The common cold is a tricky health issue, being both simple and complex. Once you understand its nature, treating it becomes more manageable. There is no one-size-fits-all cure for the common cold, as it is typically caused by a virus. For most people, the symptoms of a typical cold will resolve within 5 to 7 days. Symptomatic treatment is currently the go-to approach for patients seeking relief.
Traditional medicine offers a treasure trove of wisdom when it comes to preventing and treating the common cold, and garlic takes center stage in many of these remedies. Let’s delve into how garlic can be a powerful ally in fighting off those nasty colds.
1 Garlic – Nature’s Cold Warrior
Garlic – Your Ally Against Colds
Garlic is more than just a kitchen staple; it’s a powerhouse of medicinal properties, recognized in herbal medicine for its ability to prevent and treat a wide range of ailments. It contains several active compounds, such as Thiosulfinate (Allicin), Diallyl Disulfide, and Allylpropyl Disulfide. These compounds not only give garlic its distinctive flavor but also play crucial pharmacological roles.
In ancient times, Indians utilized garlic to combat infections, parasitic infections, and to disinfect wounds. The ancient Chinese also valued garlic for its ability to prevent colds and as an antidote for snake and insect bites.
According to Eastern medicine, garlic is characterized by its spicy taste and warm nature. It is believed to promote qi movement, warm the spleen and stomach, and possess detoxifying and disinfecting properties. Notably, garlic can help clear nasal congestion and reduce a runny nose due to its main active compound, Allicin. This compound stimulates the respiratory system, clears the airways, enhances gas exchange in the lungs, and fights off bacteria and viruses, making it an effective ally against cold symptoms.
Garlic is widely recommended as a leading cold remedy because of its safety and effectiveness. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, making it a beneficial addition to the diets of pregnant women.
Reference: Effective Home Remedies for Battling the Common Cold
2 Harnessing Garlic’s Power: Cold Remedies for Chilly Days
Direct Consumption
Directly Incorporating Garlic into Your Diet
Method 1: Chew on 2-3 crushed garlic cloves for about 15 minutes, or chew one clove every 3-4 hours for sustained relief.
Method 2: Mix 3-4 crushed garlic cloves with 250ml of water and drink it quickly. Make this a daily ritual.
Method 3: For children over 6 months old who are battling a cold, try roasted garlic. Wrap a whole bulb or a clove of garlic in foil and roast it. Crush the roasted garlic, filter the juice, and mix it with some warm water for the child to drink.
Garlic and Ginger Concoction
Combining Garlic and Ginger for a Powerful Remedy
Ingredients:
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100g garlic.
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100g ginger.
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500ml vinegar.
Instructions: Peel and slice the garlic and ginger, then place them in a jar. Cover them with vinegar and seal the jar. Let the mixture infuse for about 30 days before use.
Add this potent mixture to your dipping sauces for daily consumption, or take 10ml per day after meals as a natural health tonic.
Garlic and Honey Blend
Harnessing the Power of Garlic and Honey
Ingredients:
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15g garlic cloves, peeled.
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100ml honey.
Instructions: Place the peeled garlic cloves in a small jar and cover them with honey. Seal the jar and let the flavors infuse for a week. Then, store the mixture in the refrigerator. Consume 2-3 cloves when you feel cold symptoms coming on. For more severe colds, increase the dosage to at least 7-8 cloves per day, along with a tablespoon of honey, to soothe coughs and congestion.
Garlic Tea
A Warming Garlic Tea
Ingredients:
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3 garlic cloves.
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720ml water.
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120ml honey.
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120ml fresh lemon juice (including the seeds and peel).
Instructions: Start by boiling the garlic cloves in water. Once boiled, turn off the heat and add honey and fresh lemon juice, including the seeds and peel. Filter the mixture and sip on it throughout the day. Store any remaining tea in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
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Avoid cooking garlic in the microwave, as this can deactivate Allicin, one of its key active compounds.
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Do not cook garlic with eggs, as this combination may produce toxins and cause indigestion.
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Individuals with blood clotting issues or low blood pressure should exercise caution when using garlic, as it can act as a blood thinner and lower blood pressure.
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Consuming garlic on an empty stomach may cause gastric irritation, so it’s best to have it with food.
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For infants, always consult a doctor before using garlic to treat colds, as it may cause irritation.
Source: Health and Life Magazine
We hope that this article has shed light on garlic’s potential in treating colds. Remember to adjust the dosage and methods according to your personal needs and always listen to your body. Here’s to a speedy recovery!
When to Hold Off on Garlic: 5 Scenarios to Avoid
While garlic is renowned for its health benefits, there are certain scenarios where it’s best to hold off on consuming it. From potential medication interactions to specific health conditions, here are five cases where you may want to avoid eating garlic.
Unlocking the Secrets of Garlic Tea: A Health Beverage with a Twist
Garlic tea is more than just a beverage; it’s a health tonic that’s taking the wellness world by storm. Discover the amazing health benefits of this intriguing drink and how it can boost your overall well-being.
The Amazing Health Benefits of Garlic Tea
Garlic tea, a beverage with a twist, is taking the health world by storm. The star ingredient, garlic, is renowned for its potent health benefits. This intriguing tea is an innovative way to harness the power of garlic and unlock its potential. Discover the secrets and surprising advantages of garlic tea and how it can boost your well-being.
5 Best Cases to Avoid Eating Garlic
Garlic offers numerous health benefits. However, it is not always advisable to consume garlic in every situation.
