The Surprising Medical Benefits of Garlic

 An old saying goes that if you eat garlic, you are sure to keep away vampires at night. But what is the origin of this saying and does it really have any significance? 

The notion that garlic can kill off vampires and other creatures of the night was a folk belief that was once common among Central European communities. It was thought that garlic's overwhelming pungency would ward off demons, werewolves, and vampires, and traditionally would be worn, hung in windows or rubbed around the entrance to the house. Other cultures believed that garlic is a relic of Satan that should be avoided at all costs. Although these superstitions may seem outlandish, there happens to be a bit of useful truth in them.

Garlic is the most powerful antibiotic cure nature has to offer. This simple looking herb can be used to treat a number of heart and blood-related conditions, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol, and is even used by some to prevent common cancers, like stomach, colon and even breast cancer. This is due to a chemical in the garlic called allicin, the same element that makes the garlic smell and probably the reason for the folk belief in vampires.

Studies have shown that allicin can offer tremendous aid in weight loss and may even help cure the common cold. Yet it is important to note that the wonderful powers of garlic are optimized when the garlic is completely raw, peeled and crushed, and when it is consumed only as medicine. 

How to use garlic to fend off real-life vampires like the flu and other diseases:

1. Cold and Fever Cure 

An effective cold and fever cure is garlic tea. To make the tea, boil some water and crush 1-2 cloves of fresh garlic (peeled) and place them at the bottom of the mug. Then add hot water, lemon and a bit of honey (to ease the taste) and drink it all down at once. Repeat a few times a day until the fever or cold symptoms subside.

2. Treat Skin and Fungal Infections

To treat skin or fungal infections, garlic can be used topically on a daily basis. Apply a slice of garlic to a wart regularly (about 2-3 times per day) and be amazed at the improvement. The wart or corn may not completely disappear, but any discomfort will subside.

3. Garlic as an Antibiotic  

As mentioned above, in order to use garlic as an antibiotic, it is best to consume the herb regularly. Studies have shown that eating raw garlic at the onset of food poisoning can kill off the deadly E.coli, Staph and Salmonella bacteria. Chop up garlic and drink it in a tea, this time without lemon, and a bit of honey, and the poisoning is sure to subside. 

 4. For Those That Can't Stand the Taste 

If you are not a big fan of garlic or its taste, there are some allicin supplements that can be store-bought and taken as needed. It is important to remember, however, that the potency of the allicin depends on its preparation, and it can change into a different chemical quite quickly. For this reason, it is best to buy the most natural version of an allicin vitamin where it is available, or stomach the taste of raw garlic only when you are sick. 

5. Bug Repellent 

Another way to use garlic harks back to the vampire myth. Smearing garlic over the skin not only prevents bacterial or fungal infections but can also ward off mosquitoes and ticks quite effectively. One village in India uses only garlic to deter the deadly malaria mosquitoes and can attest to the natural and harmless effectiveness of garlic. All that remains is to overcome the sharp smell! 

Garlic in its many forms can be used to treat and prevent a variety of diseases and conditions, and, just as the folklore suggests, is nature's miracle solution for warding off the bad.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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Don't Let These Blood Donation Myths Deter You From Giving

Donating blood saves lives – we’ve all heard this before. But let’s check some facts that back this claim. According to the American Red Cross, one blood donation can save as many as three lives, and someone in the U.S. requires a blood transfusion every two seconds. Every year, millions of lives are saved because of blood donations and blood products. Donating blood can help people injured in accidents, as well as those undergoing cancer treatment and battling blood diseases. 

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) further explains: 

“A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components — red cells, platelets, and plasma — which can be used individually for patients with specific conditions.” 

 

Unfortunately, while donating blood provides a lifesaving gift, it can be an intimidating task for some people. Misunderstandings or misconceptions about the process make people more reluctant. So, today, we will bust some common myths about blood donation to ease people’s minds about donating.

