During the ages Garlic has been a valued natural healer. It has been used to promote the body's energy and strength. Garlic is used in today's natural medicines to help prevent heart disease, strokes, and hypertension.

Garlic's essential oil has a powerful disinfectant that is known for killing tough germs. Garlic has a powerful active ingredient called allicin that is responsible for it's powerful odor.

In preventing heart disease and strokes, garlic decreases the cholesterol levels that can cause heart attacks and stokes and promotes better blood circulation through the heart.

Garlic does have some offending characteristics when eaten; garlic's essential oils are passed through the skin and respiratory system. So when eaten may cause bad breathe and body odor.

The best kind of garlic to buy is white or violet colored garlic. Make sure the outer shell is not broken or cracked; avoid buying braided strands of garlic. When storing garlic remember to store in a cool dry place, this will help keep freshness longer.

Pickled garlic is a good way to prolong the life, below is a recipe on how to prepare.

You will need:

1 1/2 cups vinegar

5 Tbs. sugar

1 small gingerroot

5 bulbs garlic

3 peppercorns

1 bay leaf

1. Take the garlic and ginger and peel and slice.

2. In a saucepan place 4 cups of water and add salt, bring to a boil. Place garlic in boiling water and simmer for four to six minutes. Then drain well.

3. Take a small jar with lid and place peppercorn, bay leaf and garlic into jar.

4. In small saucepan combine 1/2 cup of the water with ginger, vinegar and sugar. Bring this mixture to a boil, and then remove from heat and pour immediately into jar.

5. Place the lid on the jar and store for one week.

Pickled garlic can be eating by itself or in your favorite recipes.