Garlic has been used in traditional cooking and folk medicine for thousands of years, and modern science continues to study its naturally occurring compounds. Fresh garlic contains sulfur compounds, including allicin, which forms when garlic is crushed or chopped.
Laboratory research has shown that compounds from garlic can inhibit the growth of certain microorganisms. However, calling garlic a “natural antibiotic” can be misleading. Eating garlic cannot be expected to cure a bacterial infection, replace antibiotics, or eliminate a specific number of bacteria or infections in the human body.
The good news is that garlic is easy to incorporate into everyday meals, making it a flavorful ingredient with interesting nutritional properties.
A Simple Fresh Garlic and Honey Preparation
Ingredients
- 3–4 fresh garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons raw or regular honey
- 1 small clean glass jar
- Optional: a little fresh lemon juice for flavor
Step 1: Choose fresh garlic
Select firm cloves without mold, dark spots, or soft areas. Fresh garlic generally has a stronger flavor and aroma.
Step 2: Peel the cloves
Remove the papery outer skin and discard it.
Step 3: Crush the garlic
Lightly crush or finely chop the cloves. Crushing garlic helps trigger the chemical reaction that produces allicin and other sulfur-containing compounds.
Step 4: Let the garlic rest
Leave the crushed garlic for several minutes before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Step 5: Add the honey
Place the garlic in a clean jar and add the honey. Stir gently until the cloves are coated.
Step 6: Refrigerate
Keep the mixture refrigerated and prepare small batches rather than storing homemade garlic mixtures for long periods.
Step 7: Use it as a food
A small amount can be enjoyed as part of your diet if you tolerate both garlic and honey. There is no medically established amount of garlic-and-honey mixture that treats infections.
Why Does Garlic Attract So Much Scientific Interest?
See more on the next page