Herb library

Garlic

Allium sativum

Garlic, Allium sativum, is a familiar kitchen herb long kept in household medicine cabinets. Traditionally used for respiratory and digestive comfort, it is simple to prepare as teas, syrups, and compresses for short term home use.

Traditionally used for.

• •Traditionally used as a warming kitchen remedy for mild colds and chest congestion, often taken as a warm garlic tea or steam inhalation.
• •Traditionally used for occasional digestive discomfort and to support healthy appetite and digestion after heavy meals.
• •A long-standing household use is to freshen breath and soothe a sore throat with a warm garlic gargle or honeyed chew.
• •Traditionally used topically in small amounts, as a poultice or compress, for minor skin complaints when diluted and watched closely.

Simple preparations.

• •Garlic tea: Crush 1 small clove of fresh garlic and steep in 8 ounces (240 ml) of just-off-boil water for 5 minutes, strain, and sip warm. Take once or twice a day while symptoms are present.
• •Garlic and honey syrup: Lightly crush 2 peeled garlic cloves and place in a small jar, cover with 1/4 cup (60 ml) of raw honey, let sit at room temperature for 4 to 12 hours, then take 1 teaspoon as needed for throat discomfort (do not give honey to children under one year).
• •Garlic steam or inhalation: Crush 2 cloves of garlic and add to a bowl of hot water, cover your head with a towel, keep face 8 to 12 inches from the water, and inhale the steam for 5 to 10 minutes to ease nasal congestion. Be careful with hot steam to avoid burns.

Cautions.

• !Garlic can cause strong breath and body odor, and fresh garlic may irritate the mouth or cause heartburn in some people.
• !Topical use of raw garlic can cause skin irritation or burns if left in direct contact; always dilute and test a small patch first.
• !Garlic can increase bleeding risk around the time of surgery and when taken with blood thinning medications; check with your doctor before use if you take blood thinners.
• !If you are pregnant, nursing, or taking prescription medications, check with your doctor before using garlic as a remedy.

Often kept beside.