Allermann’s garlic (Allium victorialis) is a species of plant in the genus Allium, which belongs to the bulbous family. Colloquially, depending on the region, it is also called Siegwurz leek, mountain garlic, Sigmarslauch, Siegmarsmännlein, Siegwurz or snakewurz.
Occurrence and cultivation of the Allermannsharnisch.
The name Allermannsharnisch comes from the fact that the bulb should offer men protection from evil spirits – just like a chain mail, also called harness. The plant is found in almost all mountains in Europe and Asia. Especially in the Alps, but also in the Caucasus, the Urals and the Pyrenees. At altitudes between 1000 and 2600 m, it is found in mountain meadows, as well as grassy, rocky slopes. The name Allermannsharnisch comes from the fact that the onion should offer men protection from evil spirits – just like a chain mail, also called harness. The doctrine of signatures also says something similar. Since the root is covered with an “armor” of fine hairs, it assumes that an amulet made of all-man’s armor makes strong against stabbing and gunshot wounds. The yellowish-white flowering leek reaches a height of 30 to 60 centimeters. The bulb is almost cylindrical and is also characterized by the garlicky smell. This is where the name mountain garlic comes from, and this also explains its use as a spice plant. The leaves are entire and lanceolate, with short petioles and a total length of about 10 to 20 centimeters, with a width of about three to six centimeters. The plant blooms from June to August. The flowers form dense, spherical umbels and fruits are also formed, in the form of capsules. These usually contain six seeds. Since it is a protected plant, if necessary, the plant should be grown in your own garden.
Effect and application
Allermann’s garlic is used both as a spice plant and as a medicinal plant, and in both cases the relationship to garlic is only readily apparent. Especially in spring, the allermann’s garlic is often used for its purifying, blood-cleansing effect. Less well known is its use for intestinal complaints and flatulence. Ingredients responsible for the effect are primarily the essential oils with sulfur. Collected the plant from March to May, that is, before it begins to bloom. The easiest way to use it is in the form of raw vegetables. Fresh on the bread and butter, or in the salad, the ingredients are still best contained. The taste is very similar to wild garlic, but the leaves are slightly thicker and keep longer. It is also possible to prepare the leaves in alcohol of wine and make a tincture that can be used internally. The tincture is said to be suitable for a springtime cure to flush out toxins stored during the winter. So far, however, there are no studies that prove the actual effects in this regard. In contrast, the effects of close relatives such as garlic or wild garlic are much better researched. In addition, these representatives are also more common, which is why they are mostly used when a blood-cleansing, purifying or antibacterial effect is desired. Nevertheless, the allermann’s armor has always been considered a magical plant, and since time immemorial it is often described in connection with apotropaic acts. Allermann’s armor was also considered a protective plant of miners. In addition to its antibacterial and blood purifying effects, the various essential oils are also said to irritate the urogenital tract, resulting in an aphrodisiac effect. In addition to its use as a diuretic, the Allermannsharnisch is also used in folk medicine against worms. The round victorywort is a species of allermann’s-harness, which, besides the essential oils, also contains saponins. Therefore, this representative is mainly used in veterinary medicine. Otherwise, the effects and applications of the Allermannsharnisch are not very well researched. In the past it had a greater importance in medicine and especially in superstition it played a great role. Today it is hardly used. As already mentioned, phytotherapy more often resorts to its relatives garlic and wild garlic. Also in homeopathy, the Allermannsharnisch is not used.
Importance for health, treatment and prevention.
Primarily, the plant is used in prevention.Since it is also a spice plant, allman’s garlic can be easily incorporated into the daily diet, which may well bring benefits. Applied like garlic, it is suitable for seasoning meat, sauces, salads. Not only the taste benefits, but also the health. Because of the characteristic taste, salt can be saved, which in too high doses can lead to high blood pressure in sensitive people. In addition, the water-conducting effect of the Allermannsharnisch, which also has a positive effect on blood pressure. Not only hypertension can be prevented in this way, Allermannsharnisch also counteracts the development of arteriosclerosis, the consequences of which are the most frequent causes of death in industrialized countries. The antibacterial effect supports the intestinal function in particular. It can be used against all types of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, worms, and the natural intestinal flora is spared. But also applied externally, Allermannsharnisch can counteract recurring rashes and pimples due to its antibiotic effect. Although there is a lack of studies on the effectiveness of the specific treatment of certain diseases, Allermannsharnisch certainly does its job in the kitchen. While flawless evidence is lacking, there is much to suggest that the small doses may well have a preventive effect on the development of certain diseases, such as hypertension or arteriosclerosis.
