Garlic is one of the greatest natural remedies known and, if taken in large enough doses, is considered to be a natural antibiotic.
It contains vitamins A, B and C, copper, sulphur, manganese, iron and calcium, and because its oil is composed of sulphides and disulphides, garlic deactivates undesirable virulent micro-organisms in the body, without harming the helpful organisms.
Studies have shown that garlic eaten with a fatty meal will dramatically reduce the resulting level of cholesterol and fats in the blood.
Taken on a regular basis it helps cleanse toxins from your blood stream, aids digestion, cleanses stale mucus from the tissues, nourishes the nerves, increases glandular secretions, helps your body build resistance to colds and relieves the symptoms of sinusitis.
Freshly crushed garlic is by far the strongest and best way to take it, as it has all the available Allicin and other medicinal components.
Externally, garlic ointment can treat muscular strain and rheumatic pain, and a lotion treats nappy rash and yeast infections in children.
To make garlic ointment, crush two cloves of garlic and mix well with 200g of raw petroleum jelly. Store in an airtight jar and rub well into the affected area whenever required.
For garlic lotion, chop up six to 12 cloves, depending on the desired strength, and add to 500mls of sunflower oil in a glass jar.
Seal the jar tightly and leave it to stand for 10 to 14 days. Strain the oil into a sterilised glass bottle, seal, and store in a dark, cool place. Apply to the affected area to soothe irritation.
Garlic also repels insect pests in the garden when grown among other plants and a highly diluted garlic extract kills or keeps away wireworm, caterpillars, weevils, black fly and aphids and other leaf-sucking insects.
Make a suitable all-purpose spray by blending half-a-cup of garlic, four hot chilli peppers and one litre of soapy water. Before use, dilute one part concentrate with 10 parts of water and spray as required, but only in the late afternoon when all bee activity has ceased.