College of Ayurvedic Diet & Digestion

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AYURVEDIC FOODS

Garlic Benefits (According to Ayurveda)

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1. Ayurvedic Perspective

2. Biocharacteristics & Herbal Actions

3. Similar foods and herbs

4. Impact: On tongue, nerves, elimination, etc.

5. Indications / Benefits

6. Comments and reviews

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Recipes with Garlic: Broccoli with Garlic & Black Olive

People may naturally crave garlic in autumn for relaxation and transition to a more inward-focused winter hibernation. Cooked garlic is a useful sleep aid in garlic milk. It is also an aphrodisiac and awakens desire. Raw garlic is pungent, cleansing, has a laxative action, and may cause gas in some individuals.

For cleansing properties, raw garlic is more potent than cooked, especially the green shoots in the center of the garlic clove. In western medicine, garlic is used to prevent high blood pressure, perhaps because it is a blood thinner and stimulant, dilates blood vessels (vasodilator), increases sweat (diaphoretic), and increases urine (diuretic). These circulatory properties may also underlie garlic's secret in preventing heart disease, atherosclerosis, and high cholesterol.

Garlic is a warming stimulant used as an aphrodisiac. However, it also causes bad breath and smelly sweat due to a compound called allyl methyl sulfide. Cooking garlic with milk reduces bad breath and offensive sweat. Mushrooms and basil may also reduce the odor.

The laxative and circulatory qualities of garlic are useful in cleansing regimens. It is also an expectorant. Its antifungal and antibiotic properties have been used to speed recovery from strep throat. Garlic mixed with honey has been used for rheumatism.

Garlic is considered to stimulate and warm the body and to increase one's desires. For this reason, monks in India avoid garlic.

About Garlic

Regarded as both a force for good and evil, folklore and superstition abound when it comes to this little but poignant member of the onion family. A garland of garlic kept evil spirits and vampires away in the west. In an eastern Islamic myth, garlic arose from the left foot of Satan as he stepped out from the Garden of Eden. Whether you love or abhor it, few are ambivalent about garlic, or "stinking rose" as it is sometimes called. The entire plant is edible.

Buying & Preparation

Garlic cloves should be firm to the touch. Reject garlic that is soft or moldy. To peel, smash the garlic beneath the flat side of knife. The skin will crack open. With proper chopping techniques (knife to thumb knuckle) you can quickly prepare cloves and cloves of garlic!

Cooking Garlic

Keep careful watch when cooking garlic; it burns quickly. Straining and using garlic oil gives a rich garlicky taste without the side effects of bad breath afterwards.

Raw garlic has a sharp pungent flavor. Cooked garlic is mellower. Fresh green garlic is less intense than dried older garlic.

The pungent, spicy flavor and distinct aroma of garlic is a fundamental component of culinary repertoire in nearly every continent. In the west, garlic is used in garlic bread, pasta dishes, and oil infusions, and often paired with onion, tomato, butter, and parsley. It may be roasted in an oven with olive oil.

Ajoblanco, from Spain, is a combination of bread, crushed almonds, garlic, water, olive oil, salt and sometimes vinegar. The thick, Greek sauce known as Skordalia combines crushed garlic with a pure of potatoes, walnuts, almonds, or stale bread that has been soaked. This mixture is then beaten with olive oil to make a smooth emulsion. Aioli is a sauce made of garlic and olive oil.

In East Asia, garlic is often combined with ginger and onion to form "tri-root." In Korea, heads of garlic are fermented at high temperature, making a sweet, syrupy product known as black garlic.

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Is Garlic Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Garlic' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

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AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.

