Allium Sativum is the latin name of Garlic, while as most readers know, lasan is the Sanskrit or Indian name. Cultures around the world have used garlic to cure many diseases, from common colds to heart ailments.

What are the benefits of garlic?
Garlic is valued primarily for its beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, and has also been used as a natural antibiotic for treating respiratory and related infections. Garlic is used as a carminative, aphrodisiac, expectorant and stimulant. It possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, antibacterial, antifungal and antihypertensive qualities.

Why is Garlic beneficial?
Garlic contains sulphur compounds which give its infamous odor, and also its many health benefits. Allicin is the key sulphur compound found in Garlic which has antimicrobial, antioxidant, cholesterol lowering and blood clot-preventing properties.

Has scientific testing proved its benefits?

1. German researchers conducted a study on 15 patients over a year period. The researchers found that high doses of powdered garlic significantly reduced the buildup of atherosclerotic plaque, and even reduced existing plaque. There have been over 12 documented studies published around the world that confirm that garlic can reduce
cholesterol. A study by Silagy and Neil in 199 showed that garlic supplements reduced cholesterol by 12 % vs. placebo.

2. Another study in 2001 on 1 6 patients strongly supports the use of garlic for preventing and treating colds. 73 patients were given a garlic supplement for a period of 12 weeks in the high cold season of November through February, and the other half was given a placebo. At the end of the study, the researchers found that the group which
took garlic supplement reported colds, compared to 65 by the other group. Garlic is also an excellent remedy for whooping cough.

3. Taking Garlic during pregnancy can cut the risk of high blood pressure and retention of protein in the urine. Other studies have also revealed that garlic may help to boost the birth-weight of babies.

4. Garlic is considered nature’s antibiotic, and is also very effective against fungi, yeasts and viral infections. The first study linking this connection was published in 1936.

5. Eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, stomach and colon cancer. This is due to garlic’s ability to reduce the formation of carcinogenic compounds.

6. Garlic has also proved to be useful for a variety of skin disorders. For instance, pimples disappear without a scar when rubbed with raw garlic several times a day. The process is further helped by consuming raw garlic to purify the blood-stream.

7. As a child, I still remember warm mustard oil mixed with garlic cloves was used to cure ear pains and infections.

So, garlic, despite being maligned for its odor and tamsik properties, has several proven medicinal qualities. Please consult your doctor before taking any supplements.