There must be a reason why your grandma used to ask to have one clove of garlic every day. Well, it was not for adding to the desi cuisines only, but also for having its medicinal values and impact on your overall health and beauty.
So, it’s time to make the strong and spicy garlic your friend which can act as a wonder drug and a natural remedy for your health, skin and hair problems. Let’s see how.
# Keeps Premature Ageing At Bay
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other antioxidantal compounds like phytonutrients, polyphenols, and flavonoids, etc in garlic protects our skin cells from the free radical damage, and keep various signs of premature aging like fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, dark spots, and skin blemishes, etc at bay.
Free radicals are the unstabilized ions that stabilize by stealing electrons from the neighboring molecules, and in doing so they cause oxidative damage to them.Vitamin C and sulfur in the garlic enhance the production of collagen, an amino acid that maintains skin elasticity and prevents wrinkles and saggy skin.
# Aids In Treating Acne And PimplesAcne is a common skin problem that affects millions of people around the world and is mainly caused by the accumulation of toxins, pollutants, dirt, impurities, and other unwanted substance within the skin pores.Garlic helps in the prevention and treatment of skin problems like acne and pimples.The dietary fibers in garlic eliminate toxins, pollutants, and other impurities from our system.
When there are fewer toxins, they are less likely to accumulate in skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of acne and pimples.Dietary fibers also control the secretion of excess oil from skin glands and prevent acne from worsening.Not just consumption but topical application of garlic is equally beneficial for treating acne. Some of the ways, garlic can be used for acne treatment are as follows.
- To fight off acne and to reduce pain and swelling associated with acne, take a freshly cut garlic clove pod and gently apply it to the affected area. Wait for 5-10 minutes, and then wash off with water.
- Mix equal proportion of fresh garlic juice and white vinegar, and gently apply it to the affected area. This will maintain the pH level of the skin and will also fight off acne and infections.
- Crush some freshly peeled garlic cloves to form a paste. Mix half a tablespoon of honey and two tablespoons of yogurt to it. Use this paste as a face mask to get rid of acne, pimples, and other skin problems. Crushed garlic cloves can be substituted with garlic oil (2-3 drops) or garlic powder ( half tablespoon). The honey and the yogurt added to the mixture soothes our skin and minimizes the stingy and burning sensation caused by the garlic.
- Add 4-5 freshly peeled crushed garlic cloves to 250 ml of boiling water. Stop boiling the water when the garlic cloves submerge in the water. Allow the water to cool and come to a lukewarm level. Apply this water to the affected area of the skin. Ensure that water is neither too hot ( as it will burn your skin) nor too cold( as it won’t be effective).
# Remove Blackhead And WhiteheadGarlic helps in the removal of blackheads and whiteheads.For this, mix 2-3 crushed garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of oatmeal, 1-2 drops of tea tree oil, ½ teaspoon of lemon juice, and some honey to form a fine paste. Spread a thin layer of this paste on a clean face, and let it dry for 4-5 minutes. Wash off with water.Using this face mask thrice a week will not only minimize blackheads and whiteheads but will make your face soft and supple.
# Minimize Enlarged Skin PoresThe astringent properties of garlic tighten skin pores and minimize enlarged skin pores.Dietary fibers and sulfur compounds in the garlic eliminates toxins, pollutants, and other unwanted substances from our system prevents these toxins from getting clogged up in the skin pores, and thus minimizes the risk of skin problems like acne and pimples. Nutrients like vitamins and minerals in garlic nourish our skin and keep it healthy.
To reduce enlarged skin pores, mash half a tomato and 3-4 garlic pods together to form a paste. Spread a thin layer of this paste on your face, and after 20 minutes wash off with lukewarm water.Regular use will minimize enlarged skin pores, and make your skin soft, supple, and radiant.
# Promotes Hair GrowthGarlic promotes hair growth because of its rich nutritious profile.Essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, etc in garlic nourish our hair follicles and scalp and keep them healthy.
Antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin A and other relevant compounds like phytonutrients and polyphenols protect our hair follicles and scalp from free radical damage and improves scalp health. Other nutrients like zinc, iron, folate, and potassium in garlic improve blood circulation in the scalp, nourishes our hair follicles and scalp, and promote the growth of new hair follicles.
# Reduces Hair LossGarlic contains several essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and phytonutrients, etc that nourish and strengthens our hair follicles. With stronger hair follicles, the risk of hair loss diminishes automatically.Sulfur compounds like “Allicin” play a significant role in reducing hair loss.It also contains several antioxidants and antioxidantal compounds that protect our hair follicles from free radical damage.
Other nutrients like zinc, iron, potassium, B vitamins, and folate, etc also contribute to scalp health and minimizes the risk of hair fall. Gently rubbing some freshly cut garlic clove slices on the scalp improves blood circulation in the scalp, promotes hair growth, and minimizes hair loss. Another method of treating hair loss is to soak some garlic cloves in olive oil for at least one week and use this oil to massage your hair and scalp.