Medicinal Superfoods: Garlic
By Madalina Hubert
Garlic has acquired legendary status since antiquity. It is a favourite flavour enhancer in many cuisines around the world, but also a powerful medicinal tool used to combat a range of diseases, from poison to colds. In many cultures, it is also been said to ward off evil spirits (and has thus become of vampire lore).
In ancient China, garlic is mentioned in the Yellow Emperor’s treatise Huangdi Neijing, a foundational text of traditional Chinese medicine. There is a story that the Yellow Emperor first discovered garlic. The emperor was looking for a cure to ward off the effects of a poisonous plant he had just eaten. He was successful and garlic is now used as an anti-bacterial treatment. With its pungent warming qualities, it is closely related to several major organs of the body, including the stomach, spleen, and lungs. Like ginger, which is also a pungent warming herb, garlic works to stimulate the digestive system and fight infections.
Health Benefits
- Boosts immune system – Garlic works to strengthen the body’s immune system, helping to eliminate toxins, bacteria, or viruses from one’s lungs. By stimulating digestion, it also reduces harmful micro-organisms in the stomach. According to the Ping Ming Health website, garlic is especially effective in fighting winter flu and colds that have symptoms such as sneezing, stuffed nose, cold and body aches. However, garlic may not be so beneficial for colds caused by heat symptoms.
- Lowers blood pressure and cholesterol – Recent studies have demonstrated that garlic can lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure. In the article “Garlic in Traditional Chinese Medicine,” acupuncturist Paul O’Brien explains that garlic is effective in lowering blood pressure because of its warming qualities, which increase blood circulation.
- Fights poisons – Since antiquity, garlic has been praised for its effects in combating poisoning, including from food, as well as from insect and snake bites. This is mostly due to the sulphur-containing compound allicin, which is in fact also the cause of garlic’s strong odour.
Preparation Methods
Garlic can be eaten cooked or raw, and today many people also eat it in tablets and fluid extracts. However, garlic is the most effective for medicinal use because of allicin. Eating it raw is best since cooking or processing it greatly reduces its potency. See the article “How to Release Garlic’s Medicinal Potential” for more preparation tips.
As with other warming foods, garlic is particularly beneficial for those with cooler bodily constitutions. According to the Ping Ming Health website, people with a hot body constitution or who experience symptoms such as fever, cough with yellow phlegm, constipation, ulcers, and rashes, should either avoid or eat less garlic. However, as always, try to observe the body’s reactions and consult a Chinese medical practitioner when needed.
Conclusion
In conclusion, garlic has built a reputation for its culinary flavouring and medicinal properties for thousands of years. Like with any food, moderation is important, keeping heed of the right preparation methods for your needs. And for garlic enthusiasts, there are several garlic festivals around the world, including here in Toronto, giving the opportunity to experiment with all things garlic.
Madalina Hubert is a Toronto-based writer specializing in art, culture, travel, and culinary explorations.
