Garlic(Allium sativum): Garlic is probably the most well-recognized medicinal herb. It is used by traditional medicines all over the world and its applications are as varied as its geographical distribution. The chemistry and pharmacology of garlic is well studied; over one thousand research papers have been published in the past twenty to twenty-five years. Garlic and its preparations are known for their antibiotic, antifungal, and antiviral activity; for use in helping clear congested lungs; for coughs and bronchitis; as a preventive measure for the common cold and flus; and for intestinal worms, dysentery, sinus congestion, certain ulcers, gout, and rheumatism.³³ Garlic even has chemopreventive properties-helping to prevent certain cancers. Recent reports by the National Cancer Institute on a large population of subjects in China indicate that the consumption of garlic and other members of the allium genus (onions, leeks, shallots) can help lower the incidence of stomach cancer.³⁴

Western countries have shown interest in the herb's ability to provide important cardiovascular benefits, including slightly lowering blood pressure, aiding in the thinning of the blood, and reducing platelet aggregation (the clustering of disks found in human blood that facilitates blood coagulation). The chemical basis of garlic's anti-thrombotic effect (the ability to prevent harmful blood clotting) has been studied.³⁵ It has shown an ability to aid certain immune functions, particularly increasing natural killer cells' activity.³⁶

Studies indicate general benefits from almost any type of garlic, be it raw garlic, dried garlic, garlic oil, or a prepared commercial product.³⁷ However, odorless or odor-controlled garlic preparations have a high degree of activity and are appropriate for those who do not wish to suffer the problems associated with garlic's characteristic odor, such as bad breath. In Germany, garlic extracts are approved over-the-counter drugs to supplement dietary measures in patients with elevated blood lipid (liquid fat) levels and to avert age-associated vascular changes."³⁸ A scientific panel of the European community has also endorsed garlic for its cardiovascular benefits.