Garlic is a member of the same group of plants as the onion. Prized for at least 5000 years, garlic has long been known to reduce blood cholesterol levels. In the olden days it was used as a specific medicine for leprosy. It is acknowledged by orthodox medicine to reduce the risk of further heart attacks in cardiac patients. It is also a stimulant for the immune system and an antibiotic.

The cloves are used widely for infections, especially chest problems, digestive disorders and fungal infections such as thrush. Garlic also helps regulate blood sugar levels, and so can be helpful in late-onset diabetes. Topically, the cloves can be effective for skin infections and acne.

A clove or two of garlic pounded with honey and taken for two or three nights successively, has been used in rheumatism.

It is a volatile oil made up of sulphur containing compounds, enzymes, B vitamins, minerals and flavonoids.

Chinese medicine recognises it as very hot, dry, pungent

Traditionally, it is a natural antibiotic, diuretic, stimulant, antiseptic, expectorant, promotes sweating, reduces blood pressure, anticoagulant, reduces blood cholesterol levels, reduces blood sugar levels, antihistamine and anti-parasitic.

Cloves The cloves can be traditionally used on acne, or mashed and used on warts and veruccas. The cloves can be added regularly to the diet as a prophylactic against infection, reducing high cholesterol levels and to improve the quality of the cardiovascular system. Crushed cloves (3 – 6 daily in acute conditions) can be eaten for severe digestive disorders and infections.

Juice This is traditionally drunk for digestive disorders and infections, or to combat atherosclerosis

Capsules Traditionally, garlic powder can be made into capsules as an aromatic alternative to commercial ‘pearls’. Clinical trials suggest that 2g of power capsules daily can prevent further heart attacks. Taking the capsules daily can also combat infections, including thrush.

Pearls These can be used as an alternative to capsules. The more "deodorized" the pearls the less effective they are.

Garlic is very heating and can irritate the stomach. While culinary doses are generally safe, however, do not take garlic in therapeutic doses during pregnancy and lactation. Eating fresh parsley may eliminate odour on the breath.