Although herbs and spices are traditionally used in cooking because they add varieties of flavors to our foods, these herbs and spices are also known in many cultures for their properties medicinal products and their various uses. The oils extracted from these spices and herbs are found to be effective in killing bacteria and viruses. Garlic is known for its ability to fight bacteria and viruses. It is known to be effective against a wide range of bacteria and also has the ability to fight colds. Other notable medicinal benefits of garlic are its ability to reduce heart disease. Garlic has been studied extensively and many large studies have shown that taking supplements mimicking fresh garlic can significantly reduce low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels without harming beneficial cholesterol levels. high density lipoproteins (HDL). The antimicrobial substance in garlic is known as allicin. Allicin makes up about 0.3-0.5% of garlic. To retain the antibacterial properties of garlic, it should be consumed or applied as raw garlic, as cooking will destroy this antimicrobial substance. Frequent use of antibiotics causes microbes to develop resistance to the drugs. Studies have shown that garlic has been shown to fight bacteria that have developed resistance to antibiotics. Using garlic with other forms of medication is also known to enhance the effectiveness of these medications. Over the years, antibiotics have been prescribed to fight bacterial infections. It has been shown to be very effective against bacteria, but overuse of medications can kill the good bacteria in your body, and the process we are experimenting in is garlic's ability...... middle of paper ......killing bacteria and preventing their growth has been proven to be true. Works Cited “Garlic.” Medline Plus. US National Library of Medicine, December 24, 2011. Web. December 1, 2013. Falco, Miriam. “CDC sets threat levels for drug-resistant 'superbugs'. CNN Health. CNN, September 17, 2013. Web. December 1, 2013. Ankri, S. and D. Mirelman. "Antimicrobial properties of allicin from garlic..." PubMed.gov. NCBI, February 1, 1999. Web. December 1, 2013. “Allicin Facts.” AllicinFacts.com. Natural Health Publications Limited, nd Web. December 1, 2013. “What is allicin?” ". AllicinFacts.com. Natural Health Publications Limited, nd Web. December 1, 2013. “Mina.” Garlic is the natural antibiotic. MINA Health and Fitness, nd Web. December 1, 2013. “Effectiveness of garlic in the fight against bacteria. » All science fair projects. All expo-sciences.com projects. Internet. December 1 2013.