SERVING SIZE: 1/2 clove

SPECIES: Allium sativum

FAMILY: Amaryllidaceae

PREPARATION: SOUP

EAT IN: AUTUMN-WINTER

Metabolic Nature of Garlic

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

INCREASES Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas) Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic. Learn More	EASY ABOUT EASY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Easy refers to anything easy to digest, or digests quickly. LEARN MORE ABOUT EASY LIQUEFIED ABOUT LIQUEFIED BIOCHARACTERISTIC Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs. LEARN MORE ABOUT LIQUEFIED HEAVY ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight. LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY HOT ABOUT HOT BIOCHARACTERISTIC Hot is identified by increased body temperature, metabolism, or inflammation. LEARN MORE ABOUT HOT
TASTES The 6 Tastes Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below? Learn More	BITTER ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes, laxative, and drying. LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER PUNGENT ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper. LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT
DOSHAS The Three Doshas / Body Types According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history. The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded. Learn More	PACIFIES AGGRAVATES
HAS THE FOLLOWING	Moves Energy: Outward OUTWARD Outward-moving substances stimulate circulation, push heat towards the skin, or are stimulating. SEE ALL 'OUTWARD' FOODS / HERBS Affinity: Heart Circulation Blood Family: Amaryllidaceae
HERBAL ACTIONS (see all)	Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Garlic Experiences are Personal Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition. Digestion: Antiemetic ANTIEMETIC Herbs that reduce nausea or stop vomiting. Generally refreshing, aromatic herbs. SEE ALL 'ANTIEMETIC' FOODS / HERBS , Stomachic STOMACHIC An herb that increases appetite or settles a nauseas or nervous stomach. These generally increase the digestive fire, therefore relieving symptoms of sluggish or difficult digestion. SEE ALL 'STOMACHIC' FOODS / HERBS Bowel Health: General Laxative GENERAL-LAXATIVE Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives. SEE ALL 'GENERAL-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS , Stimulant Laxative STIMULANT-LAXATIVE Stimulant laxatives induce bowel movements by stimulating peristaltic movement (the contraction of smooth muscle in the intestines). They are effective when used on a short-term basis. On a long-term basis, they can create dependency. Aka irritant laxativ SEE ALL 'STIMULANT-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS Cleanse & Detox: Internal Detoxicant INTERNAL-DETOXICANT Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system. SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS Mind, Stress & Sleep: Makes You Tired MAKES-YOU-TIRED Induces drowsiness and promotes sound sleep. SEE ALL 'MAKES-YOU-TIRED' FOODS / HERBS , Anxiolytic ANXIOLYTIC Herbs that help people suffering from anxiety or panic. They promote a state of calm and often improve sleep. Most anxiolytic herbs are also nervines. SEE ALL 'ANXIOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS , Sedative SEDATIVE Sedative herbs create a sense of calm in the mind and body by specifically calming or quieting the nervous system. Excellent for anxiety, stress and chronic pain. SEE ALL 'SEDATIVE' FOODS / HERBS Skin Care & Beauty: Diaphoretic DIAPHORETIC An herb that induces sweating, often by dilating blood vessels close to the skin. SEE ALL 'DIAPHORETIC' FOODS / HERBS , Antifibrotic STRONG ANTIFIBROTIC Fibrosis of an organ is often a progressive leading to organ failure (i.e lungs, liver, kidney). While vulneraries usually help restore collagen, antifibrotic herbs often clear collagen. Aka fibrinolytic. SEE ALL 'ANTIFIBROTIC' FOODS / HERBS , Vulnerary MILD VULNERARY An herb used for the treatment of wounds (antiulcer, connective