The Remarkable Healing Properties of Garlic 🧄

Hi Friends,  

Garlic, also known as Allium sativum, has been a powerful medicinal plant since ancient times.  In fact, European folklore considered garlic to be a powerful ward against evil forces like devils, werewolves, and vampires!

Long ago, people recognized garlic was a helpful remedy against common colds, influenza, snake bites and even high blood pressure.  It was used in treating lung disorders, whooping cough, stomach disorders, colds, and earaches.

A recent review article, astonished me with the numerous healing properties of garlic.  See diagram above which summarizes these benefits.  

 Allicidin is made from garlic oil and has several key bioactive compounds from garlic including allicin, diallyl sulfide, and ajoene.

Here are 7 Reasons to Consider Supplementing with Allicidin:

 1) Antimicrobial properties:  Allicidin kills bad bacteria, fungi (yeast), viruses, and parasites (protozoa).  In my practice, I use Allicidin to heal gut infections such as Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO), Small Intestine Fungal Overgrowth (SIFO), Candida (yeast overgrowth), and dysbiosis (bacterial imbalance).  I also use it to treat sinus infections and upper respiratory infections.

 2) Metabolic Benefits:  Garlic helps activate insulin receptors and improve insulin sensitivity.  Studies have found garlic to have an anti-obesity effect by activating AMKP kinase (the enzyme controlling metabolism).  Studies in mice have shown it to reduce fat accumulation and reduce weight gain.

 3) Cardiovascular Benefits:  Garlic helps lower blood pressure and improves cholesterol profiles (reduces LDL and triglycerides, while increasing HDL).  It also prevents the build up of plaque in the arteries.

 4) Cognitive Benefits: Garlic has neuroprotective benefits in Alzheimer's disease by preventing oxidative death of neurons (brain cells) caused by beta-amyloid.  It also inhibits the enzyme that breaks down the brain neurotransmitter called Acetylcholine, helping to improve memory, and slow the rate of cognitive decline and dementia.  

 5) Anti-Cancer Activity:  Garlic has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth and proliferation.  Studies have found it to prevent gastrointestinal cancers and prevent the metastasis of colorectal cancers.  It has also shown anti-proliferative activities against breast cancer and glioblastoma multiforme (brain cancer).  

 6) Promotes Liver Detoxification:  Garlic oil increases the expression of 3 key enzymes in the liver (CYP3A1, 2B1, and 1A1) that improve liver detoxification pathways.  

 7) Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity:  Garlic is a rich source of the antioxidant flavonoid known as quercetin.  Garlic extract has been shown to increase antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the liver (helping your body clear out free radicals).  It also inhibits the production of cytokines and prostaglandins that cause pain and inflammation.

While raw garlic has more of the bioactive compounds intact, cooked garlic is often easier to digest.  Oven roasted whole garlic bulbs are absolutely delicious!  See recipe below.  The garlic cloves soften and caramelize and taste amazing straight from the bulb, or added to other dishes like a homemade pesto sauce!  

Garlic is truly one of nature's best medicines.  

Warm regards, 

Rajsree Nambudripad, MD