The combination of garlic boiled in milk, often referred to as “Garlic Milk” or Poondu Paal in some traditions, is an ancient remedy, particularly in Ayurvedic and folk medicine. The process of boiling the garlic in milk helps neutralize the sharp pungency of the garlic, making it gentler on the stomach while allowing its beneficial compounds to be absorbed.
This simple tonic is valued for its holistic effects on digestion, immunity, and chronic pain management.1
Key Benefits of Garlic Boiled in Milk
1. Gentle Digestive and Gut Health Support
- Relieves Bloating and Gas: Garlic milk is a traditional remedy for pacifying 2$\text{Vata}$ (air) imbalances in the body, which often manifest as 3$\text{gas}$, 4$\text{bloating}$, and 5$\text{abdominal}$ 6$\text{cramps}$.7
- Aids Constipation: The preparation helps stimulate the production of 8$\text{digestive}$ 9$\text{juices}$ and has mild properties that promote smoother 10$\text{bowel}$ 11$\text{movements}$, relieving constipation.12
- Prebiotic Action: Garlic contains 13$\text{prebiotics}$, which are essential food for the beneficial bacteria in the gut, supporting a healthy 14$\text{gut}$ 15$\text{microbiome}$.16
2. Potent Immune and Respiratory Booster
- Antimicrobial Power: Garlic’s active compound, allicin, possesses strong 17$\text{antibacterial}$, 18$\text{antiviral}$, and 19$\text{antifungal}$ properties.20 Boiling the garlic in milk transfers these medicinal properties, creating a soothing tonic to help the body fight off infections.21
- Cold and Flu Relief: It is widely used to relieve symptoms of the 22$\text{common}$ 23$\text{cold}$, 24$\text{coughs}$, and 25$\text{recurrent}$ 26$\text{fevers}$, providing warmth and support to the 27$\text{respiratory}$ 28$\text{system}$.29
3. Comfort for Joints and Rheumatic Pain
- Anti-Inflammatory Relief: The 30$\text{bioactive}$ 31$\text{sulfur}$ 32$\text{compounds}$ in garlic, such as 33$\text{allicin}$, provide 34$\text{anti-inflammatory}$ benefits that may help reduce joint inflammation and pain associated with conditions like 35$\text{arthritis}$.36
- Traditional Pain Management: In traditional practices, this remedy is highly valued for soothing 37$\text{sciatica}$ and general 38$\text{joint}$ 39$\text{pain}$, offering a natural alternative to support mobility and comfort.40
How to Prepare Garlic Milk (Ayurvedic Method)
This gentle method aims to cook the garlic until it’s tender and its flavor has mellowed into the milk.41
Ingredients
- $1 \text{ cup}$ fresh milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- $3-4 \text{ cloves}$ of fresh garlic, peeled and lightly crushed/sliced42
- $1 \text{ teaspoon}$ raw honey or palm sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- A pinch of 43$\text{turmeric}$ or 44$\text{black}$ 45$\text{pepper}$ (optional, for added immunity)46
Instructions
- Simmer: In a small saucepan, bring the milk to a gentle boil.47 Add the crushed garlic cloves and any optional spices.
- Cook: Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 48$5-7$ minutes, or until the garlic is fully tender and soft.49 The milk volume will reduce slightly.
- Sweeten and Serve: Remove from heat, let it cool slightly, and stir in the honey or palm sugar.50 It is generally recommended to consume the cooked garlic pieces along with the milk for maximum benefit.51
Best Time to Consume
Garlic milk is often recommended to be consumed warm, just before bedtime, as it can aid in digestion overnight and its soothing qualities, combined with the 52$\text{tryptophan}$ in milk, may promote sound sleep.53
Caution: Garlic contains compounds that may affect blood clotting and blood sugar levels. If you are pregnant, taking blood-thinning medication, or managing diabetes, consult with a healthcare professional before making this a regular part of your diet.