tissue tonic). SEE ALL 'VULNERARY' FOODS / HERBS Respiratory-Health: Irritates Throat IRRITATES-THROAT Creates abrasive feeling in the back of the mouth. May stimulate coughing. SEE ALL 'IRRITATES-THROAT' FOODS / HERBS , Expectorant EXPECTORANT Expectorants help you eliminate mucus from the lungs. These herbs often work by increasing the quantity of mucus, or thinning the mucus. Expectorants are indicated when phlegm congests the lower respiratory tract. SEE ALL 'EXPECTORANT' FOODS / HERBS , Mucolytic MUCOLYTIC An herb that breaks apart mucus, liquefying the mucus. SEE ALL 'MUCOLYTIC' FOODS / HERBS Immune System: Antimicrobial STRONG ANTIMICROBIAL An agent that kills microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antimicrobial is an umbrella term that can be broken down into specific categories of target microorganism, such as anti-bacterials, fungals, and virals. SEE ALL 'ANTIMICROBIAL' FOODS / HERBS , Antifungal ANTIFUNGAL Herbs that destroy fungus. SEE ALL 'ANTIFUNGAL' FOODS / HERBS , Antiviral ANTIVIRAL Herbs that inhibit the development of viral infections. Antivirals also can be found in essential oils of some herbs, such as eucalyptus oil. SEE ALL 'ANTIVIRAL' FOODS / HERBS , Repairs Membrane REPAIRS-MEMBRANE Reduces inflammation and allergen reactivity by restoring epithelial barrier function. Repairs tight cell junction in leaky gut, interstitial cystitis, eczema, asthma, etc. SEE ALL 'REPAIRS-MEMBRANE' FOODS / HERBS Heart & Circulation: Calcium Channel Blocker STRONG CALCIUM-CHANNEL-BLOCKER Reduces blood pressure by relaxing smooth muscle tissue. Blocking calcium (Ca2+) inhibits smooth muscle contraction. SEE ALL 'CALCIUM-CHANNEL-BLOCKER' FOODS / HERBS , Alterative ALTERATIVE Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter. SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS , Blood Thinner BLOOD-THINNER Herbs that thin the blood. Helpful for people with heart disease or clogged circulation. SEE ALL 'BLOOD-THINNER' FOODS / HERBS , Hypotensive HYPOTENSIVE An herb that lowers blood pressure. SEE ALL 'HYPOTENSIVE' FOODS / HERBS , Vasodilator VASODILATOR A vasodilator is an herb that widens the blood vessels by the relaxation of smooth muscle cells within the vessel walls, thereby increasing circulation systemically or to a local area. SEE ALL 'VASODILATOR' FOODS / HERBS Kidney & Urinary: Diuretic DIURETIC Herbs that promote urine formation, thereby flushing the kidneys and urinary tract while eliminating any excess water retention. As diuretics reduce water retention, they are often used to reduce blood pressure. SEE ALL 'DIURETIC' FOODS / HERBS Liver & Gallbladder: Cholagogue CHOLAGOGUE Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines. SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS Reproductive Health: Aphrodisiac APHRODISIAC Herbs that increase sexual arousal through various actions including increased circulation, relaxation, stimulation, or tonics that strengthen glandular health. SEE ALL 'APHRODISIAC' FOODS / HERBS , Galactagogue GALACTAGOGUE Increases production of breast milk, often by raising prolactin and diaphoresis. SEE ALL 'GALACTAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS Bone & Joint: Chelates CHELATES Binds to toxins such as heavy metals making them more soluble for elimination by the body. SEE ALL 'CHELATES' FOODS / HERBS Strength, Muscle Health: Antispasmodic ANTISPASMODIC Herbs that reduce or inhibit muscle spasms or cramping, such as in asthma, menstruation, hear palpitations, migraine, or IBS. SEE ALL 'ANTISPASMODIC' FOODS / HERBS Constituents: Nitric Oxide STRONG NITRIC-OXIDE Improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Protects blood vessels from damage. Improves athletic performance, libido, immunity, and brain health. SEE ALL 'NITRIC-OXIDE' FOODS / HERBS , Phosphorous, Polysaccharides, Saponins SAPONINS Can be used to make soap. Saponins stimulate mucus membrane secretion, liquefying mucus for easy removal (expectorant). SEE ALL 'SAPONINS' FOODS / HERBS , Sulfated Polysaccharides, Sulphur

