Garlic Herbarium
Latin Name: Allium sativum
Family: Liliaceae
Descriptive Characteristics: Chevallier (2016) says this grows to 1-3 feet tall. The flowers are a greenish white or pale pink (p. 59). Heinerman (1996) says 2 feet and has long, flat, pointy leaves, the flowers are pink and are edible.
Part of the plant used: bulb
Texture:
Color:
Aroma:
Flavor:
Constituents: Hoffman (2003) says organosulfur compounds (alliin, which is converted to allicin by the enzyme alliinase), alliinase, Vitamin B, minerals and flavonoids (p. 526). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oil (alliin, alliinase, allicin), scordinins, selenium, Vitamins A, B, C, and E (p. 59). Gladstar (2012) says alliin (converts to allicin when crushed), essential oils, sulfur compounds, germanium, selenium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, B vitamins, and vitamin C (p. 71).
Therapeutic Actions: Hoffman (2003) says antimicrobial, diaphoretic, hypocholesteremic, cholagogue, hypotensive, and antispasmodic (p. 526). Chevallier (2016) says antibiotic, expectorant, increases sweating, lowers blood pressure, reduces blood clotting, anti-diabetic, and expels worms (p. 59). Gladstar (2012) says antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and vermifuge (p. 71). Heinerman (1996) says antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-bacterial (p. 245).
Indications: Hoffman (2003) says it helps the alimentary tract against bacteria, viruses, and parasites; respiratory infections such as bronchitis, catarrh, colds and flu; whooping cough, asthma, prevent respiratory and digestive issues, supports gut flora/kills pathogens, reduces cholesterol and triglycerides, prevents atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hypertension, heart attack, gastrointestinal cancer and stroke, externally for ringworm and pinworm (suppository) (p. 526). Chevallier (2016) says lowers blood fat levels (includes cholesterol), thins blood, reduces blood pressure, reduces blood sugar levels, tuberculosis, typhoid, wound dressing, chest infections, colds, flu, ear infections, reduce mucus, digestive infections, intestinal parasites, prevents circulatory issues and strokes, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, hay fever, asthma, enlarged prostate, osteoarthritis, fungal skin conditions, and stomach and colon cancer (p. 59). Gladstar (2012) says colds, flu, sore throats, sluggish digestion, boosts immune function, infections, antibiotic resistant bacteria, intestinal worms, cholesterol, prevents blood clots, and lowers blood sugar (p. 71). Heinerman (1996) says skin infection, tumors, STDs, diabetes, intestinal parasites, roundworms, pinworms, cholesterol, triglycerides, toothaches, major and minor burns (p. 247-8).
Formulary:
Chevallier (2016)
Cold sores (p. 304): Internally, eat 1-2 cloves of garlic and 1-2 slices of ginger each day. Externally, apply fresh ginger, half a clove of garlic or lemon juice to cold sores, shingles, or pockmarks up to 6 times a day.
Acne and boils (p. 305)
Athlete’s Foot (p. 304)
Colds and Flu (p. 311)
Coughs and bronchitis (p. 310)
Digestive infections (305)
Earache (p. 312)
Fungal infections (p. 314)
High blood pressure (p. 301)
Old age tonic (p. 319)
Tonsillitis (p. 311)
Urinary problems (p. 314)
Kennedy (2007)
Garlic, Echinacea and Goldenseal Syrup (p. 93): anti-viral
Garlic-Ginkgo Syrup (p. 35): antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, great for allergies
Fresh Garlic Poultice (p. 38): great for athletes foot/toe fungus
Garlic Poultice (p. 62): for cold sores
Garlic-mullein infused oil (p. 83): strong anti-bacterial
Infused garlic oil (p. 118): jock itch
Fresh Garlic Compress (p. 146): Ringworm
Garlic Oil (p. 173): warts
Garlic suppository (p. 178): yeast infection
Gladstar (2012) 200, 178)
Honey-onion syrup (p. 32): for colds
Medicinal Basil Pesto (p. 56):
Holy Basil Long-Life vinegar (p. 59)
Pickled garlic (p. 72): benefits of garlic without the stomach issues
Four Thieves Vinegar (p. 73): plague, endurance, protection
Fire Cider (p. 74): Good health during winter
Garlic Herb Oil (p. 75): less irritating to sensitive stomachs.
