Photo: David Monniaux · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Source
Garlic
Allium sativum
Family: Liliaceae | Parts Used: Bulbs
Garlic is one of the most time-honored herbs in traditional herbalism, valued across Western, Ayurvedic, TCM, Middle Eastern, and European traditions for its immune-supporting, circulatory-supporting, and antiseptic properties. It is particularly effective against colds, flus, and infections, and has been used to address intestinal parasites. In folk magic, garlic also serves as a protective and cleansing herb, appearing in formulas such as 4 Thieves Vinegar.
Traditional Uses
- Immune support against colds, flus, and sore throats
- Traditionally used to support the body when dealing with intestinal parasites
- Supports circulatory health, including blood pressure
- Antiseptic applications
- Promotes bile flow (cholagogue action)
- Promotes sweating to break fevers (diaphoretic action)
- Antispasmodic properties
Properties
- Antiseptic
- Antiviral
- Diaphoretic
- Cholagogue
- Hypotensive
- Antispasmodic
Key Constituents
- Essential oil (cineole, ellagic acid, gallic acid)
- Allicin (active sulfur compound)
- Bitter principle
- Resin
- Tannin
Preparations & Dosage
- Culinary: Add to dishes when cooking. 1 clove daily for general wellness; up to 3 cloves daily when illness symptoms begin.
- Honey infusion: Chop garlic and infuse in raw honey. Take 1/2 teaspoon every hour at the onset of illness.
- Apple cider vinegar infusion: Chop and infuse in apple cider vinegar for a long-shelf-life preparation.
Spiritual & Folk Uses
Garlic has a long history as a protective and cleansing herb in folk traditions worldwide. It is a key ingredient in 4 Thieves Vinegar, a traditional preparation used in floor washes for protection and cleansing. In European folk tradition, it was hung near doorways to ward off illness and negative influences. See: Spiritual Uses of Herbs.
Bonnie's Notes
This is one of my go-to herbs for colds and flus. I infuse it with honey and take 1/2 teaspoon every hour at the onset of illness. It works best when you catch things early.
Cautions
- Can cause heartburn and stomach distress in some people.
- Should be avoided by nursing mothers, as it can affect milk flavor and may cause colic in infants.
- May increase bleeding risk; discontinue use before surgery and use with caution alongside blood-thinning medications.
Habitat & Growing Conditions
Native to Middle Asia; now grown worldwide. Cultivated in USDA zones 4-9. Prefers well-drained, moisture-retentive soil in full sun.
Related Articles
Sources & Research
The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffmann, p. 202
Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, Rosemary Gladstar, p. 70
Published Research:
Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Garlic (Allium sativum L.): A Review | Nutrients (2020)
Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Garlic (Allium sativum L.) | Foods (Basel, Switzerland) (2019)
Antimicrobial potential of garlic (Allium sativum) and its organosulfur compounds: A systematic update | Trends in Food Science and Technology (2020)
Garlic (Allium sativum L.): Its Chemistry, Nutritional Composition, and Medicinal Properties | Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry (2022)
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.