The health benefits and medicinal uses of garlic have long been known. Garlic is considered by many to be the herbal wonder drug. It has a reputation of preventing everything from the common cold to typhoid. Studies have shown that garlic has a powerful antioxidant effect and it has been used extensively in herbal medicine to protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals.

Garlic is most effective when eaten raw and a daily intake of one half to two cloves seems to be sufficient to ward off illness for most people. The body does not appear to build up resistance to garlic, so its positive health benefits continue over time. Raw garlic is used by some to treat the symptoms of acne and there is evidence that it can assist in lowering cholesterol levels. It is even effective as a natural mosquito repellent.

A stronger tasting clove of garlic indicates that it has more sulphur content and therefore more medicinal value. Some people feel that organically grown garlic tends to have a higher sulphur level and hence greater health benefit. Others prefer to take odorless garlic pills or capsules but most garlic advocates believe the processing of garlic to remove the odor also drastically lessens the health benefits.

Raw garlic is very strong, so eating too much could produce irritation the digestive tract. It also seems that a few people are allergic to garlic. Symptoms of garlic allergy include skin rash, temperature and headaches. Garlic can potentially disrupt anti-coagulants, so it's best avoided before surgery. Garlic breath can be counteracted by chewing parsley, cardamom seeds or an apple, or by washing the mouth out with lemon juice.

Garlic is a natural antibiotic and it has strong germ killing powers. Garlic stimulates the activity of all the digestive organs and is also good for respiratory problems. Garlic assists the functioning of the liver and gall bladder and is helpful for intestinal infections and problems caused by putrefactive intestinal bacteria. Garlic lowers blood pressure and stimulates the circulatory action of the heart.

The two main medical ingredients which produce the garlic health benefits are allicin and diallyl sulphides. Garlic also contains vitamins B and C and is rich in calcium, sulphur, zinc, copper, potassium and phosphoric acid. Garlic makes a wonderful health supplement but the garlic cure is no substitute for the basics of sensible eating and appropriate exercise. Garlic should be used as part of a healthy lifestyle, not as an alternative to it. You should always consult your physician regarding a medical condition.

James Houston