The Ginger and Garlic Wonders

With the Yoruba Name: (Ginger= Ata ile) (Garlic= Alubosa Ayu)

Garlic

Garlic -- Allium sativum -- is known for its antibiotic, anti-fungal and health-building properties. Garlic is often used as a dietary supplement to reduce cholesterol and high blood pressure, numerous studies support the proposition that oral garlic supplements may lower blood pressure; Garlic has primarily been studied for potential cancer-fighting impacts of its sulfur compounds, these health-promoting compounds are not present in intact garlic, but form when fresh garlic cloves are crushed or chopped and exposed to air. These sulfur compounds have anti-bacterial powers comparable to penicillin, according to the Clayton College of Natural Health. Fresh garlic cloves, rather than tea, contain the antibacterial properties.

Ginger

Ginger has been used in traditional medicine in several cultures for thousands of year. Its use has primarily been directed at digestive disorders, including nausea, motion sickness and loss of appetite. Numerous studies support ginger's effectiveness for these purposes. Ginger increases calcium uptake by the heart, which in turn reduces high blood pressure, according to the Clayton College of Natural Health. However, only fresh ginger produces this effect. The active components of ginger vary widely from plant to plant, so the beneficial effects even of fresh ginger use can not be wholly predictable.

Garlic and Ginger Tea

Garlic and ginger tea can be used as a treatment for colds and easing the symptoms of flu. This use takes advantage of garlic and ginger's antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as ginger's reputation for easing headache and relieving nausea. Since studies regarding these healthful properties of ginger and garlic have focused on consuming the fresh products or dietary supplements, it is uncertain whether a tea made from fresh or dry garlic and ginger would impart the same healthful properties. However, ginger and garlic tea tastes good, especially with honey and lemon, and adds warm fluids to the diet when suffering from a cold or flu.
Garlic and Ginger Dangers
Garlic and ginger both thin the blood, leading to increased risk of bleeding. Taking ginger and garlic together can interfere with blood clotting. Neither should be consumed when you are taking other anticoagulants like aspirin or warfarin. Ginger also increases the absorption of other medications, and garlic can reduce iodine absorption, which also interferes with the function of some medications, particularly for thyroid patients. Studies supporting these warnings were based primarily on fresh consumption or dietary supplements, so the effects of garlic and ginger tea on medication interactions are uncertain at best. Consult your doctor before beginning any home treatment for high blood pressure, as consuming ginger and garlic in supplement or tea form may interfere with your medication and create a real risk of health dangers. But adding a reasonable quantity of ginger and garlic to your meal is Health benefiting.Bottom of Form