But undoubtedly those foreigners from the old countries knew there was more to garlic than a powerful odor.

After all, the stinking rose enjoys an honored place as history’s oldest medicinal plant in existence. According to Dr. Earl Mindell, chemist and author of Garlic, the Miracle Nutrient and other popular nutritional books such as The Vitamin Book and Food as Medicine, it is featured in the Bible, the Talmud and Homer’s Odyssey. Galen, whose medical knowledge dominated the world for more than a thousand years, described the herb as a “miracle healer” for dozens of ailments.

An Egyptian medical papyrus called the Codex Ebers contained at least 22 medical formulations with garlic as an important component.

Garlic has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years for conditions as diverse as bronchitis, tuberculosis, appendicitis, malaria, boils, heart disease, tumors and various skin diseases.

Roman soldiers used garlic—not, as some wag joked, to cause the enemy to flee from the smell— but as a treatment for worms and a general tonic to ward off diseases.

Hippocrates, long referred to as the ‘Father of Medicine,’ used garlic as an internal and external treatment for dozens of diseases.

In 1858, having studied garlic extensively, French scientist Louis Pasteur proclaimed its numerous antibacterial properties, and during the Civil War and World War I physicians on many battlefields applied garlic poultices to prevent infection and gangrene. Although Alexander Fleming’s discovery of penicillin in 1928 largely took over from garlic, in World War II, garlic, or ‘Russian penicillin’ was again the substitute when battlefield physicians ran short of antibiotics.

An explosive demand for medications to treat a wide variety of conditions followed World War II and scientists began focusing on complex chemical compounds that eventually resulted in today’s ‘pharmaceutical age’ and modern populations heavily dependent upon manufactured drugs.

Garlic as medicine was relegated to the status of folk medicine for about three decades, says Dr. Mindell, and was no longer taken seriously by modern scientists, medical practitioners or researchers.

However, in recent years garlic’s antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties have attracted increasing scientific and medical attention, prompting such news headlines as ‘Ancient Health Remedy is Rediscovered.’ In 2006 a research team of physicians and scientists sponsored by New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell was one of 35 such groups from around the world that independently concluded that the pungent herb is indeed an effective aid in fighting cancer, heart disease and other afflictions. Their findings were published in a special issue of The Journal of Nutrition.

Studies have found that garlic enhances the overall immune function, especially if the body has been compromised by poor diet. The herb stimulates the ability of natural killer cells to destroy tumor cells, virus-infected cells, and foreign invaders such as E. Coli. In other words, garlic mobilizes the body’s own natural defenses against cancer and other diseases. Even if tumors already exist garlic has been shown to prevent their growth by inactivating some of the deadly compounds in the tumor cells themselves.

Garlic has been used for thousands of years in China and Japan to promote blood circulation and dissolve clots in blood vessels. Modern scientists, working on the premise that a high-fat diet clogs the blood vessels over time, have found that garlic interrupts the process by which platelets and fibrin work to form clots, thus warding off heart attacks and strokes.

Many researchers now believe that the organic compound allicin, a sulphur-bearing agent which gives garlic its aroma and flavor, acts as the world’s most powerful antioxidant. New evidence is beginning to bear this out. One of the latest and most hopeful of garlic treatments is treating MRSA or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus areus, a nasty multi-drug resistant bacteria that is infecting millions of people around the world today. In 2008, Dr. Ron Cutler and the University of East London released the results of their use of an allicin compound to treat 52 patients with hospital-acquired MRSA. All were cured within a matter of weeks, though all other antibiotics had failed. More than 200 more ‘garlic’ patients are in the process of recovering.

“Bugs are the best biochemists in the world,” Cutler told reporters. “They constantly adapt and change their internal structure to become resistant to antimicrobial drugs. But resistance is unlikely with allicin because it attacks on so many different fronts.”

Cutler and his associates had been working for several years on processes that extract the maximum antioxidant, antiviral and antifungal benefits from garlic allicin.

Alliin, not allicin is the form present in the garlic, and it has long been known that the powerful properties of allicin can only be released after the alliin cloves are mashed or cut. Most recently study has focused much on ‘tweaking’ allicin, but garlic also contains many other potent nutrients, including selenium, vitamin C, vitamin B-I,2,3, calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, zinc and much more.

In fact, international researchers who presented their findings at the First World Congress on the Health Significance of Garlic and Garlic Constituents in the late 1980s concluded that the nutritional and pharmacological benefits of the herb are due to many compounds it contains— in addition to allicin.

In summary, researchers said garlic in any form—oil, powder, juice, raw, aged—provides daily health benefits and helps protect against not only cancer, heart disease, colds and flu. but clears most intestinal problems such as dysentery, diarrhea and colitis by destroying harmful bacteria in the intestine while not harming good bacteria.

The equivalent of at least one raw garlic clove a day is an excellent addition to your nutritional needs. When cooking, wait until the last 10 minutes to add garlic. Never microwave garlic as this kills the active ingredients and enzymes.

