“Garlic and its Health Benefits”
All of us have heard of the speculative health benefits of garlic but is there any scientific basis for this? In short, yes. Garlic is native to central Asia and is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world and has been grown for over 5000 years. Ancient Egyptians seem to have been the first to cultivate this plant that played an important role in their culture. Garlic (Allium sativum) began to find its way into other cultures and everyday life of ancient civilizations such as Greece, Rome, Northern Europe and China. The medicinal purposes and properties of garlic eventually became known throughout the known world and celebrated in pre- and recorded history. Almost everyone is aware of the power and health benefits of garlic. In folklore, garlic was attributed with the ability to bring good luck, protect against evil forces, serve as an aphrodisiac, repel scorpions and ward off/repel sorcerers, werewolves, warlocks and vampires (mostly because of its odorous quality), among other things. Garlic was recognized in ancient cultures to possess certain medicinal powers. Garlic was used to treat such conditions as bladder infections, bacterial infections from wounds, respiratory disorders, intestinal disorders and conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery and flatulence, worms, skin diseases, hysteria, diphtheria, vaginitis, among other ailments.
