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Garlic
Garlic, is commonly associated with cooking, however, it also has roots (or perhaps bulbs 😊) in herbal medicine. Historically Garlic was used by physicians and herbalists of the ancient world primarily as an antiseptic, as well as being used as an antidote for poisonous bites – (maybe there’s something to the legend of Vampires and Garlic 😉). Traditionally it was also used to expel intestinal parasites and was considered a carminative for digestive problems such as diarrhea, primarily when caused by bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
Today your Naturopath or Herbalist may include Garlic in your health formulation for a wide variety of reasons. As Garlic is a potent circulatory stimulant, it may assist with cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, optimising cholesterol levels or arterial vascular disease. Or to aid digestive conditions such as small intestinal bacteria overgrowth, dysentery, stomach ulcers. Garlic may also be called upon to help relieve respiratory conditions such as catarrhal conditions, colds, influenza, bronchial congestion, asthma, or even to help with fungal and bacterial infections.
The compounds alliin & allicin are primarily responsible for the effects of Garlic. Alliin is converted by allinase to alliicin when chopped, crushed and exposed to air (oxidised).
Garlic in higher than culinary doses my adversely interact with some medications. Always seek advice from a suitably qualified Naturopath.
Allium sativum
Rosemary
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Rosmarinus officinalis
This woody herb has been revered for thousands of years for is affinity for memory. Ancient Greek and Roman scholars would often be seen adorned with garlands of rosemary on their heads while studying and even Shakespeare’s Hamlet makes mention of Rosemary for remembrance, pray and love. Today we still follow these traditions with sprigs rosemary used on ANZAC in honour and memory of fallen service personnel.
This woody herb has been revered for thousands of years for is affinity for memory. Ancient Greek and Roman scholars would often be seen adorned with garlands of rosemary on their heads while studying and even Shakespeare’s Hamlet makes mention of Rosemary for remembrance, pray and love. Today we still follow these traditions with sprigs rosemary used on ANZAC in honour and memory of fallen service personnel.
Interestingly that many of the traditional uses of Rosemary are finding place with modern science. A 2018 Study n Rosemary found that it is able to help boos memory, reduce anxiety and improved sleep. Traditionally Rosemary is often used for indigestion and gastrointestinal complaints. The bitter constituents help to aid in stimulating appetite and digestive secretions.
Helping stimulate blood flow rosemary also aids in not only helping to relive inflammation and muscle tension but is also helpful in relieving headaches and migraines. This amazing brain tonic is also able to help boost mood and increase concentration, while calming anxiety.
Consuming rosemary in higher than culinary doses my adversely interact with some medications. Always seek advice from a suitably qualified Naturopath.