Garlic, the immune system booster

Garlic has a long history of use as an immune system booster because of its antiseptic, anti-fungal and nutritive properties. It is a natural detoxicant protecting against bacterial and viral infections without any of the side-effects associated with antibiotics.

Eaten raw or in a capsule, research shows it is a good preventative medicine against coughs, colds and chest infections during the winter or as a natural fast-acting antibiotic if infection is present. During the First World War raw garlic juice was used as an antiseptic for bathing wounds and helped save saved thousands of lives.

Garlic is packed with nutrients, particularly vitamins B1, B6 and C, iron and phosphorus and alliin which converts to allicin, which is thought to be the major antibacterial constituent of garlic.

There isn't a recommended daily allowance for garlic, but German researchers recommend a dose of 1-4 cloves a day which provides around 4,000mcg of alliin.

To cure a chesty cough crush three cloves of raw garlic, sprinkle one tablespoon of brown sugar and leave in a covered saucer for six hours. Sip the liquid throughout the day until the cough has gone.

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