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If you ever feel the dreaded cold coming on, I have found a natural remedy that helps me ward it off and stay healthy: garlic.
It works 100% of the time for me.
Last week and weekend was a pretty busy period for me with a lot of running around, and it has taken its toll on my body.
So last night I felt rather rundown and just the tiniest of throat scratchiness. (Is scratchiness a word)?!
Immediately I headed straight for my stash of garlic!
Let me share my personal experience and expertise on how garlic has become a staple in my cold-fighting regimen.
The Power of Garlic:
Garlic has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. It is rich in allicin, a compound that has antibacterial and antiviral properties.
This makes garlic an effective natural remedy for fighting off colds and boosting the immune system.
Catch it at the Outset:
When I feel a cold coming on, I immediately turn to garlic as a preventative measure.
I chop up a few cloves and add them to my meals, and even eat them raw whether or not I’m feeling brave.
In fact the best benefit is gained from eating raw. No, it’s not for the faint-hearted but all you have to do is chase it down with juice to take away the strong flavour.
The key is to catch the cold at the very outset and start incorporating garlic into your diet right away.
My advice is that even if you think you are the imagining symptoms, do yourself a favour and immediately reach for the garlic.
When I do this the symptoms are gone after three days tops.
Garlic Tea Recipe:
One of my favourite ways to consume garlic when fighting off a cold is by making garlic tea.
Simply crush a clove of garlic and steep it in hot water for a few minutes.
Add a squeeze of lemon and a little sweetener for a soothing and immune-boosting drink.
Incorporating Garlic Into Your Diet:
Garlic can easily be incorporated into your daily meals.
Add chopped garlic to stir-fries, soups, and sauces for an extra boost of flavour and health benefits.
You can also roast whole garlic cloves and spread them on toast for a delicious and nutritious snack.
Garlic Supplements:
If you’re not a fan of the taste of garlic, you can also take garlic supplements in the form of capsules.
These are a convenient way to reap the benefits of garlic without the strong taste and odour.
However, I have never tried these as I much prefer to stick to fresh garlic for maximum potency.
FAQs:
Q: Can garlic actually help ward off colds?
A: Yes, garlic has been shown to have antimicrobial properties that can help fight off colds and boost the immune system.
Q: How much garlic should I consume to reap the benefits?
A: It is recommended to consume at least one clove of garlic per day for immune-boosting benefits. I actually have at least several throughout the day.
Q: Are there any side effects of consuming too much garlic?
A: While garlic is generally safe for consumption, excessive intake can lead to digestive issues and bad breath. Uh-oh!
Grab Yourself Some Garlic
In conclusion, garlic has become my go-to remedy for warding off colds and staying healthy all year round.
Whether consumed raw, cooked, or in supplement form, garlic has powerful immune-boosting properties that can help keep colds at bay.
Next time you feel a cold coming on, reach for the garlic and give your immune system a natural boost.
Did you know that the Egyptians fed the Hebrew slaves garlic to help keep up their strength? “We remember the fish which we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic; but now our whole being is dried up” (Numbers 11:4-6)