Garlic- Planet: Mars Element: Fire Main magickal uses: exorcism, magic, passion, protection, spell-breaking, strength Other magickal uses: clairvoyance, commanding, confidence, consecration, courage, divination, healing, longevity, money, overcoming opposition, prevents nightmares, purification, stopping gossip, success, weather (fair) Lore: Garlic is one of the few "herbs" whose powers have survived into modern superstition, where it gives protection against vampires. (Silver RavenWolf says that it is also helpful against psychic vampires.) The Greeks attributed it to Hecate, the primary goddess of magic. It is also sacred to the Great Mother, Cybele. Its use actually goes back even further to the Sumerians. Besides its strong psychic protection, it also protects health when eaten regularly. It was beloved in most ancient societies that had it, to the extent that the builders of the Pyramids were paid partially in garlic, and at one point went on strike to get more (according to graffiti inside the Pyramids, left by the workers).
Parts used
The bulbs are used and an essential oil is also extracted.
Properties
Garlic is a pungent herb that prevents or clears bacterial infection, lowers fever by increasing perspiration, reduces blood pressure, cholesterol and sugar levels.
It is also an expectorant and is regarded to rejuvenate, detoxify and is also seen as an aphrodisiac in some cultures.
It has antibacterial, antiviral as well as lipid lowering properties and the intact fresh herb contains alliin which is degraded by the enzyme alliinase to the end product allicin.
Therapeutic uses
* Internal use
o It is used internally as supportive treatment of high blood lipids and for the prevention of age-related vascular changes - its cholesterol lowering effect.
o In folk medicine it is used to prevent infection and to treat colds, bronchitis and flu and also used in cases of HIV infection, due to its immune stimulant action.
o Garlic has also been found to reduce metabolism of glucose in diabetes, slow down the development of arteriosclerosis and lower the risk of heart attacks.
o Garlic is taken raw (swallowed whole, crushed or as a juice), in a syrup or tincture and in capsules.
o Garlic is used to enhance the flavor of meats, seafood and many vegetables and is an essential ingredient in the cuisine of Southern Europe.
* External use
o It can be used externally for skin problems and fungal infections.
* Aromatherapy and essential oil use
o This very strong smelling essential oil of garlic might not be the most pleasant smelling, but will relieve tiredness and is a good general tonic for the body, whilst a very powerful detoxifier.
o It also stimulates cell production and circulation - both of blood and lymph.
o It eases gastric distress and has a regulatory effect on diabetes, while it fights acne, spots, ringworm, lupus and abscesses on the skin.
