Herb Focus: Garlic

ByRuthie Guten

Herb Focus: Garlic

(This article appeared in the April, 2011 issue of A Healthy You.)

Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. It has been used for ages to treat many conditions, such as: colds, skin disease, parasites, joint problems and arthritis, cysts and growths, and fluid retention. It is also useful in eliminating lead and other toxic heavy metals from the body. Garlic extract has been used to reduce infections and relieve diarrhea.

However, nursing moms should be aware that garlic could create colicky infants. Also, please consult your physician before using garlic in large quantities if you are taking anticoagulants or preparing for surgery.

Similar Posts

  • Food Focus: Pineapple

    ByRuthie Guten

    Food Focus: Pineapple Did you know that pineapple is a compound fruit? I didn’t even know what a compound fruit was until I did my research for this article. A compound fruit is a fruit that develops from many small fruits that become fused together around a central core. It’s low in calories: around 50…

  • Food Focus: Sea Vegetables

    ByRuthie Guten

    Food Focus: Sea Vegetables Sea Vegetables (This article appeared in the January, 2011 issue of A Healthy You). In traditional Chinese healing, sea vegetables correspond to the winter season and to the kidneys, adrenal glands, bladder and reproductive organs. The strengthening, balancing and cleansing properties of sea vegetables are known to help these organs as…

  • Food Focus: Maple Syrup

    ByRuthie Guten

    Maple Syrup Maple syrup is the concentrated extract of the sap of maple trees. It adds a rich, deep flavor to foods and drinks. Make sure to look for 100% pure maple syrup, not maple-flavored corn syrup. As with all sweeteners, organic varieties are best. Adapted from “The Cane Mutiny,” New Age Magazine, March/April 1999.

  • Food Focus: Sprouts

    ByRuthie Guten

    Food Focus: Sprouts (This article appeared in the May,2011 issue of A Healthy You) In the spring season, seeds flaunt their vitality and energy by sprouting. Sprouts of all varieties contain the building blocks of life in the form of vitamins, enzymes, amino acids and simple sugars. In their early growth state, sprouts are very…