Common plants with ‘great’

curative powers
Ginger and garlic are two of the common plants in Nigeria, which have unequalled healing
properties. They are, however, barely used. WALE ADEPOJU writes.
Ginger and garlic are two common plants that have enormous health benefits. But, are
these plants well-utilised? The answer is no, according to natural medicine practitioners,
Dr Gilbert Ezengige and Dr Lambo Adebisi.

Ezengige, a naturopath, said the plants have properties that can promote people’s
wellness and ensure longevity.

According to him, eating fresh ginger before lunch can boost appetite and help the
digestive system.

He said: “Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in diabetics.
Daily intake of garlic lowers the risk of most types of cancer. Putting some crushed
garlic clove directly on the affected tooth can help relieve toothaches due to its
antibacterial and analgesic properties. But it can be irritating to the gum.”

Garlic, he said, may help to regulate the formation of fat cells in the body, adding:
“Ginger improves the absorption and assimilation of essential nutrients in the body. It
also stops nausea especially, if taken with a little honey.”

A traditional medicine practitioner, Dr Lambo Adebisi, said ginger has many benefits,
such as giving flavour and aroma to food and adding a good blend to carrot, apple and
lemon juices.

He said: “Garlic is known in India as a ‘miracle herb’, a medicine to prevent or treat

various diseases and conditions.”

Garlic is well-known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, adding that it helps to
control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections.

According to him, fresh garlic can be used to prevent food poisoning by killing bacteria
like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, among others.

He said garlic’s anti-clotting properties of ajoene help in preventing the formation of

blood clots in the body.
Ezengige said garlic offered protection for the heart against cardiovascular problems
such as heart attacks and atherosclerosis. Garlic, he said, is known to have anti-
inflammatory property. It can help the body fight against allergies.

Garlic has been shown to improve allergies in respiratory tract such as inflammation
(allergic rhinitis). Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop itching from rashes
and bug bites