Medicinal Inclusions to the Garden, Part 1 - Garlic

After my son’s fourth ear infection in four months, I started doing research for at home remedies. I found an herbal remedy that included garlic! Who would have thought! Though I should have known, garlic is good for everything – including sinus infections, sore throats, and earaches! It’s funny too, because I just planted 40 in the garden-if only they were ready now…

The home remedy I found for an ear infection was from Live Strong. Visit their site for more detailed instructions.

The basic instructions to make and use the infusion are:

1.  Use Sweet Oil (preferred) or Light Olive Oil;
2. Crush 5 peeled cloves, fresh garlic (ensure you use fresh because it has the highest amount of antioxidants, antibacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-microbial properties);
3. Soak the crushed cloves in warm oil on the stove for about an hour. Careful not to boil or simmer – just keep it warm;
4. After an hour the infusion is finished. Remove from heat and store in refrigerator, with or without cloves included. Now you have Garlic Oil. (Never keep garlic oil at room temperature; it can develop botulism spores over time.)
5. To use for an ear infection – with the child laying on his/her side, drop a few drops of warm infusion into the infected ear, place a cotton ball in the ear to keep it from draining out.
6. Have him/her lay, without moving, for 10 minutes. Repeat as needed.
7. If you suspect an erupted eardrum, do not use the infusion.

Unfortunately I didn’t have a chance to try this remedy. His fever was too high (ranging from 104-106) so we took him in and now he’s on an antibiotic.

But now I’m eager to learn more about herbal remedies as I already have a collection of plants, flowers, and herbs that have medicinal properties! My collection includes: Lemon Balm, Borage, Calendula, Blue Hyssop, Lavender, Aloe, Rosemary, & Mint.

As I embark on my journey into herbal medicines, I’ll share what I learn with y’all by writing a Spotlight. This week the Spotlight is – Garlic. Garlic is an antimicrobial plant, which fights bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

In addition to the Garlic Infusion (above); you can make a Garlic Oil, to drink when battling a respiratory illness, such as bronchitis, the common cold, the flu, or congestion. To make and use the oil:

1. Mash one or more bulbs of garlic;
2. Cover with enough Apple Cider Vinegar or Olive Oil to cover the garlic. Mix well;
3. Allow to stand for a couple days;
4. Strain through cheesecloth, squeezing the garlic to ensure you have all the juice;
5. Store in the refrigerator;
6. To use: Add to food; or take ½ tsp every hour.

Hope you enjoyed today’s Spotlight!
This was shared at The Old Time Party, Green Thumb Thursday, and the HomeAcre Hop!

-:Live Simple, Be Happy-