Allium sativa, which is better known as garlic is a plant with long, flat leaves that are grass like and a papery hood which surrounds the flowers.

Alliin which is an amino acid and an enzyme called allinase are the most active components found in fresh garlic.

A wide variety of trace minerals such as copper, germanium, iron, zinc, magnesium and selenium can also be found in garlic.

Garlic is a recommendation among many for the treatment & prevention of many conditions including heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and even bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Studies have shown it to be effective against strep, E. coli, Salmonella, H. pylori, Candida albicans, and other microorganisms as well.

According to some current studies, immune function can be improved through intake of garlic and it may even be capable of aiding the prevention of cancer.

Studies indicate that eating garlic regularly can improve serum cholesterol levels in people with high cholesterol. For some people with high cholesterol, eating 1-2 cloves per day made it possible to achieve normal levels. Aside from that, intaking garlic has also been shown to decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglyceride levels while elevating high-density lipoprotein (HDL).

The sulfur compounds found in garlic as well as its ability to reduce the fatty substances such as cholesterol found in the bloodstream make garlic a great choice for reducingblood pressure. Low blood pressure can also be normalized through intake of garlic as well.

Garlic has also been shown to inhibit the formation of powerful carcinogens, known as nitrosamines. Garlic's antioxidants add to this effect by shielding against the damage to cells by cancer-causing free radicals. Studies indicate that the growth of a variety of tumors may be inhibited through use of garlic.

Blood sugar has also been shown to be both lowered and stabilized through garlic intake as it helps increase the amount of insulin available in the bloodstream making it a great natural choice for treating diabetes.

You can eat garlic raw or cooked. I prefer both actually. Be sure to wash your hands with some fresh lemon after handling it though.

You can also take a garlic supplement. I personally recommend Kyolic from Wakunaga of America, which is an odorless, organic and aged garlic extract supplement. Studies on aged garlic extract have concluded that the aging process significantly boosts garlic's antioxidant potential.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.