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Garlic
The scientific name for garlic is Allium sativum and it has widely been used for therapeutic, remedial and religious purposes. The tuber part of the plant is used and is an effective respiratory disinfectant.
Facts and background information
Garlic is a universally accepted cure for many diseases in the older civilizations of the world and a widely used home remedy in current ones. The papyrus, dating back to 1500 B.C. in Egypt, credit close to 22 garlic prescriptions for complaints of headaches and throat disorders. In fact, the slaves who built the Great Pyramids at Giza are known to have consumed a lot of garlic to build strength as falling sick was a luxury option, not open to them. An interesting historical fact about garlic is that it was widely used during World War I to fight typhus and dysentery and as a disinfectant to ward of septic poisoning in World War II by British physicians treating battle wounds.
Medicinal value of Garlic
Once known as poor man's treacle, Garlic was much the magic potion that was believed to be a cure-all for everything under the sun. Indians, Chinese, Europeans and Americans all love the fragrance and distinctive taste of garlic. Garlic is a powerful herb, used as a natural antibiotic, with the capability to stimulate cell growth and activity. Apart from checking rise in blood pressure, garlic is an excellent cure for all colds and infections of the body. It acts as a heart helper by lowering blood cholesterol by thinning the blood.
Religious importance and remedial aspect of garlic
It was, and sometimes still is, believed that peeled garlic cloves placed in room can ward off diseases. Some people hang it in their new homes to dispel negativity and evil. Among the many uses of garlic, the therapeutic ones take center stage as heart ailments, coughs and cold, blood pressure, preventing blood clots and fighting infection are all healing aspects of garlic treatment.
Storage tips and information
- There are many theories about garlic storage-as many as the varieties in garlic. It is best to try and see what works for you individually. But, to begin with the part that most experts agree on: it is not conducive for the herb (and your olfactory sense) to store garlic in a plastic bag or sealed container. These can promote rotting as can direct sunlight.
- Certain factors affect the storage of garlic and these include how well it was grown and cured, its variety, the temperature and humidity that it was stored in and the container.
- The USDA recommends storing garlic at 32F, which is what large supermarkets can provide but not all regular homes: this is the primary reason why garlic looks fresh in stores and dull at home.
- However, a ventilated terra cotta storage jar does the trick for your garlic storage at home; with double paper bags in the shade come a close second as smart storage.