It might seem a little strange to pair garlic and milk, but this popular Ayurveda tonic has been mentioned in several ancient texts as an important immune booster. For hundreds of years, garlic has been used as a treatment for various diseases. It contains powerful antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties. It promotes healing and protects from infections.
On the other hand, milk does more than ‘do a body good’. It contains lactic acid that kills harmful microbes. It’s also rich in calcium, which aids in various body processes. When combined with garlic, milk becomes even more potent. Garlic milk is just loaded with beneficial enzymes, antioxidants, and essential nutrients. Plus, it tastes really good!
1. Helps with Digestion:
Garlic milk is very good for treating digestive problems such as constipation, gas and bloating. When Vata goes out of balance, often gas and bloating are very common problems. The heating and grounding, smooth and oily properties of garlic milk help pacify Vata which then helps reduce any constipation, gas or bloating.
2. Helps with Colds and Flu:
Did you know that the active compound in garlic called allicin has been studied and proven to reduce the symptoms of colds and flu? In Ayurveda, we often use garlic milk as an immune-boosting tonic, often used in persistent coughs that just won’t go away.
3. Helps with Arthritis
There are several studies that suggest that the bioactive compounds in garlic have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce inflammation of the joints and reduce pain. Drinking garlic milk daily is one of the best natural remedies to treat joint pain.
4. Helps with Diabetes Control
There have been several studies recently that found that consuming garlic could help reduce levels of blood sugar in people suffering from type 2 diabetes, as well as offering other benefits in the treatment of the metabolic condition. The compounds in garlic namely allici, allyl propyl disulfide, and S-allyl cysteine sulfoxide raise insulin levels in the blood through the prevention of the liver’s inactivation of insulin so that more insulin is available in the body. A glass of garlic milk daily may help diabetics control their blood sugar levels on a long-term basis.
5. Helps with Erectile Dysfunction
How is it that garlic milk can help with erectile dysfunction? In order to maintain an erection, the arteries need to have sufficient blood flow. Erectile dysfunction indicates a hardening of the arteries and possible impending cardiovascular disease. Very recent studies show that the S-allyl cysteine compound in garlic milk improves blood flow. By consuming garlic milk daily, the increased blood flow can help reduce this disease.
Garlic Milk
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh milk
- 3 garlic cloves
Directions:
- Crush the garlic cloves using the sides of the knife.
- Heat the milk over medium heat and add the garlic.
- Simmer till the garlic becomes tender.
- Allow the garlic milk to cool a little and pour it into a glass or mug.
- Sweeten with organic honey and enjoy.
Like this recipe? If you could use a little extra help in building your immune system – check out my Immunity Kit below!
In health,
