I think we have all heard of Garlic. We know just how tasty it can be. It can be fried, baked,
eaten raw and used to keep Vampires at bay. I myself love garlic in its many forms. I do my
best to eat it every day. I am a creature of habit so keeping garlic is a must for me. Let’s take a
look at just how versatile Garlic can be beyond the dinner plate.
First of all, Garlic is a bulb containing numerous cloves. They come in a variety of sizes from tiny to the elephant. The cloves go through a chemical change when cut. As a whole, garlic contains an enzyme called alliinase and a sulfur compound called alliin. If you note, as a whole, garlic does not smell much at all. But when you cut the garlic that is when these 2 compounds come in contact with each other is when you get that garlicky smell. The more you cut, mince or crush the garlic the stronger the smell will be. The stronger the medicinal actions. Many cookbooks will use such a small amount of Garlic in their dishes. I tend to double this particular ingredient on many dishes.
In my medicinal path I tend to use the Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine by Andrew Chevallier. I have owned this book for many, many years. It is a wealth of knowledge for those looking for medical treatments including their history, geography, and historical uses. Garlic, like many herbs we will discuss, is multi-faceted. Traditionally garlic has been the go-to for its immense healing powers. It comes in pearl
form, capsules, tablets, syrup and raw. Speaking in terms of cooking garlic can really add some zest to your dishes. But medicinally garlic has been used to treat bronchial infections, digestive infections, and circulatory problems. Garlic in syrup form can help ease sore throats and coughs. If additional herbs are added it can also work for colds with coughs as well as flu with coughs. There are now scientific medical journals validating its use to treat Type II diabetes. Garlic is definitely something to keep on hand for many conditions. Keep in mind that when you cook with garlic heat can lessen its medicinal actions so taking raw garlic will give you purer results.There is even evidence of using garlic to aid in hay fever and osteoarthritis. If you are on antibiotics that
cause side effects such as gas and diarrhea, taking garlic can help ease said side effects with no
contraindications. Garlic is also antifungal which can be taken internally or applied directly to the skin. Of course, always test herbs on a small patch of skin. You, I, and the rest of us are all different and this remedy may work for you but not your neighbor.
Garlic has been documented in helping stroke victims by keeping the blood thin so those on blood thinners should do their due diligence and consult a physician or seek another herb to aid them in their herbal body support.
Regular consumption of garlic can greatly aid your immune system. It is best to take at least 5 cloves a day. If munching on garlic daily doesn’t appeal to you, try garlic in capsule form, tablets or pearls to give your hard-working body a good support.
Since we have seen just how good garlic is at purging illness so can it help to purge negativity in the air around you. It can also be used to defend yourself and your home while improving your surroundings. Using garlic in your spells of protection and as offerings to certain Gods, Goddesses and deities can help strengthen that spell and connections.
Place garlic on your alter or sacred space for protection if you are feeling low and spiritually run down. You can even place the bulb under your bed. Of course, if you have pets that might think the garlic is a new play top you can instead drape them over your bed frame, anti-Dracula style. Many ancient cultures would hang them by the front or back doors not just to dry them for culinary use but also to keep negativity in all forms from entering the home. Garlic can also be used in wealth spells for abundance as well as prosperity in general.
Garlic comes in many sizes, and I have even grown garlic in containers indoors. It is very easy to grow. Simply pull the cloves apart and place the cloves, pointy side up in loose, composted soil. Garlic does need to go through a cold spell before it will grow. So, plant during the late fall, October to November and look for sproutings in the spring.
As always, consult a medical physician if you have concerns. I am not a medical practitioner,
nor do I claim to be. This information is for learning purposes only and not meant to treat or
diagnose. It is simply sharing information that I find valuable.
The Devine Witch
Shannon
Comments