As I sat with my college classmates during our reunion at the picturesque Swapnagandha Resort, nestled in the thick forests bordering Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Goa, we found ourselves engrossed in a lively discussion about the benefits of garlic. The lack of connectivity and screens allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the conversation, reminiscing about our days as Ayurvedic medicine students and sharing our experiences as practicing doctors.
The Garlic Story Unfolds
The evening chai and snacks arrived, accompanied by pakodas and garlic bread. As our classmate, Dr. Aparna politely declined the garlic bread, Dr. Vijay D’Souza couldn’t help but remind her of the countless lectures we endured on the benefits of garlic during our third year. This sparked a lively discussion among our group of Ayurvedic doctors, each eager to share their insights on this pungent bulb.
Dr. Vasanthi, who had been quietly observing the conversation, suddenly chimed in, “Speaking of garlic, have you all heard of Rasona Rasayana?” She went on to explain how she incorporates this potent Ayurvedic remedy, derived from Rasona (Allium sativum) or garlic, into her practice. Rasona Rasayana is known for its therapeutic and preventive properties, promoting longevity, enhancing memory, intelligence, health, and nourishment of the body tissues (Dhatus).
Dr. Vasanthi elaborated on the rich history of Rasona, which has been used for over 5000 years and is mentioned in various historical texts such as Astanga Hridaya, Gadanigraha, and Kashyapa Samhita. She explained the properties of Rasona, including its Rasas, Virya, and Vipaka, as well as its numerous therapeutic actions like Brimhana, Vrishya, Medhya, Rasayana, Balakara, and Krimighna.
Dr. Ghavate, who runs a nursing home in Pune, shared a story about one of his elderly patients who swore by the daily consumption of raw garlic. The patient, a sprightly 92-year-old woman, attributed her sharp mind and physical vitality to this simple habit. This anecdote set the stage for a deeper exploration of garlic’s potential role in promoting longevity.
Garlic and Aging: What the Research Says
Over the years, numerous studies have explored the potential longevity-promoting properties of garlic. Dr. R.B. Patil, practicing in Sangli, brought up a population-based cohort study published in the Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, which found that garlic consumption was associated with reduced all-cause mortality among Chinese oldest-old individuals. This study, conducted on a large sample of 27,437 participants aged 80 and older, showed that regular garlic consumption was linked to a lower risk of death from all causes, particularly cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Chandrakant Sagare, who runs a “pain clinic” in Sangli, mentioned another study published in the Journal of Nutrition, which demonstrated that aged garlic extract improved spatial memory deficit and prolonged longevity in senescence-accelerated mice. This study suggested that the antioxidant properties of aged garlic extract might contribute to its cognitive-enhancing and life-prolonging effects.
But how exactly does garlic help slow down aging? Dr. Meenakshi, our classmate who had transitioned from Ayurvedic medicine to nutrition and fitness, explained that garlic contains a variety of compounds, including allicin, which has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. These properties may contribute to garlic’s potential life-span-enhancing effects by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage associated with aging.
Dr. Somashekhar Mathapati, an academic and practitioner from Sankeshwar, added that garlic’s sulfur-containing compounds, such as S-allyl cysteine, have been found to exhibit immunomodulatory and anticancer properties. These compounds may help strengthen the immune system and protect against age-related diseases, including certain types of cancer.
Garlic in Ayurvedic Medicine
Dr. Vasanthi further elaborated on the method of collection and extraction of Rasona juice, the appropriate time of administration, dosage, and parts used. She also mentioned the Pathya (compatible) and Apathya (incompatible) foods to be consumed with Rasona, emphasizing the importance of considering an individual’s unique constitution when recommending this remedy.
Dr. Prabhakar, who ventured into the world of entrepreneurship, shared his valuable perspective on the increasing popularity and utilization of garlic in Ayurvedic medicine. He noted that the sales of garlic pearls, a concentrated form of garlic, have been on the rise in recent years, indicating a growing interest among consumers in harnessing the health benefits of this potent herb. Interestingly, garlic-based medicines are no longer confined to the shelves of specialized Ayurvedic stores. They have now found their way into supermarkets, making them more accessible to the general public. This shift in availability suggests that people are not only incorporating garlic into their diets by eating the pods but are also actively seeking out garlic pills as dietary supplements to support their overall health and well-being.
Dr. Nilesh, practicing in Kolhapur, pointed out that garlic is often used in Ayurvedic formulations for its “krimighna” (antimicrobial) and “rasayana” (rejuvenating) properties. He mentioned a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, which investigated the immunomodulatory effects of an Ayurvedic formulation containing garlic. The study found that the formulation enhanced immune function and exhibited antioxidant properties, supporting its traditional use as a rasayana.
Culinary and Medicinal Applications
As our discussion progressed, we delved into the various culinary and medicinal applications of garlic. Dr. Shailendra Rajguru, practicing in Pune, shared his favorite recipe for a garlic-infused soup, which he often recommends to his patients during the monsoon season to boost immunity and ward off seasonal illnesses.
I chimed in, mentioning how I often prescribe Rasonadi Kashaya, an Ayurvedic formulation containing garlic, to my patients with hypertension. Dr. Rajguru nodded in agreement, recalling our recent phone conversation where I had compared the effects of GARLICON tablets to aspirin in terms of their blood-thinning properties.
