Doctor Bon

There are more than forty-five varieties of garlic which are used as medicine in several parts of the globe from Siberia to the tropical climes of India. Despite differences in color and taste, they all have the characteristic odor of garlic. Its therapeutic properties are undisputed but Indian texts on religious rites categorize it as food that rouses passion and emotion or rajsic food. Hence, it is taboo for Brahmins and those engaged in spiritual practices.

Garlic therapy or rasona ralpa which is a rejuvenation therapy can be administered only to persons who are physically strong and whose systems of digestion and metabolism are powerful. It should be administered only in certain seasons, according to the individual constitution of the person receiving the treatment. Ayurvedic texts are also emphatic in indicating the kinds of individuals (including children) who are not fit to receive this therapy. The list of such persons is fairly long and detailed.