Try this Ayurvedic remedy to improve your digestive health

Our digestive system plays one of the most important functions in our body. It is not only responsible for digestion, but also has a significant impact on our immune system, mental health and overall wellbeing. However, due to sedentary lifestyles and fast-food consumption, our digestive health is at peril. From bloating to constipation to irritable bowel syndrome, there are a number of digestive health disorders that people of all genders and ages face.

There are a number of Ayurvedic remedies as well that you can incorporate into your daily routine to improve digestion. As such, Dr Rekha Radhamony, an Ayurveda doctor took to Instagram to share one such remedy that can solve all digestion issues, which is of garlic milk. 

“Garlic is considered more of a medicine than food in Ayurveda. This recipe is from Caraka Samhita Chikitsa Sthana. The milk mentioned in the text is cow milk,” she wrote.

Dr Radhamony further explained the benefits of garlic milk. “It is good for subsiding gas, bloating, abdominal cramps and constipation,” she said,adding that this recipe is advised for patients with heart diseases and arthritis, too.

However, she noted that it’s important to remember that this is a medicine. “Do not consume daily forever. Use it for a few days and stop it. Do not store and use later.”

Garlic milk is also beneficial for immune support due to compounds like allicin, aiding respiratory health, alleviating cold and asthma. (Source: Freepik)

Ingredients 

        *Garlic- 5 g 

         *Milk- 50 ml 

         *Water- 50 ml 

Preparation

    *Add garlic paste to milk and water. 

    *Boil it until the quantity is reduced to 50 ml. 

    *Strain and drink 10 ml after food twice daily. 

Explaining the benefits of the same, Swathi, Senior Dietician, Manipal Hospital, Vijayawada said, “Garlic milk is often touted as beneficial for digestive health, primarily due to the potential antibacterial and antifungal properties of garlic. These properties may help combat certain gastrointestinal infections caused by harmful bacteria or fungi,” however, she stressed that scientific studies specifically examining the effects of garlic milk on digestive health are limited, and more research is needed to validate these claims.

Other than that, garlic milk is also beneficial for immune support due to compounds like allicin, aiding respiratory health, alleviating cold and asthma. “It also possesses anti-inflammatory properties and provides essential nutrients like calcium, protein and vitamins, contributing to overall health,” Swathi said.

While garlic milk is generally considered safe, the dietician said that individuals who are allergic to garlic or lactose intolerant should avoid consuming garlic milk. “Additionally, those with underlying medical conditions or taking specific medications should consult with a healthcare professional before adding garlic milk to their diet.”