Essential oils are a popular household item due to their various culinary and medicinal value that they possess. Oils such as garlic oil come with amazing benefits outside of the kitchen for its positive effect on the metabolism and immune system.
What Is Garlic Oil?
Garlic, also known by the scientific name Allium sativum, belongs to the onion family. It is one of the widely used kitchen ingredients in the world and is used for medicinal and culinary purposes.
The essential oil derived from garlic also has its benefits and possesses antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties. The oil also contains Allicin, amino acids, enzymes and sulfide compounds.
Garlic oil can be extracted by two methods — through steam distillation of garlic cloves or by soaking garlic in a carrier oil and allowing the active ingredients to leach onto the carrier oil.
Uses of Garlic Oil
Garlic oil blends well with cumin seed, dill, coconut, fenugreek, clove, black pepper and cardamom essential oils. When used for the right purposes, it can serve as a multi-purpose natural remedy for regular infections and ailments.
Garlic oil is used in the following ways:
- In aromatherapy
- As insect repellent
- In vapor rubs and pain balms
- As a flavoring agent in food
- In hair loss treatments
- To treat dandruff
- In acne and skin treatments
Benefits of Garlic Essential Oil
The health benefits of garlic oil can be attributed to its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, digestive, stimulant, galactagogue, antimicrobial, antiseptic and decongestant properties.
The main health benefits include:
1. Reduces inflammation
Garlic oil contains a compound called Allicin that possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
It helps reduce joint pain and treat joint disorders like rheumatism and arthritis. Additionally, garlic oil eases tissue irritation in localized areas.
2. Relieves headaches
Garlic oil is considered to be an effective remedy against headaches and migraines. Due to its analgesic properties, the oil works as a great pain reliever. It helps reduce inflammation in the capillaries and temples surrounding the head.
3. Prevents obesity
If you are on a weight loss program, then garlic oil is a must for you. Garlic oil helps kick-start metabolism, which in turn triggers the burning of fat molecules.
Garlic oil contains sulfide compounds that suppress appetite and create a feeling of fullness. This prevents unhealthy cravings and snacking between meals.
4. Improves digestion
Owing to its stimulant and antioxidant properties, garlic oil is an excellent aid for digestion. It helps to improve digestion and initiate peristaltic motion.
Garlic oil is also considered to be an effective remedy for inflammation of the gut, constipation and gastrointestinal cancers.
5. Treats metabolic disorders
Garlic oil is considered to be an excellent remedy for metabolic disorders. It helps to optimize metabolism and reduce risk factors associated with metabolic disorders.
Garlic oil also helps treat high cholesterol, high blood pressure, obesity and high blood sugar.
6. Stimulates nutrient uptake
If the body does not absorb enough nutrients properly, you can suffer from nutritional deficiencies. Garlic oil is an excellent base for those suffering from nutritional deficiencies as it contains antioxidants and sulfide compounds that stimulate nutrient uptake in the body.
7. Treats respiratory infections
Garlic oil possesses decongestant properties that relieve pressure and clear up the sinuses. It loosens the phlegm deposits and expels it out of the respiratory tract.
Consuming garlic oil or inhaling it helps clear congestion, decrease asthma attacks and reduce allergic sensitivity.
8. Strengthens the immune system
Garlic oil has antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties that fight and prevent the invasion of foreign pathogens causing infections in the body. Through this process, the oil also helps strengthen the immune system and prevents future infections from occurring.
Side Effects of Garlic Oil
Consult a doctor to know the right usage and avoid side effects due to overuse and excess consumption.
- As garlic oil has a high concentration of active ingredients, it can cause swelling, irritation and skin redness when applied topically.
- Consuming or applying garlic oil in large quantities can cause bad odor and bad breath.
- When taken in excess, garlic oil can cause gastrointestinal disorders like vomiting, cramping, bloating, heartburn and diarrhea.
- Taking this oil along with blood pressure lowering medications can cause hypotension or very low blood pressure.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are advised to stay away from garlic oil due to its ingredients.
