What Is Aged Garlic Used For?

Garlic's renown is as old as ancient civilizations such as China, Greece, Egypt, and Rome. People use aged garlic as a natural medicine, both externally and internally.

Aged Garlic

• Aging is traditionally used to eliminate toxins and increase the benefits of herbs. Compounds and derivatives created through biological and chemical reactions during aging add benefits to the medicinal use of garlic.

Alliin and Allicin

• Crushing or cutting garlic activates alliinase, which transforms the chemical alliin to allicin. Although proponents of medicinal garlic often identify allicin as garlic's primary medicinal compound, allicin can trigger allergic reactions and stomach disorders in some people when they take garlic internally. Garlic's natural aging process converts alliin and allicin into water-soluble sulfur-containing compounds, significantly reducing these side effects.

Natural Aging

• Aged garlic extract is aged by storage in water or alcohol. Through aging, harsh compounds are diminished and the pungent odor of garlic is reduced.

Internal use

• People who take garlic medicinally usually take garlic supplements. Garlic supplements are generally available at natural health supply stores.

External use

• Sliced or ground garlic can be applied directly to injuries or wounds. The allicin may help kill the bacteria that cause infection.