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“With garlic, the patient himself is doctor, pharmacologist, nurse, and pharmaceutical manufacturer all in one.” --Yoshio Kato
In my last article on garlic, I explained the healing attributes of garlic. In this article I will give a couple of simple recipes to use in times of need and share success stories with garlic.
FRESH GARLIC
Every home should have fresh garlic and onion, not only for cooking, but for medicinal purposes. It is amazing how helpful a peeled clove of garlic can be.
When any of my sister’s children get an earache, she has them put a peeled clove of garlic in the offending ear, then covers it with a band aid to help it stay in.
When I was having an issue with a tooth infection, I placed a peeled clove of garlic on that side of my mouth and held it there all day. The pain and inflammation reduced greatly.
When there is an unwanted growth on the skin, one can take a peeled clove of garlic and slice or cut it. Then place the sliced part of the garlic on the wart or mole or skin tag. Tape it on and as it dries out, replace with a fresh piece of cut garlic.
When a person has worms, inserting a peeled clove of garlic as high as possible into the rectum will help with ridding the body of them. Do this just before going to bed at night and it will come out with the first bowel movement in the morning. Consuming lots of garlic internally will also help rid the body of worms.
GARLIC OIL
Along with always having fresh garlic cloves in the home, I like to have garlic oil on hand. It is a simple recipe to make.
Garlic cloves, peeled
Olive oil
Crush or mince garlic cloves. Place in container and cover garlic with ½ inch of oil. Keep in a warm place or in the sun for 2-3 days, agitating the mixture at least once a day. Strain with muslin or any good cotton material and bottle the oil. Keep in the refrigerator or in a cool place.
I always try to have at least half a cup of garlic oil on hand at all times. Not only is it great to add to food, but it is great to use one rough hands or feet.
When any of my children are sick, after they have taken a hot bath or shower, I put garlic oil on the bottoms of their feet and run it up the whole length of their spine.
If my children have an earache, I put a few drops of garlic oil in their ear and then let take some additional drops outside of their ear. I spread the oil in front and behind the ear, bringing the oil down the neck following the lymph nodes. I do this for both ears, even if only one is hurting.
If anyone in my family is having sinus issues, I will rub the oil across the forehead, down the bridge of the nose between the eyes, under the eyes/above the cheekbones, then out and over by the ears, then down to the lymph in the neck.
If there is chest congestion, I will rub garlic oil on their chest and up their neck.
If there is the complaint of athlete’s foot, use a cotton ball or clean cloth to apply the oil between the toes once or twice a day. Some herbalists even suggest taping a sliver of garlic on the bad patches of athlete’s foot. One can also put several cloves of crushed garlic in a basin with warm water and a little rubbing alcohol to soak their feet.
GARLIC WATER
Another simple recipe to make when garlic needs to be internalized is to make garlic water.
Garlic cloves, peeled
Water
Crush or mince garlic cloves. Place in a glass container and cover with good, clean water. Put in the sun for at least 4 hours. Leave garlic in or strain with natural fiber cloth. Drink the garlic infused water to help with ailments or for prevention.
Garlic water is a great way to get the benefits of garlic without having to eat the garlic. This is an easier way for my little kids to get the healing garlic in them without having to fight them to eat a clove of garlic.
When sickness seems to be encroaching on my family, the garlic water comes out and we all start having some daily to strengthen our bodies.
Garlic is an amazing herb that is known to help with so many health issues. Take some daily or multiple times a week to see how it can help improve your health.
written by Beth Davis
Master Herbalist and Footzonology Practitioner
She loves empowering others to take control of their health by
teaching numerous classes on topics ranging from
Kitchen Medicine to Immune System Health.
Currently, her family is traveling around America exploring its many wonders.
If you would like to have her teach a class or two in your area, you can find her at
bethofthewest2023@gmail.com