Garlic Galore!

Okay, so let's get real for a second. We ALL love garlic. From garlic bread, to pesto garlic sauce, to garlic mashed potatoes, to just about every Italian recipe. Garlic is in all the best foods. And the reason for that is, garlic is AMAZING!

You may not have been told about all the wonderful things garlic can do for you so, I'm about to share it with you. Because who doesn't need more garlic in their life?!

Even if you are not a crazy garlic fan, don't dig the garlic breath or are particular about how you enjoy it, there's definitely some reasons to eat it, even if it's only a little.

Garlic Benefits

-helps with the flu

-aids sluggish digestion (ever felt like your food was just sitting in your stomach twiddling it's thumbs? Garlic gives it the kick in the butt that you need!)

-stimulates production of white blood cells

HOLD UP. Are you wondering if you just read that correctly?! YES! YOU DID! Garlic boosts your immune system! Freaking cool.

-antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial

-treats intestinal worms (in humans and animals alike!)

-slows clotting (good for people who have problems with blood clots)

-lowers blood sugar levels (helps people with Type 2 Diabetes)

As you can see, garlic has a whole host of benefits just from eating one or two cloves a day. Not bad for one little plant bulb.

If I could only have one herb in my garden or my kitchen then this would be it because it is extremely versatile and can help with so many different ailments that it blows my mind!

WAYS TO USE GARLIC

Tastiness aside, there are several ways to use garlic in order to promote health and minimalize the use of antibiotics, and medication (both are not bad but can be overused).

-Garlic Ear Oil - sounds crazy but slightly warmed garlic infused oil down the ear can help get rid of ear infections! This is completely safe and has been proved effective. (Do NOT use when the infection is from trapped water or swimmer's ear as this will make matters worse.)

-Fire cider - I currently have a batch of this deliciousness brewing! It is garlic, onions, horseradish, ginger, and turmeric in organic ACV. You let it sit for 3-4 weeks somewhere warm then add cayenne at the end. It tastes like a kick in the teeth to be honest but it will stop a cold or the flu dead in it's tracks!

-Fermented in honey - This is a sweeter way to get it down and has lots of added benefits if the honey is unpasteurized. Local, raw honey is best if you can find it. Let it set for a month then eat a spoonful at the first signs of sickness.

-Herb oil - Garlic infused olive oil tastes great and adds an extra UMPH to your day which I think we all could use every now and again.

Warnings:

Garlic can be too potent for some people however. Raw garlic can cause heartburn or stomach distress in some people so be careful when you are new to taking this and be on the look out for discomfort. Usually raw is too potent for small children and can irritate their stomachs so the infused oil is a better bet for kids then the cloves.

It can burn skin if applied topically so be sure to wash up after handling it or mix it with something more soothing if it will be applied topically. Another interesting reaction is anger. Yep, you read that right. Garlic is warming and can in some cases provoke anger which is considered a hot reaction.

Growing Garlic

Garlic enjoys well drained soil and a decent amount of sun. It is fairly easy to grow as long as it has good soil and does not become water logged. May need mulch in colder places to be kept warm. The key thing to remember is if your variety grows flowers to cut those stalks off so that the plant will feed the bulb instead of the flower.

When it gets close to harvesting (around June) it's best so stop watering or decrease watering so that the bulbs can dry out slightly which will make them easier to store. Harvest when most of the leaves are brown. Remove the garlic from the dirt being careful not to bruise the clusters. Hang them in a well ventilated, cool area to dry for two or three weeks.

Check the garlic to make sure that they are not sprouting and use any that are. Garlic can be replanted the following years if you save a few heads of garlic which you can break into individual bulbs for future planting.

Garlic really is quite easy to grow in moderate climates and, it will do wonders for your health in many different ways. Even just adding a little more to your weekly meals can have a great affect on your health!

Let me know about any garlic adventures you've had or any questions you think of! I'd love to hear how garlic has made your life better! :)

Blessings!

Kelsie

(The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.)