotes heart health and is also proven to lower cholesterol. Garlic can literally knock out a cold or flu in under 24 hours if used in conjunction with the right dietary protocol and adequate sleep. The best way to take it is raw, but capsules may be found wherever you buy supplements.
Other ways to use garlic: To fight colds and flu, use raw garlic (but aged garlic extract also works). Garlic powder and cooked garlic don’t have the same effects in regard to immunity (but it is wonderful for heart health and digestion). Buy garlic that has been grown locally if you can. Garlic that has been braided will stay potent and fresh for six to nine months. To increase the potency of garlic, crush a garlic clove and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. (The 10-minute waiting period allows the enzyme alliinase to convert alliin into allicin, which is responsible for the aroma and activity of fresh garlic.) If eating garlic gives you unwanted-smelling breath, try eating a sprig or two of fresh parsley.
Garlic Butter or Oil for Bread or Vegetables
1 large garlic clove (or 2 small cloves)
1 tablespoon butter (or other oil of your choice)
1/2 teaspoon thyme (optional)
1/2 teaspoon oregano (optional)
Mince the garlic clove and let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Mix the butter, garlic, and optional herbs together. Spread the mixture on bread or a starchy vegetable. Repeat as desired.
Garlic-Infused Oil (For Feet, Ears, and Chest)
Using garlic oil on your feet or chest is an old tradition for lessening the severity of an illness, and it’s helpful for relieving chest congestion. Many find out that, after using the garlic oil externally, they have garlic breath! It’s a good sign! It means that garlic’s volatile oils are coming out through your lungs, which is helpful for breaking up congestion in the lungs.
For the best results, prepare this daily as needed (rather than storing it): Finely mince a few cloves of garlic and let it stand for 10 minutes. Place the garlic in a small jar, barely covering it with olive oil, and let it infuse for at least 30 minutes (up to 12 hours). Strain really well. (Whole pieces of garlic might burn sensitive skin, so make sure to use only the oil.)
For the feet: Garlic oil traditionally has been used on the feet of children and adults. Just before bedtime, rub the oil onto the feet and immediately cover with an old pair of socks–and then another pair of socks. Sleep normally and wash feet in the morning. For the chest: Rub the infused oil on the front and back of the chest. Put on an old T-shirt or wrap well in towels to protect bedding or furniture. Put a heating pad or hot water bottle over the covering, and it will help the oil penetrate the skin. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For the ears: If the ear drum isn’t perforated, garlic oil is may be used for ear infections. Slightly warm the oil and then add a drop or two into the sore ear canal.
______________________________
From https://learningherbs.com/remedies-recipes/fight-colds-and-flu-with-garlic/; Copyright © 2020 LearningHerbs.)
You can learn more at https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-heal-wounds-with-garlic/.
*This article contains helpful hints about the use of natural ingredients and is not intended as medical advice. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients mentioned, refrain from using home remedies and consult a doctor immediately.