Latin name: Allium sativum Genus: Lauchgewächse, Liliengewächse Folk names: Grussy, Knofel, Knoflak, Silverroot
Plant description
From a bulb grows a flower stem in spring which can grow up to 1m high. The leaves are about 1 cm wide, pointed. The flowers arranged in an umbel, reddish to white.
The entire inflorescence is surrounded by a hypsophyllus. In the ground grows the egg-shaped main bulb which is surrounded by curved secondary bulbs, the so-called garlic cloves. Each individual clove is surrounded by dry-skinned leaves. Flowering time: July to August. Occurrence: In gardens and crops.
Medicinally used plant parts
The fresh clove of garlic harvested in autumn. As soon as the leaves dry out, the onions and cabbage are tufted and left to dry in the air.
Ingredients
Essential oil, including allicin with good antibacterial properties, vitamins, enzymes, substances with effects similar to those of male and female sex hormones.
Curative effects and application
Garlic has an antibacterial, vasodilatory and relaxing effect, has a weak cholagogue effect, lowers the cholesterol level and improves the blood‘s flow properties. In the gastrointestinal tract garlic has a relaxing and antispasmodic effect. Garlic is used in the treatment and prevention of arteriosclerosis, high blood pressure, and the so-called “shop window disease” (Claudicatio intermittens, PADK). Except for flatulence and to increase bile production as well as for weakness and reduced performance.
Preparation
Take 1 to 2 fresh cloves of garlic a day or choose one of the many ready-made preparations. The annoying smell prevents the fresh cloves from being taken permanently, which is necessary in cases of high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. With acute intestinal disturbances also a short term application works.
Garlic juice was also used in folk medicine to treat chronic bronchitis and cough. One crushes 5 garlic cloves and mixes them with 5 teaspoons of sugar. Add 1⁄4 l of water and heat it up to boiling point, let it stand for 5 minutes and then pour it through a sieve. This liquid is taken by the teaspoonful throughout the day.