Rasona

Rasona (Allium sativum Linn.) commonly known as ‘garlic’ has been used safely since ancient times as both food and medicine. In Ayurveda  the garlic is considered as ‘Rasayana’, an important  class of  drugs reputed  to promote  health &  longevity and therefore, it  can be used for prevention as well as  for the management of  different disorders. 

It is a rich source of several phytochemicals and recognized to have significant & wide range of biological activities. The active constituent of garlic includes several sulphur containing compounds (principally thiosulfinate) which are rapidly absorbed, transformed and metabolized.

Ayurvedic Actions

Health Benefits

Cholesterol management

Garlic helps to manage high cholesterol by reducing the synthesis of cholesterol in the liver. It decreases the level of bad cholesterol and increases the level of good cholesterol.

Hypertension management

Garlic is used to manage high blood pressure. Garlic has anti-hypertensive and antioxidant properties. It helps to control lipid levels and prevents damage caused by free radicals.

Obesity management

Garlic is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce toxic load. This is due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. It balances fat tissue and thus reduces obesity.

Digestive health

Studies have shown that garlic helps stimulate digestion and really reduces that bloating feeling. If you also struggle with gas, garlic is also an antiviral and antifungal food, meaning it can help the body break down food easier.

Skin health

Garlic is considered to be beneficial for the skin due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. It prevents the growth of bacteria and protects skin from getting attacked by infectious agents. Garlic is beneficial for the skin due to its Varnya (improves complexion ) and Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties. These properties help to improve natural complexion, rejuvenate the skin and provide healthy glowing skin.

Immunity Boosting

Garlic  improves the immune system due to the presence of certain constituents, such as alliin, which help fight against infection-causing agents. These constituents stimulate the response of white blood cells when attacked by viruses thereby boosting the immune system.

Dosage and side effects (only after consultation with an ayurvedic doctor)

Dose of garlic is determined depending upon part or forms used. Dose of some common forms are  as follows .  

Bolus of Kand (Bulb): 3 – 6 gm/day  

Oil of Kand (Bulb) : 1 – 2 drops/day 

Enteric coated tablets of garlic powder : 600-800 mg/day 

Contraindications and side effect

• Should not  be used  by patients on oral anticoagulant and or antiplatelet therapy.
• Breast feeding mother (it can pass into breast milk and cause colic in infants).
• Pregnant  women  (being  Ushna  and Tikshna,  it  may cause uterine contraction followed by bleeding).  
• Pitta Prakrati individual.  
• Allergic reactions and contact dermatitis, jaundice, diarrhoea, acute exacerbation of Shwas Roga  (asthma),  following therapeutic  emesis, therapeutic  purgation, therapeutic enema.

References

1.  P.V. Sharma, dravyaguna vigyan, reprint, Chaukhambha bharti academy, Varanasi, 2003, 72.
2. The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
3. Goswami S,Verma RK, Tripathi P, et al. A review on Hypoglycemic, Hypolipidemic and Anti-obesity effect of Allium sativum.Journal of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences.2015; 7(4):321.
4. Pareek S, Dixit M, Govil S, et al.Garlic and its role in arthritis management. Elsevier.2019