Garlic literally means a ‘spear-shaped leek’ in the old English language. It is a staple spice used in every kitchen irrespective of geographical location. It is easy to grow and cultivate all year round and it is also native to Central Asia with over 120 different varieties grown worldwide. Read below to learn about some of the health benefits of eating garlic, as well as recipes!

Botanical and common names-

Before diving into learning the health benefits of eating garlic, we must learn about its origins. Its botanical name is Allium Sativum Linn, but more commonly it is known as Garlic pods. In Ayurveda, it is known as Rason, which means to improve taste buds.

Ayurvedic properties and therapeutic benefits-

Garlic is abundantly rich in all the five tastes per Ayurveda except for sour. It is dominantly pungent, bitter, and astringent. It has hot potency and is heavy to digest as well. It has a strong aroma and digestive properties and it pacifies vitiated Kapha and Vata Dosha. If it is consumed in excess quantities, then it increases Pitta Dosha.

Health Benefits of Eating Garlic –

Garlic has immense health benefits. It is consumed in the form of spice in cooking as well as used to make herbal formulations in Ayurveda. Some of the benefits are as follows:

• Highly beneficial for abdominal pain, constipation, bloating and to improve overall gut health.
• Improves the quality of secretion of digestive enzymes.
• Reduces inflammation and swelling, as well as overall joint-pain due to its anti-inflammatory action.
• Helps reduce worm infestation, especially roundworms due to its anti-microbial and carminative properties.
• Relieves acute symptoms in certain skin diseases by consuming garlic in food as well as medicines that have it as an ingredient.
• Reduces elevated blood cholesterol, especially triglycerides and total lipid profile.
• Garlic consumption helps to reduce pain and inflammation for Vata disorders caused by nerve pain such as Sciatica, Arthritis, back pain, etc.

Ayurvedic Uses and home remedies:

• Milk boiled with 2-3 garlic pods is beneficial for reducing swelling and inflammation.
• Garlic paste can also be used for local application to reduce local swelling and stiffness, especially in case of joint pain.
• To reduce elevated blood cholesterol, chew on 1 pod of garlic in a day.