Dr. Vijay D’Souza, always curious and intelligent, brought up the topic of black garlic, a fermented form of garlic that has gained popularity in recent years. He mentioned a study published in the Journal of Food Science and Technology, which explored the potential health benefits of black garlic. The study found that black garlic exhibited higher antioxidant activity and contained higher levels of certain bioactive compounds compared to fresh garlic, suggesting its potential as a functional food ingredient.
Dr. Shrimant Pawar, intrigued by the discussion on garlic milk, asked me how to prepare it and if patients could make it at home. I explained the simple process of preparing Lashuna Ksheerapaka, a remedy where garlic is boiled with milk and water until reduced to half. This preparation can be easily made at home and is beneficial for various conditions such as sciatica, edema, and digestive issues. I also mentioned the precautions to be taken, such as avoiding alcohol, smoking, and excessive exposure to sunlight while consuming this remedy.
Patients’ Experiences and Anecdotal Evidence
Throughout our discussion, we shared numerous anecdotes and patient experiences that highlighted the potential health benefits of garlic. Dr. Kattimani, practicing in Athani, recalled a patient who had successfully managed his hypertension through a combination of regular garlic consumption and lifestyle modifications. The patient, a middle-aged man, had been hesitant to rely solely on pharmaceutical interventions and sought a more natural approach to managing his blood pressure.
Dr. Veerayya Hiremath, practicing near Belagavi, shared a similar story of a patient who had incorporated garlic into her daily diet to help control her type 2 diabetes. The patient reported improved blood sugar levels and a greater sense of overall well-being after regularly consuming raw garlic cloves.
Dr. Jessica, who watched the discussion in stoic silence, finally spoke up and shared her own experience. She had been struggling with recurrent colds and flu-like symptoms, which had begun to affect her work as a doctor. After incorporating a daily garlic supplement into her routine, she noticed a significant improvement in her immune function and a reduction in the frequency and severity of her illnesses.
Dr. Aparna, inspired by the discussion, shared a fascinating anecdote shared by her father. One swamiji’s encounter with a man known as the “Garlic King” in Sweden back in 1929. The story goes that Swami Satyadev Maharaj, a spiritual leader, was visiting Sweden when a revolutionary freedom fighter and polymath named Hardayal Mathur sent a strange man to meet him. People referred to this man as the “Garlic King.”
Swami Satyadev stared at the Garlic King, taking in his soft, long, brown hair and six-foot-tall stature. The Garlic King proceeded to share his incredible story with Satyadev. Though originally from Norway, he had spent most of his life in India, first arriving in 1865. During his time there, he learned Sanskrit and Hindi and delved into the ancient Ayurvedic texts.
The Garlic King then made a startling revelation: he claimed to be 150 years old. Sensing Satyadev’s disbelief, he explained that his longevity was entirely due to the garlic he consumed daily. He even claimed to have undergone Kayakalpa, an Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapy, twice in his lifetime.
To demonstrate his vitality, the Garlic King proceeded to perform several impressive yoga poses. When Swami Satyadev touched the man’s muscles, he was astounded by their strength and firmness.
While the story of the Garlic King may seem extraordinary, it serves as a testament to the enduring belief in garlic’s potential to promote longevity and vitality.
Precautions and Best Practices
While garlic is generally safe for most people, Dr. Khavare, practicing in Goa, reminded us of the importance of considering potential precautions. He noted that some individuals, such as those on blood-thinning medications, should consult their healthcare provider before consuming large amounts of garlic. Garlic has been shown to have antiplatelet properties, which may increase the risk of bleeding when combined with certain medications.
Dr. Santosh Ratnaparkhe, emphasized the importance of moderation and individual tolerance when incorporating garlic into one’s diet. While some people may benefit from consuming raw garlic cloves, others may experience digestive discomfort or unpleasant body odor. He suggested starting with small amounts and gradually increasing consumption based on personal tolerance.
The Importance of a Holistic Approach
As our discussion drew to a close, we all agreed that while garlic may have potential longevity-promoting properties, it is essential to approach health and well-being from a holistic perspective. Dr. Meenakshi emphasized the importance of a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and social connectedness in promoting overall health and longevity.
Dr. Mathapati added that in Ayurvedic medicine, we consider the individual’s unique constitution, or “prakriti,” when recommending dietary and lifestyle interventions. What works for one person may not necessarily work for another, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches to health and well-being.
Conclusion
As we concluded our garlic-centric discussion, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to reconnect with my classmates and delve into a topic that has fascinated humans for centuries. Our reunion at Swapnagandha Resort provided not only a much-needed escape from the screens and distractions of modern life but also a platform to share our experiences, knowledge, and passion for Ayurvedic medicine.
The potential role of garlic in promoting longevity is a testament to the power of natural remedies and the wisdom of ancient healing traditions. While modern research continues to unravel the mechanisms behind garlic’s health benefits, it is clear that this humble bulb has earned its place in the pantheon of medicinal plants.
As Ayurvedic doctors, we have a responsibility to bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary scientific understanding. By embracing a holistic approach to health and well-being, we can empower our patients to make informed choices and take an active role in their healing journeys.
In the end, our garlic-filled evening at Swapnagandha Resort served as a reminder of the importance of staying connected to our roots, both figuratively and literally. As we parted ways, we left with a renewed appreciation for the simple, yet profound, lessons that nature has to offer, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship and shared experience that tie us together as classmates and healers.