Foods with a Similar Nature to Garlic

Garlic (raw)

Garlic (raw) has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Blood-thinner, Cholagogue, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Stimulant-laxative, Vulnerary, Antifibrotic, Antiviral, Calcium-channel-blocker, Diaphoretic, General-laxative, Mucolytic, Stomachic, Antifungal, Aphrodisiac, Chelates, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Repairs-membrane, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has these Actions in Common

Antiemetic, Aphrodisiac, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Antifungal, Calcium-channel-blocker, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic, Galactagogue, Mucolytic

LEARN MORE

Cloves

Cloves has these Actions in Common

Antifibrotic, Antispasmodic, Diaphoretic, Vasodilator, Antifungal, Anxiolytic, Expectorant, Antiemetic, Antimicrobial, Aphrodisiac, Internal-detoxicant

LEARN MORE

Turmeric

Turmeric has these Actions in Common

Antifungal, Blood-thinner, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Antimicrobial, Calcium-channel-blocker, Vasodilator, Antifibrotic, Antispasmodic, Cholagogue, Vulnerary

LEARN MORE

Horseradish

Horseradish has these Actions in Common

General-laxative, Repairs-membrane, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Irritates-throat, Vasodilator, Cholagogue, Expectorant, Mucolytic, Diaphoretic

LEARN MORE

Wasabi

Wasabi has these Actions in Common

Vasodilator, Cholagogue, Expectorant, Mucolytic, Diaphoretic, General-laxative, Repairs-membrane, Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Irritates-throat

LEARN MORE

Ginger (Fresh)

Ginger (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

Galactagogue, Stomachic, Antiemetic, Blood-thinner, Hypotensive, Vasodilator, Antifibrotic, Calcium-channel-blocker, Internal-detoxicant, Antispasmodic

LEARN MORE

Red Onion (raw)

Red Onion (raw) has these Actions in Common

Diaphoretic, Hypotensive, Stimulant-laxative, Galactagogue, Mucolytic, Vasodilator, Aphrodisiac, General-laxative, Repairs-membrane

LEARN MORE

Dill

Dill has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Antispasmodic, Expectorant, Stomachic, Diaphoretic, Galactagogue, Vasodilator

LEARN MORE

Aloe Vera Juice / Gel

Aloe Vera Juice / Gel has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, General-laxative, Vulnerary, Alterative, Blood-thinner, Internal-detoxicant, Antifungal, Cholagogue, Stimulant-laxative

LEARN MORE

Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Garlic

Yarrow

Yarrow has these Actions in Common

Antifungal, Stomachic, Antimicrobial, Vasodilator, Antispasmodic, Vulnerary, Blood-thinner, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Alterative, Internal-detoxicant

LEARN MORE

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Stomachic, Antispasmodic, Vasodilator, Anxiolytic, Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Antifungal, Sedative

LEARN MORE

Goldenseal

Goldenseal has these Actions in Common

Antifungal, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Cholagogue, Diuretic, General-laxative, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Mucolytic

LEARN MORE

Kushta

Kushta has these Actions in Common

Diaphoretic, Diuretic, Expectorant, Hypotensive, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Antimicrobial, Vulnerary, Antiviral

LEARN MORE

Calendula, Marigold

Calendula, Marigold has these Actions in Common

Antiviral, Cholagogue, Diaphoretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vasodilator, Alterative, Vulnerary, Antifungal, Antimicrobial

LEARN MORE

Ginkgo

Ginkgo has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Blood-thinner, Diuretic, Hypotensive, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Vasodilator, Antifibrotic, Antifungal

LEARN MORE

Hyssop Powder

Hyssop Powder has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Mucolytic, Vasodilator, Vulnerary, Antimicrobial, Diaphoretic

LEARN MORE

Echinacea

Echinacea has these Actions in Common

Internal-detoxicant, Mucolytic, Vulnerary, Alterative, Antimicrobial, Antiviral, Diaphoretic, Diuretic

LEARN MORE

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort has these Actions in Common

Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Antiviral, Anxiolytic, Blood-thinner, Expectorant, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary

LEARN MORE

Neem Leaf

Neem Leaf has these Actions in Common

Antifungal, Antimicrobial, Blood-thinner, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Alterative

LEARN MORE

Haritaki

Haritaki has these Actions in Common

Diuretic, Expectorant, General-laxative, Internal-detoxicant, Vulnerary, Alterative, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic

LEARN MORE

Impact of Garlic

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly School of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.