Of Fire

by Beth Haley

Garlic is one of the oldest plants used as medicine. “When the British came to India, leprosy became known as “peelgarlic,” because of the frequent sight of lepers peeling and eating garlic cloves.”

–The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by C. Norman Shealy MD, PhD

Garlic increases pitta, or fire, and it helps with digestion by increasing digestive juices. It has both a cooling and heating effect on the body. When the fire element is too inflamed in our bodies (agitation, stubbornness) it can help bring balance. On the other hand, if our fire is too low, garlic can get the fire burning again.

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Fire Temperament

Fire element plants are not just for the physical body. Destructive forces such as anger can be regulated as well by the principle of “fighting fire with fire.”

“…to put out forest blazes by deliberately setting the undergrowth aflame, can release rage in a dramatic and explosive outburst. Once this willful anger is gone, the sorrow hiding beneath it can be expressed, bringing the system back into balance.”

–Plant Spirit Wisdom by Ross Haven

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Some uses of garlic:

Cancers

Colds

Skin disorders

Parasites

Joint issues

Arthritis

Cysts

Fluid retention

Antibiotic

Reduces blood pressure

Reduces cholesterol

Stimulant

Carminative

Expectorant

Disinfectant

It is rejuvenating for the nervous, digestive, respiratory, reproductive and circulatory systems

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All this written, if one were to eat the amount of garlic recommended (6-12 cloves a day) to produce these results, I don’t suppose we would smell that great. However, garlic does come in capsules which are odor-free.

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–The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Healing Remedies by C. Norman Shealy MD, PhD

Photos by Team Voya & Mike Kenneally