Garlic Flower Oil (p. 76): similar benefits as the bulb, this is made with other parts of the plant.
Garlic Ear Oil (p. 77): ear infections
Sage Pesto (p. 89)
Nettle Pesto (p. 178)
St. John’s Wort Oil (p. 200): first aid for burns, bruises, other skin trauma
Gladstar (2019)
Garlic Syrup (p. 107)
Heinerman (1997)
Toothaches (p. 248)
Major and minor burns (p. 248)
Dosage:
Hoffman (2003, p. 526)
Clove: eaten daily for prophylaxis, 3 during acute infections
Oil: 1 capsule for prophylaxis, 3 per day for infection
Powder: 600-900 mg/day
Commission E
Bulb: 4g/day
Safety: Hoffman (2003) says too much can irritate intestinal mucous, cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and burning in the mouth. Contact dermatitis is possible. It may potentiate anticoagulants and anti-inflammatories (p. 526).
Lab, Notes And Media:
On 10 April 2019, I minced fresh garlic instead of dehydrated garlic, with 4 bulbs coming out to 128g. Using 1:5 25% as a recipe, this means my menstruum was 640ml. The lowest alcohol I had was 40% so it was 400ml of alcohol and 240ml of distilled water. I strained this on 25 April. I filled a 12oz bottle to overflowing and the house smelled wonderful. No vampire would have risked entry.
Research:
References
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 59
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
Gladstar, R. (2019). Fire Cider!: 101 zesty recipes for health-boosting remedies made with apple cider vinegar. Storey Publishing. p. 107.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. p. 244-250.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. p. 526.
Kennedy, A. (2007). Herbal Medicine: Natural Remedies, 150 Herbal Remedies to Common Ailments. Berkeley, CA: Althea Press. p. 35, 38, 62, 83, 93, 118, 146, 173, 178, 197.
Family: Liliaceae
Descriptive Characteristics: Chevallier (2016) says this grows to 1-3 feet tall. The flowers are a greenish white or pale pink (p. 59). Heinerman (1996) says 2 feet and has long, flat, pointy leaves, the flowers are pink and are edible.
Part of the plant used: bulb
Texture:
Color:
Aroma:
Flavor:
Constituents: Hoffman (2003) says organosulfur compounds (alliin, which is converted to allicin by the enzyme alliinase), alliinase, Vitamin B, minerals and flavonoids (p. 526). Chevallier (2016) says volatile oil (alliin, alliinase, allicin), scordinins, selenium, Vitamins A, B, C, and E (p. 59). Gladstar (2012) says alliin (converts to allicin when crushed), essential oils, sulfur compounds, germanium, selenium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin A, B vitamins, and vitamin C (p. 71).
Therapeutic Actions: Hoffman (2003) says antimicrobial, diaphoretic, hypocholesteremic, cholagogue, hypotensive, and antispasmodic (p. 526). Chevallier (2016) says antibiotic, expectorant, increases sweating, lowers blood pressure, reduces blood clotting, anti-diabetic, and expels worms (p. 59). Gladstar (2012) says antiseptic, anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and vermifuge (p. 71). Heinerman (1996) says antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-bacterial (p. 245).
Indications: Hoffman (2003) says it helps the alimentary tract against bacteria, viruses, and parasites; respiratory infections such as bronchitis, catarrh, colds and flu; whooping cough, asthma, prevent respiratory and digestive issues, supports gut flora/kills pathogens, reduces cholesterol and triglycerides, prevents atherosclerosis, thrombosis, hypertension, heart attack, gastrointestinal cancer and stroke, externally for ringworm and pinworm (suppository) (p. 526). Chevallier (2016) says lowers blood fat levels (includes cholesterol), thins blood, reduces blood pressure, reduces blood sugar levels, tuberculosis, typhoid, wound dressing, chest infections, colds, flu, ear infections, reduce mucus, digestive infections, intestinal parasites, prevents circulatory issues and strokes, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, hay fever, asthma, enlarged prostate, osteoarthritis, fungal skin conditions, and stomach and colon cancer (p. 59). Gladstar (2012) says colds, flu, sore throats, sluggish digestion, boosts immune function, infections, antibiotic resistant bacteria, intestinal worms, cholesterol, prevents blood clots, and lowers blood sugar (p. 71). Heinerman (1996) says skin infection, tumors, STDs, diabetes, intestinal parasites, roundworms, pinworms, cholesterol, triglycerides, toothaches, major and minor burns (p. 247-8).
