The immune boosting qualities of garlic are well known. It is a powerful antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and is helpful in treating ear infections, sore throats, catarrh, bronchitis, diarrhoea, digestive complaints as well as high cholesterol levels.

It contains a sulphur compound, allicin, which aids helps to eliminate cholesterol from the body and reduces the amount of unhealthy fats which the liver produces.

Serves 4

• 125 ml rape seed oil
• 2 large heads of garlic, whole and unpeeled
• small bunch fresh thyme, rosemary and bay leaf
• ½ lemon, juiced

1. Heat oven to 230C, Gas 8.

2. Place garlic bulbs in roasting dish, lay herbs on top and drizzle with oil.

3. Roast for 20 – 30 minutes.

4. Centres of the individual cloves should be soft and sweet tasting.

5. Squeeze lemon juice over bulbs and serve with hot savoury dishes.

Penny Rushton DNN RSHom practices at the Hale Clinic.