7 Useful Benefits of Garlic

By Leo Eigenberg

Garlic has been helpful in many areas throughout the years. This herb is rich in allicin, selenium, manganese, vitamin B6, and vitamin C. Latest scientific research indicates garlic can help to treat or prevent certain conditions and diseases, such as the common cold, cholesterol, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. Here are seven reasons that garlic can benefit the health and home:

Acne
Garlic is packed with bacteria killing antioxidants, which make a useful remedy to help treat acne or other skin blemishes. It should be used as a topical treatment with a clove of garlic gently rubber over the pimples.

Athlete's foot
Add crushed garlic to a bowl of warm water to create a soothing remedy to treat the itchiness associated with athlete's foot. A garlic based foot bath should be used for about 30 minutes and repeat the procedure until the symptoms start to subside.

Cold sores
A popular home remedy for treating cold sores is to use garlic. Place a piece of fresh crushed garlic on the affected skin and leave in place to help with reducing the swelling and pain. Plus, store-bought supplements can also help to heal the cold sores faster.

Colds
The high concentration of antioxidants helps to give the immune system a boost which is needed to treat colds. A remedy for colds is usually sipping garlic tea, which can be combined with ginger or honey to create a more acceptable taste.

Hair
Garlic is helpful for growing beautiful hair for its high concentration of the sulfur compound known as allicin. This compound is great for treating the early signs of hair loss. The most effective method to use garlic is to massage the actual cloves of garlic into the scalp. Also, the garlic can be combined with oil to make it easier to rub in.

Mosquito protection
Garlic is effective at protecting against mosquito bites. If a purpose made bug spray isn't available, a natural repellant is easily made using a combination of beeswax, petroleum jelly, and garlic oil. While this might not give the most pleasant smell, rubbing the solution on the arms and legs will help to deter the attention of the mosquitoes.

Soothe psoriasis
The anti-inflammatory properties of garlic can make it a natural solution to relieve some of the discomfort that comes with a mild outbreak of psoriasis. Use high-quality garlic oil and rub this on the area of skin that has developed a rash.

http://ezinearticles.com/?7-Useful-Benefits-of-Garlic&id=8966552