Garlic (Allium Sativum) belongs to the family Liliaceae. The plant has leaves which are long, narrow and flat like grass. The bulb is of a compound nature, consisting of numerous bulblets, known technically as 'cloves,' grouped together between the membraneous scales and enclosed within a whitish skin, which holds them as in a sac.

It is referred to by different names in Ayurveda. The names describe its qualities. It is known as Rasona (Rasena Vunaha = as it is devoid of amla rasa or sour taste) Ugraghandhi (Ugra Gandhi = as it has strong pungent smell )

It has Snigdha (sticky), teekshna (penetrating), pichhila (slimy), guru (heavy), sara (quickly spreading) qualities. It has all rasas (tastes) except amla (sour).

It reduces kapha and vata but it should be used with lot of precautions in persons who have pitta prakruti and in patients who are suffering from rakta, pitta disorders.

Ancient greeks used to place garlic on stones at cross roads as a supper for Hecate(Greek goddess of the three paths, guardian of the household, protector of everything newly born, and the goddess of witchcraft). According to Pliny garlic and onion were invoked as deities by the Egyptians while taking oaths.

According to a Mohammedan legend 'when Satan stepped out from the Garden of Eden after the fall of man, Garlic sprang up from the spot where he placed his left foot, and Onion from that where his right foot touched.'

Garlic contains pungent, volatile, essential oil. This oil is a sulphide of radical Allyl. The intensely smelling allyl compound has such a diffusive property that even when the crushed bulb is rubbed to the soles of the feet, its odor is exhaled by the lungs after some time.

Medicinal Action and Uses

Acharya Charaka has said that garlic is an effective remedy in conditions like intestinal worm infestations, skin disorders, low libido and erectile dysfunction.

Acharya Sushruta has appreciated the uses of this herb in skin disorders, low libido and erectile dysfunction. It also improves memory, modulates voice, enhances complexion, improves eye sight, strengthens bones and joints, improves digestion and regularizes bowel movement. It is very useful in cardiac diseases too.

As an Antibiotic
 
Many marvelous effects and healing powers have been ascribed to Garlic. Garlic is popularly known as "nature's antibiotic." As an antiseptic, its use has long been recognized. It is very effective against fungus, Yeast and viral infections. It is said to prevent anthrax in cattle, being largely used for the purpose.
 
As an Expectorant
 
Garlic reduces increased kapha. Garlic syrup is an excellent medicine for asthma, hoarseness of voice, coughs, difficulty in breathing, and most other disorders pertaining to the lungs. As this promotes expectoration it is very useful in chronic bronchitis. Garlic is a very good remedy for whooping cough. 
 
As a Cholesterol Reducing Agent
 
Many publications have shown that garlic supports the cardiovascular system. According to them it lowers cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood, inhibits platelet stickiness and slows blood coagulation. It is mildly antihypertensive and has antioxidant activity.
 
As an Antihypertensive
 
Garlic is considered as one of the most effective remedies to lower blood pressure. It eases the spasm of small arteries and reduces the pressure on them.

As a Remedy in Digestive Disorders
 
Garlic stimulates peristaltic action and the secretion of the digestive juices. It eliminates body toxins. It has an antimicrobial effect and is an excellent remedy for intestinal infections. It expels intestinal worms.

As an Anti Inflammatory
 
Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties. It is effectively used to cure arthritis, migraine and other inflammatory conditions.

Garlic in skin Disorders

A regular consumption of garlic purifies blood and reduces minor skin infections.

Garlic and Cancer
 
Few studies suggest that eating garlic regularly reduces the risk of esophageal, colon and stomach cancer. This may be partly due to garlic’s ability to reduce the formation of carcinogenic compounds.

Garlic as an Aphrodisiac
 
Garlic is said to be a tonic for impotence. It also treats sexual debility caused by over indulgence in sex and nervous exhaustion. It is said to be very useful in older men.

Garlic has always been known as an aphrodisiac. It can improve blood circulation significantly. According to recent studies an enzyme called nitric oxide synthase (NOS) appears to be responsible for the mechanism of erection. Researches on garlic have shown that garlic can stimulate production of this enzyme.

Garlic in Pregnancy
 
New research shows that consuming garlic during pregnancy can reduce the risk of raised blood pressure in pregnancy (Pre-eclampsia). Studies have shown that garlic may help to boost the birth-weight of babies.

Action of Garlic in Herpes
 
In future garlic may find its place in treatment of genital herpes. It was found that the oral or topical application of garlic or garlic extract markedly reduced the outbreak of the genital herpes virus.

Home Remedies with Garlic

Used in cookery it is a great aid to digestion, and keeps the mucosal coats of the stomach healthy. A clove or two of Garlic, pounded with honey and taken two or three nights successively, is effective in rheumatism.

Grind few cloves of garlic and pour ¼ cup of boiled water on it. Add this infusion to sugar syrup. This is an excellent cough expectorant to children and elderly adults.

When sniffed, it greatly helps in relieving hysteria.

Garlic juice taken with hot water twice a daily relieves asthma attacks.

Three cloves of garlic boiled with milk taken every day at night cures productive cough and bronchitis..

10 drops of garlic juice with 2 teaspoon of honey reduces the acuteness of asthmatic symptoms. It can also be administered at the time of attack.

Taking garlic juice with fresh water regularly reduces high blood pressure

Half a clove of raw garlic consumes each day can increase body activity to dissolve blood clots, thereby preventing heart attacks and strokes.

Precautions and Adverse Effects
 
Some may experience heartburn and flatulence when they consume garlic. Individuals who are consuming anti coagulant drugs should consult their dietician before consuming garlic products as garlic has anti coagulant property. It should be used cautiously by individuals who have bleeding disorders. Garlic should never be consumed during migraine headache. Avoid rubbing garlic on skin as it causes burns and peeling of skin.