Garlic Oil: How to Make, Uses, Benefits, Side Effects
Garlic oil has both culinary and medicinal uses. Garlic, itself holds immune boosting properties such as antioxidant, antiviral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, antihypertensive, anti-anemic, anti-hyperlipidemic, anticarcinogenic and many more properties. Garlic oil contains an active compound called, allicin. It has shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the stomach.
Other Benefits of Garlic Oil
Natural Insect Repellent Applying garlic oil to areas like windowsills or other parts of your space is landscape-safe and can repel insects for up to a month.
Prebiotic Properties Garlic can promote good bacteria in the gut in various types of garlic extracts
Ear Infections With its antibacterial properties, rubbing or putting 2-3 drops in the ear can help fight against bacterial infections. It is beneficial for children with ear discomfort and inflammation.
Skin Relief Garlic extracts have shown to relieve skin conditions such as dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin infections.
Heart Health Garlic oil also contains a sulfur compound that can assist in reducing heart diseases and preventing blood clots and improving circulation
Brain Health Studies have shown that garlic can prevent the risk of deteriorating cognitive health, particularly in dementia and Alzheimer's patients, by improving memory. (This may enhance the effects when garlic and olive oil are paired together).
Garlic (Infused) Oil/Oil of Garlic vs Garlic Essential Oil
Garlic infused oil is great for culinary and healing uses. The process of making garlic oil is macerating garlic in a carrier oil such as olive oil, sunflower oil etc. It makes great use for seasonings, sauces and enhancing the flavor in your meals
Garlic essential oil is prepared through steam distillation is an extensive process in which the plant products are highly concentrated. Essential oils should not be ingested.
How to Make Garlic Infused Oil
Ingredients
1 Head Garlic
1 cup Carrier oil (Highly recommend olive oil)
Method 1
In a clean glass jar, add whole, minced or crushed garlic filling the jar 1/2 to 3/4 of the way. Add the oil filling it to the top leaving at least one inch of space to the top.
Peel and smash or poke holes into garlic cloves.
In a small pot, heat garlic and oil over medium heat for 2-3 mins until some bubbles form.
Reduce heat to low for 30 minutes or until becomes garlic soft or a light brown. Do not overbrown the garlic.
Allow it to cool then strain the cloves into a clean jar.
Place in the fridge for up tom 4-7 days or in the freezer for 3-4 months.
Botulism is at risk if you store the garlic oil improperly. Garlic oil should not be at room temperature longer than two hours.
Potential Side Effects
Nausea
Upset stomach
Breath and body odor
Avoid if you are taking blood thinning medication
Dosage
Liquid: Take 2-5mg daily.
Capsules: Take two to three 300 mg capsules daily