What is garlic? Other than cooking garlic has medicinal uses from the common cold to infection prevention. This herb has been used for thousands of years.
A lot of people use garlic in cooking without knowing that this herb has quite a few medicinal uses. Although Garlic has been around for several thousands of years, its origins are quite obscure. It is thought to have come from Russia making its way to the Mediterranean countries. Garlic was known to be used in the diets of ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks.
Garlic is known to aid digestion, ward off colds, infection, expel worms, ease chest congestion, help alleviate rheumatism and cleanse the intestines. In World War I, garlic juice was used on the sterile bandages to prevent infection. Garlic has also been known to help hardening of the arteries, sinus problems, skin complexion, and hay fever if taken in capsule form on a regular basis. Please check with your physician first before starting any supplements.
Garlic can be eaten raw, roasted or baked right into food. Some people use the clove to rub on bowls, pans or dishes instead of using the entire clove in cooking or food. Some people have become addicted to this strong tasting herb. Other than capsules, garlic comes in flavored salts, powder, and dehydrated flakes.
This perennial requires well-drained soil and grows in a sunny location. This herb needs to be planted in the springtime and harvested six months later.
When planted with roses, garlic helps in repelling aphids. It has also been known to inhibit the growth of peas and beans. Crushed garlic cloves can be made into a garden spray to deter pests.
