GARLIC
Allium sativum

Garlic has played an important role in the traditional medical systems of many countries. This little herb has excellent healing properties and is used to treat a variety of ailments Garlic has also played a significant role in religion, superstitions, and mythology. Garlic has a powerful effect on healing wounds and is also a good disinfectant. It was widely used to treat the wounded during the First World War.

Garlic is an excellent source of germanium and selenium, both of which are important antioxidants.

Garlic effectively destroys the bacterium staphylococcus and is used to treat arteriosclerosis. It is also a good treatment for catarrh and colds. It is also administered to young children to treat worms. Garlic is also used to treat diarrhea, tuberculosis, enterocolitis and amoebic dysentery. It is also used as an expectorant in treating asthma and bronchitis.

Horseradish Cochlearia armoracia

Horseradish, like garlic, has tremendous therapeutic properties. It is generally consumed in the form of a sauce mixed with lemon juice.

Horseradish is very rich in Vitamin C, potassium, sulfur, and calcium.

This herb is an excellent solvent for mucus accumulated in the sinus and nose. It brings prompt and lasting relief to people suffering from acute sinusitis. When combined with radish and carrot juice it also helps to rebuild the tissues that are ravaged by this condition. It is also used in treating diabetes and mild circulatory problems.

Garlic is an aromatic ingredient used in cooking which also has many health benefits. It has also been referred to as the wonder drug as the human body does not develop a resistance to its medicinal properties despite regular intake of garlic.

Garlic can be anti fungal, anti viral, anti bacterial and can prevent many lifestyle diseases.  Research is still underway but garlic has shown that it can prevent atherosclerosis, reduce cholesterol, regular blood sugar and blood pressure. The pod also has properties that have known to prevent some types of cancer like stomach and colon cancer. Most of these properties have shown results in animals and have yet to get credence for treatment in humans.

Garlic cloves can also be used as a remedy for infections, digestive disorders and fungal infections like thrush. The pod also enhances thiamin absorption and reduces chances of thiamin deficiencies.  As garlic has high content of vitamin C, it can also prevent scurvy.

Garlic tends to divide people on the base of its taste. It can be a very strong and decisive flavor. History has mentions of garlic pods being eater for its stamina and kings have used it for its aphrodisiacal qualities. You can include garlic into your daily food by incorporating it in many recipes and even by taking garlic supplements. Garlic can be added to oils to infuse them with their goodness and flavor. You can add minced garlic to sauces, dough, bread, pasta, curries, stews, butters, roasts, quiches – in any manner. You can even add fresh garlic with its green stems as it is less pungent.

Garlic in excess quantities has been known to cause thinning of blood. It can also cause vomiting, nausea, indigestion and diarrhea because you may be allergic to the family that garlic comes from. Therefore if you take garlic supplements, you should be careful about the quantity you ingest as it could lead to complications of its own.

Horseradish is part of the Brassicaceae family and has many health benefits when it is eaten raw. It comes from the family of wasabi and mustard and is known for its vigorous zesty flavor. Like garlic, it could be an acquired taste but has many health benefits. Horseradish is had by grating and adding to salads and other dishes for an enhancement in taste.

From a nutritional point, this hardy root contains magnesium, calcium and phosphorus and oils like mustard oil. Mustard oil is known from its anti bacterial properties. The root is also used in treatments for sinus congestion, bronchitis, ingrown toenails, cough and urinary tract infections. Some of the compounds found in this root have also known to kill particular kind of bacterial strains. The root also reputedly had antibiotic and aphrodisiac properties. It can also stimulate the body and do the role of a diuretic. Doing gargles with a tincture of horseradish is known to cure stomatitis. You can also make horseradish syrup which can be used to alleviate suffering of asthma, bronchitis and other different breathing disorders.