Garlic
(Allium sativum L., Liliaceae)
Also called: Poor man's treacle, Churl's treacle and by
the Greeks, Skorodon.
Description: Perennial plant with a compound bulb composed
of several partial bulbs (cloves) enclosed in a common membrane. Leaves erect,
firm, with rough margins, 1 cm (0.4in) wide and up to 15cm (6in) long. The
unbranched stem bears an apical umbel of rose-white to greenish flowers
This herb is found in many gardens and it looks rather like an onion but has
an odour much stronger.
Habitat and Cultivation: Oriental in origin,
widely cultivated. In April individual 'cloves' are planted in well-prepared
dry soil at intervals of 1520cm (6-8in). Collection in July-August as the
leaves wither. The bulb is unknown in the wild, having evolved over 5,000
years under cultivation.
Garlic has been used throughout the ages to ward off disease, and has saved many lives in epidemics of infectious diseases. It is antibacterial and gives protection against colds and flu.
Garlic improves circulation and lowers blood pressure. In clinical studies, garlic reduced cholesterol levels. Further studies indicate that garlic may have a positive role in the prevention of coronary heart disease, thrombosis and arteriosclerosis. It may even offer some degree of protection against cancer.
Modern research has confirmed all claims made by the ancient peoples but, for our purpose, suffice it to say that garlic is a first class blood purifier, and in so doing, it will clear the skin of blotches, blemishes, pimples and it will help to rid the system of boils or carbuncles.
Culpeper said: 'Garlic takes away spots and blemishes in the skin'.
As it is such a cleansing remedy, garlic should be taken by all those who suffer from any skin conditions, as it will supplement and help any other medicines.
Part used: Fresh bulb, rarely dried.
Forms available: Fresh or dried cloves, capsules, tablets, tinctures,
aged extracts.
Constituents and Action: Chopped garlic develops a sulphur-containing
volatile oil with strong odour. It has antibiotic action in the gastro-intestinal
tract. The volatile oil spreads throughout the human body and is secreted
by both the lungs and the skin. It is a skin irritant and an expectorant for
bronchial catarrh. It is a weak vermifuge and is used for arteriosclerosis
but it is probable that its
hypotensive action is only slight.
Directions for use: Many people are reluctant to eat garlic
because of it's strong odour, which persists for a considerable time. It is
best taken finely chopped in milk for hypertension, arteriosclerosis, intestinal
troubles (diarrhoea, distension) and bronchial catarrh. However, it is now
possible to obtain capsules of garlic which, when swallowed, overcome to a
large degree, the unpleasanthess associated with the taking of this herb.
Caution: May interact with anticoagulant drugs. Rare cases
of allergic reactions are known. Some people experience heartburn or flatulence.
Garlic was first cultivated in English gardens in 1540. Garlic has been used as a medicine for thousands of years; the Babylonians, the Greeks and the Egyptians all held it in very high esteem. The worth attached to the garlic and the onion tribe by ancient Egyptians often elicited the sarcasm of the writers of other nations.
Fuller, referring to Garlic said: `Not to speak of the murmuring Israelites, who prized it even before manna itself, some avow it soveraigne for men and beasts in most maladies, though the scent thereof be somewhat valiant and offensive. Indeed a large book is written on its virtues, which if held proportionate with truth, one would wonder any man should die, who hath garlic growing in his garden'.
Cultivation
The bulbs you find in the grocery store will produce a fine
crop of garlic. Since the plants will do most of their growing in cool weather,
it's a good idea to plant in late summer or early fall and mulch the plants
over in winter.
Planting and Maintenance
Break each bulb into individual cloves, then plant 3-4 inches apart, pointed
end up. Give them two or three sidedressings with manure or fertilizer during
the season. The soil around them should be kept loose and moist.
Harvesting
Growing and Using Garlic
When the tops fall over and die, pull up the bulbs. Let them dry in the sun
for a few days, then braid the tops together or place them in a net bag. Hanging
them in an airy location will help prevent rot. Peeled garlic cloves may be
stored in a jar of oil. The garlic retains its flavour and the oil will add
flavour to salad dressings.
Insects and Disease
Insects
Thripes are tiny insects that feed on leaves and cause white, blotchy areas.
The plants weaken and the yield is reduced. Keep weeds out of the garden to
eliminate alternate hosts. A blast of cold water will remove thripes from
plants. Soap-Shield and diatomaceous earth may be effective.
Onion Maggot
The onion maggot is the offspring of a small fly that lays eggs near the base
of the plant or on the bulb itself. The maggots kill the plant by burrowing
into the stem and bulb. Pull up and destroy any plants before the maggots
mature into flies. You may also try making tarpaper collars around the plants.
Wood ashes, rock phosphate, or diatomaceous earth sprinkled around the base
of the plant is said to be effective.
Disease
Neck rot is the most common problem. It strikes just after harvest or while
the bulbs are in storage. Drying the bulbs at warm temperatures with good
ventilation and storing in a cool, airy spot will help prevent the disease.
Garlic as a Companion Plant
Garlic helps deter Japanese beetles, and it makes a great companion for roses
and raspberries. For more information about companions, consult the Herb Companion
Chart and the Vegetable Companion Chart.
