Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family, native to Central Asia, Southern Europe, and Western Asia. Traditionally, its bulbs, leaves, and flowers have been used for culinary uses, powders, and infusions.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, carminative, and antispasmodic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Garlic (Allium sativum) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Garlic (Allium sativum) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Garlic
Scientific Name	Allium sativum
Plant Family	Amaryllidaceae
Genus	Allium
Species	sativum
Native Range	Central Asia, Southern Europe, Western Asia
Plant Parts Used	Bulbs, Leaves, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Carminative, Antispasmodic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Culinary Use, Powder, Infusion

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Allium sativum
Common Name: Garlic
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Elephant Garlic, Allium, Stem Garlic
Plant Family: Amaryllidaceae
Genus: Allium

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Linear leaves with upper surface glaucous and lower surface white pubescent.
Flowers: Small, clustered flowers with six white petals, six green sepals, and a pale yellow central stamen cluster, actinomorphic, with no distinct markings or unique floral structures.
Stems: Cylindrical, solid, herbaceous, with a longitudinal ridge, smooth surface, and nodes bearing membranous sheaths.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Culinary Use
Powder
Infusion
Decoction

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a moderate anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Carminative: As described in traditional systems, a warming carminative, within digestive system contexts.
Antispasmodic: Historically regarded as a mild antispasmodic, for cramp-focused discussions.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a calming tonic, in whole-system applications.

Active Compounds

Essential Oil: Naturally occurring plant oils composed primarily of volatile constituents.
Terpenoid: A diverse group of organic compounds present in many aromatic plants.
Flavonoid: A widely occurring class of plant polyphenols found in leaves, flowers, and fruits.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific literature concerning this plant spans multiple areas, including phytochemistry and laboratory research. Detailed analysis of published studies is not included at this time and will be added as part of future editorial expansion.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Precautionary considerations have been reported in relation to this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications related to this herb have been noted in traditional use and available sources.
Allergies: Sensitivity or allergy-related effects have not been clearly established.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: Reports of toxicity related to this herb are not well documented in available literature.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: There is insufficient evidence to determine the safety of this herb during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Culinary Use: Leaves, flowers, or roots are used as ingredients in culinary preparations.
Powder: Dried plant material is ground into a fine powder.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates short periods of dryness.