 

Myth 1: If I donate blood, I won’t have enough left in my own body

Blood donation is safe, and any healthy individual who donates will remain healthy afterward. Doctors do recommend that people rest for a day and drink fluids after donating. After about 48 hours, your body will replace the lost blood volume. In about four to eight weeks, your body will completely replace the red blood cells you donated. 

 

Some people might experience adverse effects such as weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness after donating. But doctors say these symptoms go away on their own. Just make sure to drink some fluids and have a light snack afterward. 

 

Myth 2: Seniors can’t donate blood

This isn’t true. The American Red Cross says that people who are older than 16 years and weigh more than 110 pounds (50 kilograms) are eligible to give blood. They also state that there’s no upper age limit for blood donation as long as someone is healthy and has no restrictions or limitations to their activities. These rules do differ in some countries. In the United Kingdom, for instance, donors must be aged 17–66 years. 

 

According to WHO, some countries allow regular donors over the age of 65 to give blood at the discretion of a responsible physician. 

 

Myth 3: I take medication, so I can’t donate blood 

In almost all cases, medications won’t disqualify you from donating blood. According to the American Red Cross, a donor’s eligibility will be based on the reason that the medication has been prescribed. If you are healthy and your condition is under control, then blood donation is likely to be permitted. 

 

Herbal remedies, nutritional supplements, and over-the-counter oral homeopathic medicines are permitted too. Read the complete breakdown of medications that affect donation eligibility on the American Red Cross website. 

 

Myth 4: I might contract dangerous infections if I give blood

Doctors say that there is no risk of catching an infection when donating blood. A new sterile needle is used with each new blood donation and immediately discarded. Therefore, there’s almost no chance of catching a bloodborne infection from donating blood if the hospital you are donating blood at follows all the rules.  

 

Myth 5: You can’t donate if you’ve had COVID-19

Just because you’ve had COVID-19 in the past doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to donate blood in the future. Health experts say that donors have to be free of any symptoms for at least two weeks. If you're currently recovering from COVID-19 or are displaying COVID-like symptoms, don’t attempt to donate blood. You should be resting and isolating. 

 

Myth 6: You can only give blood once each year  

donThis is false. As we mentioned earlier, blood cells take up to eight weeks to be replenished. After that, it’s safe to donate blood again. The American Red Cross says that you can donate whole blood every 56 days up to 6 times a year.  

 

Myth 7: Blood donation is time-consuming

According to the American Red Cross, the donation of a pint of whole blood takes from 8 to 10 minutes. Registration and processing times vary, but they typically take somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes. After registration, you’re usually required to answer some questions about your health and travel history. This is followed by a brief physical examination to determine if you’re eligible to donate blood. That’s it. 

 

So if you’re planning to donate blood, don’t be hesitant thinking it will take a long time. It won’t.  

 

Myth 8: You cannot donate if you have high blood pressure or high cholesterol

Having high blood cholesterol levels won’t disqualify you from donating blood as long as you're otherwise healthy. 

 

Also, you can donate blood if your blood pressure is below 180 systolic (first number) and below 100 diastolic (second number), says the American Red Cross. Even medications for high blood pressure won’t disqualify you from donating. The Red Cross provides a detailed list of the eligibility criteria for donating blood. 

 

Myth 9: Enough people donate blood. There’s no need for me to do so

Sadly, this isn’t true. Blood has a limited shelf life and can’t be manufactured outside of the human body. Donated red blood cells have a shelf life of up to 42 days, while donated platelets must be used within 5 days. Therefore, the supply must constantly be replenished, and there is always a need for more blood donors. 

 

Statistics show that only about 37 percent of the U.S. population is eligible to donate blood - less than 10 percent of these potential donors give blood regularly. Blood banks can, at times, have a critical shortage of some blood types. Earlier this year, the United States had a national blood shortage during the COVID-19 pandemic. So if you’re eligible, it’s always a good idea to roll up your sleeves and spare an hour to give blood.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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