Garlic-The Aromatic Gift

Garlic is one of the most studied herbs in the world. Greater than 200 human studies have been done to judge garlic's effects. Most of the studies have weighed in on the side of garlic being one of nature's wonders.

Garlic has many constituents. Many of these are sulfur based, which accounts for garlic's odor.

Garlic has long been known to be beneficial for hypertension. High blood pressure is a major contributor of coronary artery disease. Garlic alone will not cure HTN, but used with a healthy diet and a good supplement regimen it is a strong aid to lowering high blood pressure.

Garlic is useful in reducing the risk of colon cancer. Studies show that as little one or more servings per week lower the risk as much as 35 percent. The substances that cause garlic's bad odor is thought to be contributing the benefits here.

Garlic is capable of antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. It is an immune system builder, and allows the body to bolster its own immune responses. Many old home remedies for colds and flu have garlic as the main ingredient.

One of the more exciting properties of garlic that even main stream medicine has taken to is garlic's effect on platelets. Garlic seems to prevent excessive clotting or abnormal "clumping" of the blood that leads to heart attack and stroke. Studies have shown that garlic also affects fibrinogen-a clotting protein. One that seems linked to heart disease. Medical doctors are encouraging garlic now in numbers never before seen.

Unfortunately I have some bad news. The most potent and effective way to get your garlic is the old fashioned way. Not in the deodorized pill form. I know, but it does seem like after a time, your body does acclimate to it.

The raw form is the most effective way so I am told by Natural Physicians. They do however say they understand, and give me the following recommendation.

Go with an enteric coated, deodorized form, that is standardized to 4,000 to5,000 mcg. Allicin. Follow your doctors directions or check with your pharmacist to see if there is any prescription interactions to be aware of.