Vampire#230 — DEAD OR ALIVE | Nutrition | Crush, Chop, Chew

I Chewed 2 Raw Garlic Cloves — Here’s What Happened

So you could say garlic is antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and acts like an antioxidant!

It is the season for ghosts, ghouls and vampires. But that was not the reason I found myself chewing far too much raw garlic not so long ago.

I have been running around like a blue ass fly for the last six months. Yes, a stupid colloquialism. Well, I don’t buzz, and… my ass has not been black or blue for some time!

Anyhow, back to busy me. I have had the odd few days to relax yet nothing substantial, and a short while ago I was off on a study field trip. It was an exciting prospect, but I felt decidedly peaky, as if my body was trying to fight off a virus of some sort. I had a slight sore throat and also a mouth ulcer, both of which are certain signs a person is run down. I hate being ill full stop, and it is even worse if you are away from home — so I pondered about cancelling the trip.

But damn, the hotel was paid and the train tickets bought. There was nothing for it — I packed my case and took an extra vitamin C. My go-to thingamabob when my body’s immunity feels low.

I looked online for home remedies. The one which stood out for me was chewing raw garlic.

It has to be said I love garlic in general, we eat loads of the stuff. Cooked though. I have a nutrition background and know how good it is for you. Let’s delve in before I go any further:

Garlic has seven wonders — and possibly more…

1) Antimicrobial — Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have antimicrobial properties. It can help combat… - bacterial - viral - fungal infections. So you could say garlic is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. Wowsa! Better than an antibiotic. Let’s check out some more antis about garlic.

2) Anti-Inflammatory — Garlic has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate many kinds of inflammation.

3) Antioxidant — Garlic contains antioxidants which help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. If you look them up, you will find it is not always good to be a free something.

4) Cardiovascular Health —Plenty of antis for one day. However, garlic is also known to have a positive effect on heart health. It can help generally improve cardiovascular function.

5) Immune System — Garlic is believed to enhance the immune system, making the body more resistant to illness.

6) Blood Sugar Regulation —Garlic may help regulate blood sugar levels, which is great for people with diabetes or those at risk of developing the condition.

7) Skin Health — The antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties of garlic means it is often used as a remedy for various skin conditions, including acne and fungal infections.

Chewing the raw garlic

As the evening before my trip wore on, I wasn’t feeling any better. So, what did I have to lose?

We have a garlic crusher. I found two large, healthy looking cloves from the vegetable basket and crushed them both into a ramekin. Using some online advice, I added a little olive oil and mixed it in with the garlic. Then I heaped it all on a dessert spoon ready to put in my mouth. What could go wrong? I liked olive oil too. Perhaps it would taste like a garlicky dip of sorts, I thought quietly to myself.

It did look like a lot of garlic.

It was a lot of garlic.

The website said to have some water ready for after you had chewed all the garlic and swallowed. I had the idea that I would chew it until it was nearly all reduced and swill it about in my mouth a little to get maximum oral benefit before taking the last gulp. Then drink the water.

Here’s what happened.

I took the whole lot into my mouth in one go and began to chew…

Oh my god. I started to jump around as the garlic was so damn hot. It literally appeared to be burning me. I like spicy food and sometimes eat partially cooked chillies whole, when they are in curries. And I love pickled jalapeños. However, this was crazy mega, ultra, fiery… HOT.

I wanted to spit it all into the bin. Of course, I didn’t. I’m not a quitter!

My partner looked at me and laughed as I tried my best to chew the substance for as long as possible while jiggling to try and make the experience more bearable. I didn’t manage the “swilling around mouth,” bit much at all.

After I’d gulped it back, I drank the whole glass of water, relieved that my mouth was finally able to calm down. (The article I read had mentioned it burned somewhat. I chose to ignore that bit).

They say no pain. No gain.

I went to bed, but didn’t sleep well. I was too energised!

Did the raw garlic do me good?

Even though I hadn’t slept well, when I got up I felt OK. The ulcer had already shrunk somewhat, and the sore throat was completely gone.

I went off on the trip — needed to travel for several hours, then half an afternoon of study. I felt better than I had in a while and slept very well during the night too.

The ulcer continued to recede. After 3 days I came home, and it was only then my body gave in to the common cold. But it was gone in a couple of days. I am sure if I hadn't chewed the garlic, I would have been poorly sooner, with something worse and for longer.

Would I do it again? Absolutely. I have just got to pluck up the courage!

Another food story by me

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