Garlic

Latin Name: Allium sativum
Family: Alliaceae         

Description: Garlic is an onion-like aromatic plant with hollow, round leaves and umbrella-shaped, flowering parts with starry purple flowers. Garlic has a clustered bulb made up of several segments (cloves) enclosed in a papery shroud.  

Parts Used: cloves of the bulb, green scapes (flower stalks from garlic plants) 

Plant Properties: antiseptic, antimicrobial, antibiotic, anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, circulatory stimulant, alterative, diaphoretic, expectorant,  carminative, immune modulating, vermifuge 

Uses: Garlic strengthens immune function, improves circulation, lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, quells infections and lowers fevers. It is used as an antibiotic and anti-viral remedy for colds, flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other infections. In the digestive system, garlic is helpful for controlling blood sugar levels, and improving healthy gut flora, which can provide relief from bloating, painful gas, stagnant digestion and constipation. 

Plant Preparations

Raw – Garlic can be taken raw. To get the most potency, crush a garlic clove and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes, to allow the allicin to form. 

Cooked – It is best to crush the cloves and allow them to stand a while before heating to allow the enzymes to convert as much alliin to allicin as possible. Since the compounds in garlic are sensitive to heat, it is best to cook with low heat. 

Infused oil – A garlic infused oil can be massaged into your feet to break through congestion in the lungs and sinuses.  Do not eat this oil, it is for topical use only.  Finely mince 2-3 garlic cloves, wait 10 minutes, cover with 1-2 Tablespoons of olive oil, and let it set for 20 minutes to 12 hours. Strain the oil and apply to feet before bedtime. Cover your feet with two pair of socks. 

Infused honey – A garlic infused honey has a long shelf life; it will keep for years. Combine ½ cup of fresh minced garlic with ½ cup of honey. Be sure to let the garlic sit 10-15 minutes before combining with the honey. Stir the mixture well and let it set for 24 hours before using. There is no need to strain the garlic from the honey. Use daily as a tonic, or take a teaspoon every 2 hours to treat a sore throat.  

Special Note: To avoid garlic breath, eat a few sprigs of parsley with the garlic, or chew anise, fennel, or dill seeds after taking a dose of garlic medicine.