Garlic and Ginger Flashcards
Garlic
Bulb comprises cloves in a white or mauve tinged parchment like skin.
Garlic: Energetics
Hot, dry, pungent, spicy
Garlic: Compositions
Therapeutic effects are mostly due to its volatile organosulphur compounds, particularly allicin: an oily, slightly yellow liquid which gives garlic its distinctive taste and odour.
Garlic contains the compound alliin. Crushing or chopping garlic releases the enzyme alliinase which converts alliin into the active compound allicin.
Rich in fructans (prebiotic oligosaccharides). Also contains small amounts of manganese, calcium, selenium and vitamin C.
Garlic: Benefits
Immunity
Digestive health
Anti-inflammatory
Cardiovascular health
Detoxification and anti-cancer
Garlic: Immunity
Antimicrobial (anti fungal / bacterial / parasitic / viral.)
Garlic increases interferons and macrophages.
Dental infections / oral thrush: Chew peeled clove.
Athletes foot: Rub a crushed garlic clove on area.
Ear infections: Put 2-3 drops of warm garlic oil into affected ear (lay on side) for 10- 15 minutes.
Garlic: Digestive Health
Warming properties stimulate the ‘digestive fire’. Supports GIT microbial balance ( prebiotic / addresses dysbiosis)
Garlic: Anti-inflammatory
Inhibits inflammatory enzymes such as COX and LOX. Also inhibits the pro-inflammatory NF-kB .
Garlic: Cardiovascular Health
Antihypertensive effects by increasing levels of the vasodilator nitric oxide; decreases arterial calcification (stiffness). Reduces LDL cholesterol and LDL oxidation, whilst increasing HDL. Also has anti-coagulant properties (by inhibiting platelet aggregation), hence improving blood circulation
Garlic: Detoxification and anti-cancer
Inhibits phase I and promotes phase II liver detoxification, whilst also stimulating the synthesis of the antioxidants superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. It is hence used in liver support protocols. Reduces cancer cell proliferation
Garlic: Supplementation
Allicin extract can be used for its anti-microbial properties, especially in cases of dysbiosis (incl. SIBO and candidiasis).
Garlic: Dosage
2-5 g fresh raw garlic (1-2 cloves)
0.4-1.2g dried garlic powder
2- 5 mg garlic oil
300- 1000 mg garlic extract (solid)
2400 mg aged garlic extract (liquid).
Aged garlic extract is odourless.
Garlic: Caution
May cause mild GI effects (reflux, bloating, flatulence, diarrhoea).
Intake of garlic should be discontinued 10 days prior to surgery. Doses of greater than 3 g / day
may interact with antiplatelet medication.
Ginger
Beige bulbous rhizome with yellow fibrous flesh.
Ginger: Energetics
Dry ginger is hot, fresh ginger is warming. Dry
Ginger: Composition
Volatile oils and compounds called ‘gingerols’.
Ginger: Dose and delivery
Incorporate easily into cooking.
Alternatively:
Ginger tea: Pour boiling water over a thumb size chunk of grated fresh ginger. Can combine with fennel
and peppermint to make a soothing tea for the GIT.
Use fresh rather than dry ginger for digestive complaints.
Can alternatively mix with lemon and raw honey for sore throats.
Capsules: Split the dose when using for its anti inflammatory and anti microbial properties (e.g. 400 mg x 3 per
Ginger: Benefits and clinical applications
Digestive health
Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory
Anti-nausea
Cardiovascular health
Ginger: Digestive Health
The warming properties of ginger stimulate the ‘digestive fire’. It is a pro-kinetic that can be used to support the MMC, which is particularly useful in conditions such as SIBO. Ginger can also be effective in cases of IBD (e.g. as a tea).
Dry ginger might be too strong for someone with Spleen Qi deficiency (weak digestion), so fresh ginger is generally more applicable for digestive complaints. Note that Spleen Qi deficiency contraindicates very hot spices.
Ginger: Anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory
Inhibits LOX, COX and TNF-α effective for inflammatory joint pain (i.e. pain worse in the mornings). It has direct anti-microbial capabilities similar to garlic.
Ginger: Anti-nausea
Associated with its carminative effects. Can be used for travel, pregnancy and cancer related sickness. Ideally use fresh ginger for nausea (or a very small amount dry); dry ginger should not be used during pregnancy as it is too hot.
Ginger: Cardiovascular health
Circulatory stimulant and lowers LDLs.
Liver Flush Protocol
Make a smoothie with the following ingredients, drinking it first thing every morning for 10 days (do
not eat for two hours after drinking):
- Juice of a whole lemon or lime
- 1 garlic clove
- ½ pint / ¼ litre fresh pressed apple juice (or carrot, celery or beetroot)
- Tbsp extra virgin cold pressed olive oil
- Small piece of grated fresh ginger .
- Optional: Pinch of cayenne powder.