Keep in mind that because of natural blood purifying and vessel relaxing properties, garlic supplements may interfere with some drugs such as anticoagulants. Consult a doctor if you are unsure about anything.

Finally, remember that the “priceless stinking rose” should be a part of a healthy lifestyle, including exercise and nutritious food, NOT a substitute for it!
OHS-CC
11/18/09

1. A good brush.
   The higher quality your hairbrush, the healthier your hair. We’ve found the best brushes have rubber bases with boar’s head bristles. These allow bristles to flex, cutting down on the damage to your hair.
2. The right shampoo for your hair type.
   Shampoos work by cleansing hair of dirt & oil. Picking the correct shampoo is all about the ingredients. Extra tip: More shampoo is not better. All you need is a half-dollar-sized dollop, perhaps a bit more if you have long hair. And although it says on the back of every shampoo bottle, “rinse & repeat,” you don’t need to if you did a good job the first time around. Beauty experts tout Pantene as the best basic shampoo on the market. We tend to agree, having tried dozens of different shampoos from the fabulously pricey to the basics.
3. Conditioner.
   Unless you have baby fine hair that goes limp at the sight of creamy conditioners, you need to a conditioner. Hair pros will tell you conditioner can help repair heat- & chemical-damaged hair. The truth is conditioners protect your hair from these things (and harsh brushings). More than conditioning, we like how conditioners have moisturizing agents that coat hair leaving it tangle-free. Want to spend less time brushing out long wet hair? Condition the ends. Your comb will zip right through.
4. A wide-toothed comb.
   Never, ever, ever, never use a brush to comb out wet hair. That’s why they call it ‘combing out’ – a wide-toothed comb is the only equipment that should touch your wet head.
5. Shine serum.
   Here is where you may say, ‘what?’ But really, who would turn down a shiny mane if promised one? These shine serums really do work. If you have fine, straight hair, forego the serums for the spray & don’t use too much. Shine products will weigh down fine hair, so a quick spritz will do you. If your hair is thick, try the serums, which help smooth the hair & give it an added gleam, or just use more of the spray.

   Women with fine hair should consider the shine sprays:

6. Dry shampoo OR talcum powder.
   These shampoos are great for absorbing oil in between washings. Don’t want to splurge on the fancy stuff? Here’s what I do (having tried the fancy Bumble & Bumble powder): Talcum powder. Just make sure you go easy on your part & at the hairline. You don’t want the powder to be obvious (though I must admit, sometimes the smell of baby powder is a dead giveaway, but the smell is worth not having oily hair, IMO).
7. A blowdryer.
   Never underestimate the power of a good blowdryer. The more powerful your dryer, the better. A strong blowdryer, like the pro favorite, ‘Tourmaline,’ (see compare prices link below) will speed drying time which reduces your hair’s exposure to damaging heat. If you have thick hair, you’ll want a dryer with at least 1,875 watts. Those with finer hair can make do with 1,500 watts. For information on what features to look for in a dryer, click here.
8. Volumnizing mousse or spray OR straightening balm.
   Volumizing products are a Godsend for those of us with fine hair. Spray it on your roots & voila! all of a sudden you have volume. Got coarse hair, skip this product & buy the balm, which will calm down those frizzies we straight-haired girls would love to have to battle every now & then.
   9. Rollers OR straightening irons.
   If you’re like me, you spent many a night as a teenager sleeping with those fuzzy pink rollers wrapped in your hair. These worked great, but they were annoying to sleep in. Rollers have come a long way since then. Even coarse-haired girls can benefit from a good set of rollers. And remember, the longer your hair, the larger the rollers need to be. Don’t like rollers? Try a good curling iron. Curly girls, of course, can skip the rollers & invest in a high-quality straightening iron. Find one designed for your hair texture & flatten away.

   10. Hairspray.
   Hairsprays are a must for holding your style in place while also protecting your hair against humidity or even heat & UV rays. Don’t want helmet head like my Grandma (I call this look ‘Grandma head’) who still gets her hair done every week at the salon leaving it perfectly curled & fluffy for 7 days? Go for a flexible, soft-hold formula. For extra body, lift sections & spray close to the roots

Your hairstyle says loads about your sense of fashion and personality. And unlike clothing, you can try as many styles as you want, even the trendy ones, without creating a huge dent in your bank account.

You don’t have to go to a high-end salon to have a stylish hairstyle – a great way to take your hair to new heights is through experimentation with some quality hair products.

Forget the memories of overusing gel and making your hair hard as nails, the goal is to work with your natural hair type and adding some touches to bring out it’s best.

This article will be your simple guide to what different hair products can do for you. Experiment and find a hair styling product that gives you the style you’ve always wanted.

Hairspray

Hairspray is usually used as a finishing product, but it works great as a styling product too. It’s one of the best ways to make your hair look thicker. It also adds a nice shine to your hair – which if you use sparingly, will make your hair look healthier. If you spray it on wet hair, you can mold your hair in whatever way you like. It can also be used on styled or dry hair for a super maximum hold.

