Episode 1: GARLIC
In the next few posts I will share many of the natural home remedies I have used in the past and continue to use when they are needed. They tend to be needed during this dreaded time best known as the cold and flu season. More accurately described as the sugar-over consumption-lack of sunlight- everyone is indoors- season.
Garlic is my Trojan horse. I simply cannot sing it’s praises enough. I have personally used it to successfully get over strep throat without antibiotics, heal ear infections and keep away oh-so-many colds. And if you’re not consuming it or utilizing it in your daily life you likely will want to after this post.
Garlic History
Garlic is the original G.O.A.T. Its medicinal use has been recorded in multiple ancient texts. The Greeks, Hebrews, Romans, Egyptians and Babylonians all recorded using garlic medicinally.
Before antibiotics were invented garlic was used to treat infections and wounds during World War I.
Garlic is antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Unlike antibiotics, which demolish both the good and bacteria in the gut, garlic has the unique ability to kill the pathogenic bacteria (bad) while encouraging/feeding the beneficial bacteria to proliferate. It is a strong antioxidant. It goes to battle against worms and parasites in the body while also supporting good digestion. Garlic is a the original G.O.A.T.
What I do With Garlic
Since garlic is one of the best things to help boost the immune system I use it a lot. I typically supplement with garlic daily, especially through the cold and flu months. But I also have a few remedies I keep in my personal home remedy binder.
- Fermented Garlic – This is a double-whammy. Not only do you get the benefits of garlic but you get the benefits of a ferment as well. This is one of the best ferments to have on hand. You can consume the fermented cloves as well as the brine. If you are doing the GAPS diet for eczema and cannot tolerate dairy, this is THE ferment to consume to help kill the pathogenic yeast that is connected with eczema. I used it for my son, Raleigh. He consumed fermented garlic daily for years. Another GAPS tip regarding garlic. If you are prone to burping when eating you likely have yeast in the stomach. Consuming more garlic will help re balance that issue since garlic kills yeast.
- Garlic Tea – Make a tea to sip on. Bring 2 cups of water and 6 chopped cloves to a boil in a small sauce pan. Remove from the heat. Allow it to cool enough to add raw honey to taste. Add the juice of 1/2-1 lemon. Drink 1-3x/day.
- Garlic for juicing – If you have a juicer this is another great way to utilize garlic. 2 cloves of garlic, 2 large carrots and the juice of one lemon.
- Garlic for an ear infection – Crush 1 clove of garlic into 1-2 T olive oil. Let it sit for 30 minutes then strain out the garlic. Use a few drops of the oil every hour in the ears for an ear infection.
- Garlic for treating a cold, flu or strep throat – Dr. Natasha recommends consuming an entire head of garlic a day when using for therapeutic purposes. Every half hour to hour press a clove into a spoon. Allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes in the open air. This activates the allicin. Take the pressed garlic. Be sure to chase it with milk or juice or it can cause a burning/heartburn-type sensation.
- Homemade salad dressing – I will often make a simple salad dressing with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, raw honey, honey mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. I will press the garlic into a spoon and allow it to sit for 10-15 minutes before adding it to the mix so we can get the full benefits of the garlic.
This company makes the absolute best garlic if you want to purchase. I’d highly recommend it. I also keep their throat spray on hand and the garlic cream.
I love garlic. I cook with it weekly and we all consume it in one way or another throughout the week. I’d highly recommend incorporating it into your daily or weekly routines!
