Garlic: this medicinal powerhouse is now being researched for its ability to deal with the antibiotic-resistant superbugs lurking in hospitals ...

Common Names: Garlic

Botanical Name: Allium sativum

Family: Alliaceae

Plant Type: Hardy perennial bulb

Parts Used: Bulbs

Flowering: Early Spring

When this plant is well established, the flowers can make a white sheet under trees and shrubs. Wild garlic is very common around the country in woodlands and hedgerows.

Cultivation: In the northern hemisphere, plant individual garlic cloves 4cm (1 1/2 inches) deep in late autumn. Garlic likes a hot, dry climate and a well-drained, well-fed soil, but sunshine is its prime requirement.

Harvesting: Lift the dry bulbs in late summer when the leaves are dying back. They should keep for a few months if they are stored in a cool, dry place. Hang the bulb to dry fully, or preserve in oil or vinegar.

Culinary Uses: In small amounts, garlic adds zest to every kind of food with the exception of desserts. Garlic not only helps to cleanse the digestive system, but also stimulates the release of digestive juices so your body can break down food more efficiently. Roast cloves whole in their skins to spread on toast. Toss a clove into soups and stews. Crush and use in Italian, French, and Asian dishes.

Garlic Magick

Protection. Healing. Exorcism. Lust. Anti-theft.

Gender: Masculine

Planet: Mars

Element: Fire

Garlic is used in protection, exorcism, and healing.

Hang a garlic braid over your door to repel jealous people.

Place a clove beneath your child's pillow as a protection charm.

Carry garlic as an amulet to ensure that your magical spells will be effective.

Herbal Healing with Garlic

Medicinal Actions: Analgesic, antibacterial, anticoagulant, antifungal, antilithic, antiputrid, antisclerotic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, aperitive, calmative, carminative, cholagogue, cicatrizant, decongestant, diaphoretic, digestive, disinfectant, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypotensor, insecticide, laxative, parasiticide, resolvent, stomachic, stimulant, tonic (heart), tonifying (lymphatic system), vasodilator, vermifuge, warming

Medicinal Uses: Scientists are finding many of the old folk tales about garlic's healing powers to be true. The active ingredient in garlic, allicin, which is produced when the bulb is crushed, has an antibacterial action similar to that of penicillin, and is in fact more effective than penicillin in treating typhus. It is also effective against staph and strep germs, yeast infections, influenza, cholera, and dysentery. Garlic helps to lower blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure, and inhibits blood clotting and clogging of the arteries. It even seems to have some effectiveness in treating stomach cancer. It can be used externally to treat ringworm and threadworm.

Caution: Direct application of garlic and garlic pastes may cause blistering with people with sensitive skin.

Body Care with Garlic

Garlic Bandage: Crush a clove of garlic and place in the centre of a length of bandage. Secure the bandage around your foot so the garlic is held in place against the skin on your sole. Repeat for the other foot.

Source: The Essential Herbs Handbook by Lesley Bremness

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