Pros: Super easy to apply, and keeps your hands free of sticky hair product.

Cons: Lots of hairsprays have a strong scent that can even overpower your cologne. Avoid these type of hairsprays. Also, if you use too much, it can make your hair very dry and crunchy – which may even flake if it’s a cheaper product.

How to apply it: Simple and easiest hair product to use – just spray it evenly across your hair (4-5 sprays max)

recommended brands:

• Sebastain Shaper Hair Spray
• Nexxus Headress Spray 4
• Paul Mitchell Fast Drying Sculpting Spray
• Folicure HairSpray (body &fullness)
• Grande finale UltraHolding Spray (Holds for weeks)

Pliable Hair Products

Pomade: Pomade works great for a flexible hold without any stiffness to it. It works best for short to medium length hair. Pomade also allows you to have a natural look while adding texture to your flat hair. It’s a great product for more stylish haircuts and for that “messy” look. Just apply a small amount to slightly damp or dry hair and style.

Waxes: Similar to pomade, but normally more aggressive and petroleum based. This product is great for lending shine and control to short cuts. Waxes are also great for those who want to manage thick hair. This product must be applied to hair that is completely dry because oil and wax don’t mix.

Muds, Fibers: A less familiar product – mud (or fiber) is used when maximum control is needed. Many muds and fibers will give a more matte finish, so they are it’s definitely worth trying for those who want that “bed head” type style. This product type is great for giving texture to short, disheveled styles and for adding separation to long styles.

Creams: Styling creams are a lot lighter and are great for controlling flyaway hair. It’s great because it gives you some control over your hair you while making you look like you have no product in your hair. If you have very fine hair, use a tiny amount to avoid a greasy look. If your hair is curly, a cream is a great option to add a healthy looking shine and keep your curls together.

Pros: Only small quantities are needed and it really gives your hair great texture. The pliable product lets you restyle your hair throughout the day.

Cons: When too much is applied, it might give your hair a greasy look.

How to apply it: Skim a small quantity onto fingers. Rub your fingers together and apply to your hair. Distribute evenly where molding is needed.

recommended brands:

• Physique Precision Pomade (excellent overall for molding and defining)
• Jack Black Pomade (Beeswax and sunflower oil give your hair shine and hold, while mango and shea butter keep your scalp clean, smooth, and moist)
• Bumble and Bumble Sumotech Styling Wax (This wax has medium grip, making it great for most styles)
• Kiehl’s Creme with Silk Groom (It provides great control but not too much hold, making it perfect for long, straight hair)
• Sebastian Crude (It’s perfect for fine-haired folks who want that disheveled look)
• Magic Move (control your frizz and great natural look)
• Gatsby Moving Rubber (Japanese hair product – great for all styles)

Mousse

Mousse is great for any hairstyle and it can create practically any desired look. When used with wet hair, it will give your hair a sleek shine. When used on dry hair, it will help shape, mold and hold your hair in place with a more natural look. Mousse can also provide volume for men with thinner or fine hair. Wear mousse on a daily basis to create a natural and easy to manipulate hairstyle.

Pros: Mousse allows you to re-style your hair throughout the day without the stickiness factor.

Cons: Quality hair mousse doesn’t come cheap and it might lack holding strength for those who need more grip.

How to use it: Shake the bottle. Dispense a small amount in one hand and apply to your hair with both hands. Style your hair to your liking and blow dry for maximum hold.

recommended brands:

• Quantum Sequence (Weightless styling foam)
• Vigorol (Super hold styling mousse)
• Jason All Natural Mousse (High performance nutrients for your hair)
• COUVRe Gel Mousse (More control and adding volume)

Gel

Gel is the most efficient product for holding your hair in place. These are normally water based and good for those who want that wet, sleek look. Gels usually come in light, firm, or strong holds. Get a lighter hold for fine hair, so that it doesn’t weight your hair down. If you have thick, course hair, then get a stronger hold because the light hold won’t hold your hair up.

Pros: It will cement your hairstyle for many hours, even in the course of heavy winds. Great for thick hair – a firm holding styling gel will give strong hold to thick hair.

Cons: A large quantity of gel is needed for many looks and you will get your hands sticky if re-styling is needed throughout the day.

How to use it: Dispense the necessary amount of gel in one hand and use both hands to rub it into your towel-dried hair. Style the hair to your liking. Blow-dry if you want maximum hold or dry naturally for a shiny look.

recommended brands:

• Paul Mitchell Extra Body Gel (flexible)
  
• Jason Hi-shine Styling gel
• Goldwell Definition Style & Shine Gel
• Hairgum Hair Dressing (Styling that protects)
• NU-U tm Freeze Gel (moisturizes and styles for days)

Go out and experiment with some new hair products until you achieve your best hairstyle. You’ll be amazed at how much a little product can make a difference!