Garlic Soup Made With 52 Cloves of Garlic Can Defeat Colds, Flu and Even Norovirus

(Prevent Disease) Forget the flu shot. A soup based on more than 50 cloves of garlic, onions, thyme and lemon will destroy almost any virus that enters its path including colds, flu and even norovirus.

As we sneeze and cough our way through these dark months of contagious nasties, garlic is being hailed for its powers to halt viruses in their tracks. It has gained its reputation as a virus buster thanks to one of its chemical constituents, allicin.

A recent and significant finding from Washington State University shows that garlic is 100 times more effective than two popular antibiotics at fighting disease causing bacteria commonly responsible for foodborne illness.

5 Food-Medicines That Could Quite Possibly Save Your Life

(GreenMedInfo)
By Sayer Ji

Some of the most powerful medicines on the planet are masquerading around as foods and spices. While they do not lend themselves to being patented, nor will multi-billion dollar human clinical trials ever be funded to prove them efficacious, they have been used since time immemorial to both nourish our bodies, and to prevent and treat disease.  So valued were these in ancient times that they were worth their weight in gold, and entire civilizations either rose to great power or collapsed as a result of their relationship to them.

Kick influenza and colds to the curb with garlic

An easy, inexpensive and beneficial remedy for the cold and flu season could be as near as your food pantry. Commonly known as "Russian penicillin," garlic has been used throughout history for everything from stomachaches to parasites and leprosy. In fact, the ancient Ebers Papyrus documents no less than 32 illnesses that respond to the herb. However, garlic really shines when we use it to stay healthy and flu-free while the rest of the masses sneeze and cough away. And what better way to reap the benefits of this odorous bulb than with a traditional 52-clove garlic soup or gingered garlic tea?

Discover the ancient secrets and modern magic of garlic

Medicinal use of garlic has been well documented around the world and throughout history. Modern science supports many health claims of the ancients while also revealing newly discovered benefits of garlic. The strong bioactive components that support cardiovascular and immune system health are well known; yet many are unaware of the superior nutritional properties of garlic, which make this common bulb a truly supernatural food.

Native to central Asia, garlic has been grown for over 5000 years. Garlic was revered by the ancient Egyptians, who appear to have been the first to have cultivated this plant. Not only was garlic considered sacred and placed in the tombs of Pharaohs, but it was also used for strength and endurance. Ancient Greek and Roman athletes used garlic before sporting events while soldiers ate it before battle. Hippocrates, considered to be the "Father of Medicine," used garlic to heal cancerous tumors.

Sunny and Spicy Anti-influenza Tea

Since we are right in the middle of a raging flu season, I thought I would post a quick recipe for ginger-garlic tea. Believe me, it will help to ease flu symptoms in no time flat. It may even prevent the illness altogether. And it actually tastes good -- another incentive to try this unconventional combination.

As you may know, garlic gives the immune system a nice boost. It is also a natural antibiotic and has strong antiviral and anti fungal properties. Garlic will not harm beneficial bacteria in the gut like standard antibiotics and is an excellent decongestant. It will even prevent the stomach flu by destroying illness-causing pathogens. Make sure to use raw garlic that has been chopped and left at room temperature for 15 minutes before consuming. This rest period activates the health promoting allicin. See Paul Fassa's article here for more information on the outstanding benefits of the 'stinking rose.' And for those who fear they might emanate a garlic aroma, eat 1/2 teaspoon of fennel seed after enjoying the tea.

Ginger and honey are good friends to have around when battling the flu as well. Ginger will help ease nausea and a throbbing head. It enhances the immune system as well. And honey will calm sore throats and coughs. In fact, a study published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine found that buckwheat honey significantly reduced coughs and sore throats in children. As an added bonus, the children also slept more soundly. I would venture to guess this variety of honey would help adults quiet coughs too. Don't forget about manuka -- the queen of honey. Learn more about this amazing food here. It is important to note that honey should not be given to children under the age of two due to the possibility of infant botulism, a rare but potentially fatal illness.

I have added a touch of lemon for a dose of vitamin C. This tangy juice also helps relieve bothersome congestion.

Here's to a healthy and happy New Year.

Sunny and Spicy Anti-influenza Tea

Yield: 1 serving

*As always, organic ingredients are best for nutritional value, health and flavor.

2 cups purified water
1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
2 medium sized cloves of garlic
1 tablespoon high-quality honey.
Juice of half a fresh lemon

It doesn't get much easier than this: In a small covered saucepan, simmer ginger and garlic in water for 5 minutes. Strain into your favorite mug. Add honey and lemon juice. Stir and enjoy.

As a preventative, one cup per day is a good starting point. If you are in the thick of an illness, flu or otherwise, make sure to drink at least three cups each day until symptoms subside.

"There are many miracles in the world to be celebrated and, 

for me, garlic is the most deserving."

                 
                             -Felice Leonardo (Leo) Buscaglia
                                                                (1924-1998)