Asia and Rory’s Homa Herbal Corner – Garlic

    Shree encouraged us to continue working with medicinal herbs and to give workshops to share Homa Herb preparations.
So, from the very beginning, herbs have formed a large part of our lives, and we are currently editing a book on Homa herbs. We maintain a medicinal herb garden at the ecovillage and collect herbs from the wild in the surrounding fields and forests.
In, ‘Homa Therapy Our Last Chance’, Shree Vasant writes that herbs growing in a Homa atmosphere have greater medicinal properties.
    This has certainly been our experience for herbs growing in the garden and also wild on the property in this environment where sunrise/sunset Agnihotra is performed regularly. Even culinary herbs are more potent, increasing their aroma and strength and they also can be used medicinally.
           In Homa Herb Remedies, we make preparations that combine these potent herbs with Agnihotra Ash powder. As many readers will know, there are thousands of testimonies around the world from people who have experienced healing using Agnihotra Ash Medicines alone. Combining this miraculous Agnihotra ash with potent Homa Herbs is a natural progression, and they complement each other perfectly.
     We like to focus on simple yet effective folk remedies that anyone can make in their own homes.

Many herbs can even be grown in pots on a balcony or windowsill. If, however, it is not possible to grow or obtain Homa Herbs, then second best is to use organically grown herbs for preparations.

MEDICINAL PLANT –
GARLIC
(Allium sativum)

It’s PROPERTIES

    This month we would like to focus on garlic as a medicinal plant. Fresh garlic is a wonderful herb that has been shown to be antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-viral, and anti-parasitic. When used fresh it is effective for lung and respiratory tract infections, and will also loosen lung congestion. Garlic regulates blood pressure by thinning the blood, while it also improves circulation, strengthens the heart, and lowers cholesterol and blood sugar.
      As you can see, fresh garlic is a fantastic herb to take, especially as a preventative in these times of pandemic, as it protects the lungs and also increases the defenses of gut bacteria to fight viruses. In addition, studies have shown that there is a risk of blood clots in many Covid cases, and as garlic improves circulation, this could be a valuable herb to take. If you are already taking blood thinning medicine then best to consult your doctor before taking garlic.

    As a tonic or preventative, take ½ teaspoon daily, and as a remedy take ½ teaspoon 3 times daily. It can be taken as is, or diluted in warm water with a squeeze of lemon juice. It makes a wonderful preventative tonic as garlic has antibiotic properties and honey is antiseptic. It can be taken for colds, coughs, lung problems, and general weakness. You can also place it directly on the skin for cuts, bites, and wounds.
           You can also add some Turmeric powder and a pinch of black pepper to the garlic honey for added immune boosting effects.
OTHER USES OF GARLIC FOR HOME REMEDIES:
     Garlic infused apple cider vinegar is used as a wash to treat fungal diseases like Athlete’s Foot and thrush. Just place 4-6 crushed garlic cloves in 500 ml of apple cider vinegar, add a tablespoon of Agnihotra ash powder, and leave to infuse for 2 weeks. It is good to shake the jar now and again.
    You can also use a compress of this infused vinegar on ringworm or other skin infections. Just soak a piece of cotton or cloth in the garlic vinegar, gently squeeze out the excess liquid, and place on the ringworm and hold it in place with tape. The compress can be changed regularly throughout the day and continue for as long as is necessary.

   You can also dust the infected area with Agnihotra ash powder before applying the compress for better results.

       For earache, try putting a few drops of warm garlic juice into the ear and covering with cotton wool. Pound a clove or two of garlic in a mortar and pestle and pour a few drops of juice onto a spoon that has been warmed previously with hot water. It is easier if someone else dribbles a few drops into your ear while either lying down or tilting your head.
   For warts, try taping a slice of garlic to the wart and after a few days there should be improvement. Change the garlic slice regularly. You can also dab acne with a cut garlic clove.
    Here in Poland, for a cold, many people eat garlic chopped fresh with parsley and olive oil on a slice of bread. The parsley removes the garlic breath smell and is also high in vitamin C.
     Even though Agnihotra ash is added to many herbal preparations, it is still a good idea to take doses of Agnihotra ash powder 3 times a day, both as a preventative and as a treatment. Even better is to also perform Agnihotra at sunrise and sunset daily or at least participate in this healing Fire.
       In the next edition we will describe more herbs and suggest preparations. Thank you!