Garlic is an aromatic herb in the mint family that grows on an evergreen bush. It is most often used in cooking but has a wonderful woodsy scent that is great in air fresheners and aromatherapy mixes. Garlic raw or dried herb can be taken internally when used in cooking and raw for medicinal purposes. It is an especially great herb to add to meats (and pairs well with lamb). Some research suggests that it has anti-cancer properties benefits are numerous. It’s used to help digestion, including heal upset stomach, slow intestinal gas, stop stomach pain, stop diarrhea and as a natural remedy for cramps.
It’s also used for conditions of the heart and blood vessels — including to improve poor circulation, reverse excessive blood clotting, lower high cholesterol and prevent heart disease.
When consumed, Garlic has the power to relieve a toothache, sea sickness, alcoholism, malaria and fever. It’s also used to help people who have difficulty swallowing.
When applied topically, it benefits the skin, too.
Currently, it’s being studied to test its ability to reduce pain sensations when applied to the skin, and research indicates that it would be effective as a remedy for headaches (including migraines), potential solution for osteoarthritis and other painful conditions.
Many of these benefits are possible because of the active compound capsaicin. This molecule works by binding to a vanilloid receptor known as TRPV1, which triggers a mild inflammatory reaction that’s meant to repair injured cells.