Description :
Garlic is a member of the onion family and is native to Asia. It can also be found wild in Italy and southern France. Garlic grows to about 2 feet tall. The single stems are either hard or are a hollow tube made up of overlapping leaves. At the top of the stems a spherical flower cluster forms with tiny, green-white or light purple flowers. The root grows as a cluster of bulbs just a few inches into the soil. Garlic grows best in fertile, well-drained soil in full sunlight. Garlic can be used in many different ways. Individual cloves can be eaten raw, but is often too strong for most people. It can be fermented with oils and vinegar or even honey. It can ground fresh, dried, powdered, cooked, frozen, and even freeze dried. Fresh garlic has been historically used in Eastern Medicine for the circulatory system including heart and blood vessels, fighting viruses and bacteria, and as an immune stimulant.
History and Folklore:
Garlic has been known for thousands of years. In medieval times, it was carried as a means to ward off vampires. The ancient Greek physician, Hippocrates recommended using Garlic for treating respiratory problems, parasites, poor digestion, and fatigue.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the root bulb when the leaves have started to yellow. Use a small spade or fork to dig out one of the bulbs from a group of several plants. The bulb should be housing a cluster of individual cloves and should be covered with a dry papery covering. If you are harvesting too soon, the covering will be thin and disintegrate off of the outside.
Precautions:
Do not take if pregnant or nursing.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Antibacterial, Antiviral, Antifungal, Anti-inflamatory, Antispasmodic, Immune Stimulant, Antiparasitic,
Other Names:
Common garlic
Ingredients: Garlic (Allium sativum)
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
*This statement has not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
Leo –