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2.
ALLIUM SATIVUM
Eng.
= Garlic;
Ind. -=
Lahsoon
Habitat
and Description
Garlic
is a small herb that grows about 2 feet in height.
It has flat long leaves with pinkish or whitish flowers.
It has a peculiar odour. There
are many varieties of garlic that exist all over he world. It is believed to have originated in Central Asia.
It grows well in cool climates and dry weather.
It contains volatile oil with sulphur and compounds such as allicin,
ajoene and enzymes, vitamins and minerals.
It releases allicin when crushed, regarded by researchers as a more
powerful antibiotic than penicillin.
Allicin is responsible for garlic’s strong odour.
Parts
used : Bulb
Actions
: Alternative,
antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, carminative, emmenagogue,
expectorant, rubefacient, stimulant.
Therapeutic
uses
In
Arthritis and related disorders
It
is used extensively in treatment of Arthritis.
A decoction of garlic mixed with milk and water is highly
beneficial in sciatica. It
inhibits the formation of free radicals, which can damage the joints.
It has been found that the extract of garlic is useful in cases of
lumbar spondylitis and osteoarthritis.
Other
Uses
a.
Digestive disorders : Gastroenteritis, hyperacidity, intestinal
worms, ulcers.
b.
Respiratory tract infections : Cough and Cold, allergic rhinitis,
sinusitis, influenza,
bronchial asthma, whooping cough.
c.Others
: Ear infection, tuberculosis, typhoid, diabetes, hypertension, high
cholesterol,
wounds, atherosclerosis, cancer, stroke.
Mode
of Administration and Dosage
Raw
garlic can be taken as one or two cloves per day.
Because of its pungent taste and smell, ˝ teaspoonful ( 2.5 g) of
the paste of garlic juice should be used along with two teaspoonfuls of
honey twice daily.
Precaution
Garlic
should not be given to pregnant women in excess dose over long periods.
Persons taking anticoagulant drugs should consult a herbalist
before taking garlic in high doses.
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