The garlic plant and its pungent aroma has acquired quite a
reputation for warding off evil spirits and the affections of others, but it
turns out garlic actually possesses important medicinal qualities. Originating
in western Asia, garlic has been grown since the time of the Egyptians .The
Egyptians placed garlic in the tombs of kings and also gave it to the slaves
building the tombs to ward off infection. In medieval Europe garlic was hung
outside doors to deter witches. And, of course, most everyone is well aware of
garlic’s role in warding off blood thirsty vampires.
Modern science has now proven, however, that garlic does
indeed possess some highly valued medicinal attributes. Garlic has powerful
antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties and is effective for
digestive complaints, bowel disorders, and insect stings. Current research indicates
garlic has the ability to lower blood cholesterol levels and the chance of
heart attack. There is also a lower incidence of colonic and other types of
cancer where garlic is a part of the daily diet.
The characteristic odor associated with garlic is created by
two chemicals that combine to form the bactericide allicin. One potential
remedy for counter-acting the bad breath caused by garlic is the eating of
parsley.
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