On this Guru Poornima day, a small gesture of my pranams to my Guru.
The article by me, Dr.Ranjima is a simple combination from our kitchens. It has reached many common people and they follow it in their daily lives for their better health. It is penned with inspiration from my Dravyaguna class which was taken by my guru Dr. Balamurugan, who is now working at TAMPCOL, Chennai. He has recieved the State Best Ayurvedic doctor award many times, felicitated for his service during covid period. He speaks and writes for the common people and continues to serve them.
Garlic Milk is considered as a highly useful remedy in Ayurveda. It is highly effective & treats multiple conditions of the body. This recipe is taken from Charaka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana 5th chapter 94- 95th sloka.
Garlic is a potent herb used widely in Ayurveda. It is called Lashuna or Rasona in Ayurveda. It contains five among the six tastes, as we know as Arusuvai (Six Tastes – Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Pungent and Astringent). It is devoid of sour taste( amla rasa).
There is an interesting story behind Garlic – When the Devas and Asuras churned the Milky Ocean (Samudra Manthana), the Kalash of Amrita (nectar) was drunk by Rahu who was one among the Asuras. The Devas complained about it to Lord Vishnu and he at once chopped off Rahu’s head before the nectar entered his body. According to Hindu mythology, it is believed that the nectar fell along with the blood of Rahu on Earth grew as Garlic.
Though it has qualities of nectar, it also possesses the qualities of Asura blood, So it is avoided by people who follow a peaceful and serene lifestyle & avoided during fasting. Those who take garlic as food or medicine acts as prevention to Vata vyadhis, diseases related to bones, excess fat, worm infestations and digestive disorders due to the presence of qualities of nectar.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC MILK
There are various forms of medicine preparations explained in Ayurveda like Lehya, Taila, Kashaya etc. One such preparation where medicines are boiled with milk is called as Ksheerapaka (which literally means cooking in Milk).
This recipe can be prepared easily & can be used as a home remedy for various conditions.
INGREDIENTS:
Garlic Pods – 1 part(10 Gms)
Milk – 4 parts (40 ml)
Water – 4 parts (40 ml)
Method of Preparation:
Remove the husk from the garlic pods.
Pound them well to make a coarse paste.
Take the milk & water in a vessel, add the pound garlic pods into it.
Boil this mixture on a low flame, stirring continuously, until the milk gets reduced to half(40 ml).
Strain it.
Dosage:
Divide the quantity into two parts and have it twice a day after food.
Suitable Dosage: Approximately 10- 50ml for adults.
Benefits of Garlic Milk:
As per Charaka Samhita, it cures
Vata gulma(Abdominal lumps),
Udavarta(Belching),
Gridhrasi(Sciatica),
Vishama jwara(Fever),
Hridroga(Heart Disease),
Vidradhi(Abscess),
Shotha(Edema)
Garlic Milk remedy does not cause bad breath.
The fat and water-soluble active principles are transferred, into the milk. Milk with its coolant nature reduces the hotness and pungency of raw garlic pods. Those who cannot tolerate the taste of garlic, this is the best way to reap the benefits of garlic.
The pungent nature of garlic widens the narrow blood vessels, thus improving good blood flow not only in the heart but also in legs and brain. It prevents diseases due to circulatory problems.
Also, Garlic Milk helps to
Reduce bad cholesterol,
Keep heart healthy,
Relieve digestive troubles,
Relieve bloating & constipation,
Reduce back pain and inflammation related to sciatica or spinal disc issues.
Precautions:
Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking.
Do not take too much of salty and sour foods.
Avoid too much exposure to sunlight.
Reduce stress and anger.
*Persons with excess heat, mouth ulcers, & who has burning sensation in eyes and during urination, should consult an Ayurvedic physician before taking the garlic milk*.
Credits @ Dr.Balamurugan, TAMPCOL, Chennai
Picture credits @ Supriya Manoj
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DISCLAIMER:
Please remember these treatments options are only meant as guidelines and in no way replace the advice or treatment provided by your medical practitioner. It is always good to seek the advice of your Ayurveda physician, homoeopath, naturopath, or herbalist for professional advice in any matter related to your health. This article is for information purposes only.
