Creating a Herbal Knowedge Base

Posted on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 12:05

Learning about herbs, their uses and applications can seem a daunting task.  Everywhere you look  these days, there is someone discussing this herbal drug, or that green tea, and all promise miracle cures!  The truth is, herbs are miracles, and they can make a person's life healthier...but, like any type of medication, you have to know and understand how they work within the body, for them to be effective, and safe.  And no herb should ver be used without the permission of a licensed physician.

In my last post, I gave a quick overview of different herbs for different body systems.  In this one, I want to tell you a bit more about some of those lovely plants, roots, and berries...how they work, and why.  So, I am going to give a bit of background on some that we use daily.

Garlic-garlic is a perennial herb that has so many wonderful properties, it is astounding!  Not to mention, a wonderful flavor and smell!  Over 1,800 studies show that garlic has wonderful benefits for the heart and endocrine systems.

Lowers cholesterol and the risk of atherisclerosis-Garlic works for this by lowering triglyceride levels in the blood, which in turn, inhibits platelet stickiness.  In other words, it helps defend you against plaque build up in the blood vessels, thereby lowering the risk of heart attack and stroke. 

Garlic aids the body by activating germ-killing macrophages ( a form of white blood cell) that is produced in the immune system.  It ia a geart anti-infective agent to protect against bladder infection, yeast infections and strep throat. 

Garlic is classified as an antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial agent..  Also, in recent studies, there has been a direct link to garlic having protective properties for those who have had cancer, or radiation.  Because garlic has been shown to reduce the number of free radicals in the body, ( these are aging agents), it is also thought to be a wonderful counter-active for those undergoing Adryiamycin chemotherapy.  It helps to balance the bad with the good, so-to-speak.

Garlic is also believed to be effective in the treatment of peptic ulcers. diabeties, parasetic infections, and ear infections.

Garlic can be used as raw clove, tablets, or oils.  The tablets may be purchased at the local drug store.  I prefer garlic in cloves or in an oil. 

Garlic Oil

To make a garlic oil, steep one part minced garlic to four parts olive oil.  The oil can be stored up to two weeks in the refrigerator.

One final note about garlic: Nursing mothers should be careful in garlic ingestion.  It can cause colic in nursing babies!

Thank you!

Posted by fcusick on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 01:10 - Link

I LOVE Garlic - great for colds and congestion. I am part Italian and love garlic foods - I wish someone would have told me that it cause colic - my oldest had it so bad!

Flossie

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Posted by gabbie427 on Tuesday, March 4, 2008 at 03:11 - Link

I love garlic too!!!! I am learning alot by your posts on herbs and such. Keep up the girl work girl!!!

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo