Garlic is an essential ingredient in Indian cuisine and adds a distinct flavour to food. Its health benefits also make it an important part of the diet. Ayurveda values garlic for its various therapeutic properties. Acharya Balkrishnaji, co-founder of Patanjali Ayurved, speaks about its health benefits and shares some home remedies using garlic. Also, discover related Patanjali products.
Ayurvedic Benefits of Garlic
Belonging to the onion family, garlic is a vegetable known for its distinctive flavour and is widely used in savoury dishes, chutneys, sauces and pickles. China is the leading producer of garlic, followed by India and Bangladesh.
Ayurveda holds garlic in high regard for its hot potency and Rasayana, or rejuvenating, properties. According to Acharya Balkrishnaji, garlic is nutritious, helps pacify Vata, may reduce inflammation and supports the nervous system. It is also traditionally used to provide relief from joint and muscle discomfort.
Garlic is also considered beneficial for heart health, as it may help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood pressure levels. It supports digestion and may help ease issues such as bloating and gas. Its antiviral and antimicrobial properties may also support immunity and help the body manage respiratory concerns such as chest congestion.
3 Ayurvedic Garlic Home Remedies
Raw Garlic: Acharya Balkrishnaji says, “If you take a few large cloves of garlic, peel them, soak them in water overnight and consume them on an empty stomach in the morning, it may help manage cholesterol and support heart and joint health. People who consume garlic regularly may develop body odour. Soaking the garlic and discarding the water before consuming it may help reduce this issue.”
Garlic Oil: According to Acharya Balkrishnaji, another key benefit of garlic is its potent Vata-pacifying property. “Crush 50 grams of garlic and cook it thoroughly in 100–200 grams of oil, such as sesame, olive or mustard oil, until the garlic turns black. Strain and store the oil. It can be used as a traditional remedy for swelling and pain in the body. The same oil can also be used for earaches. Garlic is also considered beneficial in situations where there is a lack of oxygen.”
Garlic and Honey: This combination is traditionally used to soothe a sore throat and cough and may also support immunity. Place a few peeled and lightly crushed garlic cloves in a small, clean glass jar. Add enough honey to partially submerge the garlic. Close the jar and let it sit for three to four weeks. Open the lid occasionally to release any built-up gas. Once the honey becomes thinner and the bubbling subsides, take one teaspoon daily for cold and cough symptoms or half a teaspoon daily as a general wellness measure.
Patanjali offers a range of garlic-based products for different uses. Patanjali Garlic Pickle (200 Gms, 500 Gms, and 1 Kg) is a flavourful and aromatic pickle made with garlic, offering a balance of tanginess and spice.
You can also try Patanjali Tomato Ketchup with Onion & Garlic (90 Gms, 450 Gms, and 950 Gms) made with tomatoes, onion and garlic. Its spicy flavour makes it a versatile accompaniment to a variety of dishes.
Get Patanjali Cholesterol Care Liquid (500 Ml), which contains ginger along with other Ayurvedic ingredients such as cinnamon, ginger, arjun, honey, apple cider vinegar, amla, ginkgo biloba and green tea. It is formulated to support healthy cholesterol levels, heart health and metabolism.
Divya Peedanil Taila (100 Ml) is an Ayurvedic oil containing ingredients such as garlic, turmeric, chitrak, bhringraj, jatamansi, manjistha, nirgundi and dhatura. It is traditionally used to help relieve joint pain, soreness and stiffness.
The benefits of garlic are multifaceted. Incorporating garlic into your diet and trying the home remedies suggested by Acharya Balkrishnaji, co-founder of Patanjali Ayurved, along with suitable Patanjali products, can be part of a healthy lifestyle.
