Apart from being a flavour enhancer for food, garlic enjoys a legendary status as an effective healing herb. Garlic has anti-bacterial and antiseptic properties, thus it is used for the treatment of infectious diseases. It is also consumed for the prevention of strokes, as it is supposed to thin down the blood. It has been proved that one raw crushed garlic clove contains the antibiotic equivalent of 1000 mg of penicillin.

Garlic has a high sulphur content, which is beneficial for smooth and supple skin, hair and nails. The sulphur also keeps the youthful elasticity in tissues intact and prevents dandruff. Garlic must be included in the daily diet like a beauty regime. This is because it has natural anti-bacterial and anti-oxidant properties. Garlic is used for a variety of cosmetics, like face wash, mask, cream, shampoo and foot spray.

The wonder herb is aromatic, hot, bitter and pungent. Garlic relieves aggravated "vata" and alleviates gas. It is good for digestion and absorption and is also a good rejuvenating herb.

Apart from its anti-bacterial properties, garlic is very effective for "vata" disorders. Since it has a warming effect, it is helpful during the rainy season and the winter it also relieves pain in the joints. However, garlic is not good for people of "pitta" constitution because of its hot and pungent attributes.

This herb is anti-rheumatic and may be used for a dry cough or congestion. It is very effective for sinus headaches and pain or tingling in the ear. In treating ear problems, three to four drops of garlic oil are placed in the ear, or the ear is filled with this oil at night and sealed with cotton. By morning the pain will have disappeared.

Garlic will also relieve toothache. Sensitive teeth or receding gums may be massaged with garlic oil.

One can apply the juice of garlic on boils, as it helps in evacuating the pus.