The medicinal powers of garlic and onions

I  like my spaghetti with tons of garlic. The heady scent and punchy flavor of that magical spice tickle and elevate my taste buds to gastronomic heaven. I so love garlic rice, garlic peanuts, garlic bread (especially when freshly toasted, dripping with crushed garlic gliding in melted butter!) and spicy gambas al ajillo (tender shrimps sautéed in oil or butter swimming in a sea generously dotted with black pepper and finely cut garlic). Aaah, divine!

Added to all the epicurean ecstasy garlic provides are its remarkable medicinal and curative powers. No other spice has gone down in history with the regard and awe bestowed by man to garlic. Ancient Egyptians and Greeks believed that it had supernatural powers. For centuries, garlic was resorted to as a natural talisman to ward away vampires and evil spirits. During the 17th century, garlic was credited to have protected many European households from devastation by the Great Plague. Gypsies worshipped the garlic plant for its awesome medicinal powers. During World War I, garlic was used as an antiseptic in hospitals; water-diluted garlic juice was soaked in cotton pads and bandaged to open wounds. In New England during the colonial times, garlic cloves were bound to the feet of smallpox victims and placed in the shoes of those suffering from whooping cough. In the Philippines, garlic is used as a repellent of aswangs and manananggals (vampires), and garlands are worn by pregnant women as a shield against evil. Garlic is widely accepted as an antiseptic, diuretic, stimulant, expectorant, sweat promoter, and would you believe, aphrodisiac? It is recognized as an effective anti-worm remedy because it is rich in allicin, the active ingredient said to be responsible for this unique action. It stimulates energy, prompts urination, loosens congestion, aids digestion, and cleanses the stomach and intestines.

Studies have shown that garlic tends to open up blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, and enhance blood circulation (this being the reason for its aphrodisiac powers!). Another important attribute of garlic is its antibiotic property. Researchers observed that garlic in large amounts can be effective against bacteria strains that are resistant to other antibiotics. Thus, it has earned the title, “Russian penicillin.” For centuries, garlic has been a common remedy for colds, cough, and sore throat. A piping hot bowl of garlic soup will make anyone sweat his cold and fever miseries away. An age-old formula reveals that a clove or two of garlic, pounded with honey and taken three nights successively, works wonders for rheumatism. Some herbalists swear that rubbing fresh garlic on your scalp can arrest falling hair and inhibit dandruff.

Onions, Your Heart’s Friend

Evidence about the effectiveness of onions on circulation can no longer be ignored. Research has shown that routine consumption of onions has a startling effect on maintaining blood fats at low or healthy levels. Onions and garlic contain similar compounds; these tend to restrain blood platelet aggregation by suppressing the synthesis of a powerful clumping agent, thromboxane. Aside from this, onions also help keep blood sugar levels in check and contain a natural enzyme inhibitor that reportedly slows down the growth of cancer cells.

Herbalists apply slices of raw onions to insect bites and bandage them around bruises and sprains.

Hot onion soup is a popular home remedy for nasal and chest congestion.

Other ways to enjoy onions and derive their medicinal side benefits are savoring a deliciously thick French onion soup, adding whole onion bulbs to enhance home stews, and using raw onion rings as a siding for fish, poultry, and meat dishes. I particularly love generous servings of thinly sliced white onions with my bistek Tagalog (Filipino beefsteak)!

It is worthwhile mentioning that to eliminate irritating onion tears while cooking, you either slice the onion under water or refrigerate it before cutting.

This Will Take Your (Bad) Breath Away

The downside of eating garlic and onions is the malodorous breath afterwards. Well, despair not for I have found just the ideal breath freshener — Gargol Oral Wash, an all-natural mouthwash with 100-percent pure essential oils of chamomile, peppermint, tea tree, myrrh and thyme, and a natural antibiotic called propolis. It has no harsh chemicals and, best of all, has no alcohol, the ingredient that “deadens” the tongue after gargling (I hate that after-feeling whenever I use ordinary chemical mouthwashes). Using it before retiring at night prevents offensive morning breath. Gargol is a secret well kept by naturopathy enthusiasts and those who have tried it, not just because it works but also because it is not yet widely sold and only available in major drugstores and supermarkets. Now, garlic and onion breath is just a Gargol away.

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