Allium sativum Garlic (Alliaceae)

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Allium sativum
Garlic
(1 Page of 5)

The Allium sativum plant species is found in C. Asia? Original habitat is obscure. An occasional garden escape in Britain[17]. It is a member of the Alliaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Garlic.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Allium sativum
Common Name:  Garlic
Family:  Alliaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  There have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of this species. Dogs seem to be particularly susceptible[76].

Mature Height:  0.6   Mature Width:  0.15

Habitat:  Not known in a truly wild situation.

Medicinal Information: Garlic has a very long folk history of use in a wide range of ailments, particularly ailments such as ringworm, candida and vaginitis where its fungicidal, antiseptic, tonic and parasiticidal properties have proved of benefit[218]. The plant produces inhibitory effects on gram-negative germs of the typhoid-paratyphoid-enteritis group, indeed it posesses outstanding germicidal properties[240] and can keep amoebic dysentery at bay[244]. It is also said to have anticancer activity[218]. It has also been shown that garlic aids detoxification of chronic lead poisoning[244]. Daily use of garlic in the diet has been shown to have a very beneficial effect on the body, especially the blood system and the heart. For example, demographic studies suggest that garlic is responsible for the low incidence of arteriosclerosis in areas of Italy and Spain where consumption of the bulb is heavy[222]. Recent research has also indicated that garlic reduces glucose metabolism in diabetics, slows the development of arteriosclerosis and lowers the risk of further heart attacks in myocardial infarct patients[238, 254]. Externally, the expressed juice is an excellent antiseptic for treating wounds[244]. The fresh bulb is much more effective medicinally than stored bulbs, extended storage greatly reduces the anti-bacterial action[244]. The bulb is said to be anthelmintic, antiasthmatic, anticholesterolemic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, stimulant, stings, stomachic, tonic, vasodilator[4, 9, 14, 21, 46, 165].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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