Chinese texts dating back to 2000 BC speak of the healing potency of garlic. Classical writers such as Chaucer, and Shakespeare mention garlic, and it was present in the diets of early Romans, Greeks, and Egyptians. In Homer's 8th century BC epic poem Ulysses the hero was saved from being turned into a pig, thanks to garlic.
While the origin of this member of the Lily family is unknown, some believe it originated in Siberia, then spread to the Mediterranean area, becoming naturalized in the process. Others attribute central Asia with its origin. All we really know for certain is that garlic is cultivated and used worldwide now.
Fresh garlic has many active constituents including alliin, allicin, alliinase and unique sulphur compounds. Allicin and the sulphur compounds of garlic are the ingredients primarily responsible for garlic's potency as an antibiotic, antiviral and a fungicide and for its use in treating high blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, for helping to prevent certain types of cancer, as well as its use as an immune stimulant. Allicin is a strong antibiotic agent produced when the alliin and alliinase are merged together, as happens when a fresh garlic clove is crushed or chewed.
Garlic has a long history in folklore as a potent protector from disease and evil spirits (such as vampires). For these reasons, garlic is not only consumed as a healthy food and medicine but it is also worn to fight various ills. A remedy from Maryland recommends wearing a ball of garlic around the neck and praying to get rid of worms. It is believed that the garlic smell will suffocate the worms. The prayer illustrates garlic's spiritual connection. Many native cultures throughout the Caribbean use garlic in religious rituals and divinations.
The 12th century German mystic Hildegarde von Bingen recommended simmering garlic in water for twenty minutes and drinking the "tea" for bronchial problems like asthma. This treatment is still in use in many cultures. It is interesting to note that virtually the same recipe, three cloves of garlic in boiling water, is recommended by Calvin Thrash, MD and Agatha Thrash, MD, teachers of folk remedies, as a topical cure for athlete's foot. Garlic was used extensively in the battlefields during World War I (1914-1918) to treat and dress wounds and infections. Being a natural antibiotic it was the most effective antiseptic available at the time.
At the First World Congress on the Health Significance of Garlic and Garlic Constituents in 1993 researchers from all over the world substantiated the potential of garlic in the prevention and possible cure of cancer. Their findings were so convincing that the National Cancer Institute, as a part of their Designer Foods Program, pledged millions of dollars for the study of garlic as potential cancer fighting substance.
Medicinal, magical or just down right tasty, garlic has definitely won our respect and adoration!
References:
Chevallier, Andrew. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. New York, New York. DK Publishing, First American Edition, 1996.
Hufford, Ph.D., David J. and Bergner. Country Doctor's Book Of Folk Remedies and Healing Wisdom. Lincolnwood, Illinois. Publications International, Ltd. 1998.
Thomas, Lalitha. 10 Essential Herbs. Prescott, Arizona. Hohm Press. Second Edition, 1996.
Garlic