Given it’s the cold and flu season, we want to share some ways that Garlic can be used to stop those sniffles in their tracks!
In present day, I would venture to guess, that more people than not LOVE garlic in their food. But did you know those spicy little cloves have been used medicinally for literally thousands of years? Just take one bite, and you can literally feel the stuffiness easing up!
Garlic contains Allicin, which researchers have found to be an effective, natural antibiotic. Allicin is the reason why garlic has so many health benefits. By taking garlic pills or eating fresh garlic regularly during a cold could help accelerate the healing process and shorten bed rest time. Always crush the cloves before consuming, as this is the way the Allicin is released.
Try some crushed, minced garlic infused with honey. Combine the two in a jar with a tightly fitting lid. Leave in the jar for 4-5 days and shake it daily, You can strain the garlic out, but we eat it just like it is by the spoonful. It’s great for sore throats and has been found to ease coughs.
A mixture of garlic and apple cider vinegar (ACV), called Oxymel, really could be used as a “healthy tonic”. The ACV helps preserve the fresh qualities of garlic, and you wouldn’t believe the health benefits is has! It’s made basically the same way as the Garlic and Honey mixture. Use two large garlic bulbs and about 2 cups of ACV. Just peel and coarsely chop the garlic and let it sit for about 10 minutes. Add it to the ACV, cover with a plastic lid (the ACV will corrode metal), and shake well. Store in a cool, dark place for 2-3 weeks. Remember to shake the jar every day!
Garlic studies (completed and ongoing) are showing promising results! In addition to an amazing ability to help with colds and flu, garlic may help with blood pressure, increase estrogen levels in menopausal women, may help with Alzheimer’s and Dementia because of the high level of antioxidants it contains, and, of course, can keep Vampires at bay!
So, just like “an apple a day” a “clove of garlic a day” might just keep the doctor away! However, always check with your doctor before consuming garlic to make sure it doesn’t interfere with your daily medications and to make sure you don’t have an allergy to it.