THE WONDER HERBS
Garlic and ginger, two staple herbs available in any kitchen, are treasure houses of goodness, capable of curing a host of minor irritations and problems. They both contain medicinal properties that can come to your aid in a number of instances. Knowing what marvels can be wrought by each of these herbs may be very useful in situations when you badly need relief and the doctor is not at hand
Garlic (also known as lasoon) is one of two kitchen ingredients endowed with a number of wonderful attributes. Research studies have proved that eating one clove of raw garlic each day reduces the risk of heart attacks in cardiac patients
So the next time you suffer from some minor ailment, don’t panic. Reach out for this handy bulb and see just how much goodness Mother Nature was able to put into a little package
A regular intake of garlic acts as a prophylactic against infections. It helps to reduce high cholesterol levels and improve the state of the cardiovascular system. It also helps lower blood sugar levels and assists in blood purification
Mashed cloves applied externally help to clear out acne, warts and boils. They also help to draw out the corns in the foot
Three to six cloves of garlic taken with honey once or twice a day help to reduce the incidence of severe digestive disorders such as gastroenteritis, worms and dysentery
Three or four cloves of garlic should be soaked in water or milk overnight and then consumed the following day. This helps to rid the body of intestinal parasites
As small a quantity as 2 gm of garlic powder everyday helps reduce the risk of further heart attacks in those who have already suffered one
Three cloves of garlic boiled in milk and drunk every night help asthmatic persons
Two to four gm garlic boiled in a glass of milk helps those suffering from gas and high blood pressure
Garlic juice should be mixed with distilled water in the proportion of 1:3. The resulting lotion should be applied to infected wounds
One gm of garlic should be boiled with 250 ml of milk and 1 litre of water till the quantity is reduced to one-fourth its volume. This drink should be taken thrice a day to cure tuberculosis and pneumonia
An intake of two to three capsules of garlic per day helps lower blood pressure
Boil two crushed cloves in a glass of water along with half a teaspoon of turmeric powder. This drink helps in cases of tropical eosinophilia, cold, phlegm and blood pressure
However, too much of a good thing can have harmful effects. An excess of garlic in the diet can heat up the body and irritate the stomach in the case of certain persons. It can also cause a burning sensation during urination
For this reason, garlic must be avoided when the stomach is empty. It could lead to irritation
During pregnancy and lactation, excessive garlic intake must be avoided as it may cause heart-burn and affect the taste of mother’s milk
Although a wonder herb in most cases, people who suffer from ulcers, high fever, bleeding, inflammatory skin diseases, etc. should avoid garlic.
Ginger (also known as adrak) is a very useful kitchen herb. Very effective in arthritic conditions, ginger also relieves gas and menstrual cramps. Ginger paste also helps relieve headaches and pain.
Pieces of ginger should be soaked in honey and a teaspoonful of the concoction should be consumed every morning. This helps avert premature greying of hair and facial wrinkles and assists in rejuvenation
A mixture of ginger and onions, taken with honey, helps patients suffering from vomiting and nausea
A 35 ml concoction of the juices of ginger, pomegranate and honey (in equal quantities) helps cure cough and asthma
Half a teaspoon of ginger juice with 1 tsp each of fresh lime, mint juice and a tablespoon of honey, taken thrice a day, helps cure dyspepsia, nausea, indigestion and morning sickness
A 25 ml mixture of the juices of ginger, lemon and onion in equal quantities, taken twice a day for two days, helps cure whooping cough
A piece of fresh ginger should be powdered and boiled in a cup of water. This should then be sweetened and taken thrice a day. The resulting concoction helps those suffering from painful and irregular menstruation
Those suffering from headaches should rub dry ginger with a little water and apply it to the forehead
One teaspoon of the powder of dried ginger and pepper, mixed with honey, helps those suffering from bronchial asthma
Generally, it is important to remember that any plant substance, whether used as food or medicine, whether consumed or merely applied to the body, may adversely affect certain people. In order to guard against allergies, it might be a good idea to avoid self-diagnosis and rely on qualified medical practitioners alone