Formulary:
Chevallier (2016)
Cold sores (p. 304): Internally, eat 1-2 cloves of garlic and 1-2 slices of ginger each day. Externally, apply fresh ginger, half a clove of garlic or lemon juice to cold sores, shingles, or pockmarks up to 6 times a day.
Acne and boils (p. 305)
Athlete’s Foot (p. 304)
Colds and Flu (p. 311)
Coughs and bronchitis (p. 310)
Digestive infections (305)
Earache (p. 312)
Fungal infections (p. 314)
High blood pressure (p. 301)
Old age tonic (p. 319)
Tonsillitis (p. 311)
Urinary problems (p. 314)
Kennedy (2007)
Garlic, Echinacea and Goldenseal Syrup (p. 93): anti-viral
Garlic-Ginkgo Syrup (p. 35): antihistamine and anti-inflammatory, great for allergies
Fresh Garlic Poultice (p. 38): great for athletes foot/toe fungus
Garlic Poultice (p. 62): for cold sores
Garlic-mullein infused oil (p. 83): strong anti-bacterial
Infused garlic oil (p. 118): jock itch
Fresh Garlic Compress (p. 146): Ringworm
Garlic Oil (p. 173): warts
Garlic suppository (p. 178): yeast infection
Gladstar (2012) 200, 178)
Honey-onion syrup (p. 32): for colds
Medicinal Basil Pesto (p. 56):
Holy Basil Long-Life vinegar (p. 59)
Pickled garlic (p. 72): benefits of garlic without the stomach issues
Four Thieves Vinegar (p. 73): plague, endurance, protection
Fire Cider (p. 74): Good health during winter
Garlic Herb Oil (p. 75): less irritating to sensitive stomachs.
Garlic Flower Oil (p. 76): similar benefits as the bulb, this is made with other parts of the plant.
Garlic Ear Oil (p. 77): ear infections
Sage Pesto (p. 89)
Nettle Pesto (p. 178)
St. John’s Wort Oil (p. 200): first aid for burns, bruises, other skin trauma
Gladstar (2019)
Garlic Syrup (p. 107)
Heinerman (1997)
Toothaches (p. 248)
Major and minor burns (p. 248)
Dosage:
Hoffman (2003, p. 526)
Clove: eaten daily for prophylaxis, 3 during acute infections
Oil: 1 capsule for prophylaxis, 3 per day for infection
Powder: 600-900 mg/day
Commission E
Bulb: 4g/day
Safety: Hoffman (2003) says too much can irritate intestinal mucous, cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and burning in the mouth. Contact dermatitis is possible. It may potentiate anticoagulants and anti-inflammatories (p. 526).
Lab, Notes And Media:
On 10 April 2019, I minced fresh garlic instead of dehydrated garlic, with 4 bulbs coming out to 128g. Using 1:5 25% as a recipe, this means my menstruum was 640ml. The lowest alcohol I had was 40% so it was 400ml of alcohol and 240ml of distilled water. I strained this on 25 April. I filled a 12oz bottle to overflowing and the house smelled wonderful. No vampire would have risked entry.
Research:
References
Chevallier, A. (2016). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: 550 Herbs and Remedies for common Ailments. New York, NY: DK, a Division of Penguin Random House, LLC. p. 59
Gladstar, R. (2012). Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner’s Guide. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
Gladstar, R. (2019). Fire Cider!: 101 zesty recipes for health-boosting remedies made with apple cider vinegar. Storey Publishing. p. 107.
Heinerman, J. (1996). Healing Herbs and Spices, Heinerman’s Encyclopedia of. Reward Books. p. 244-250.
Hoffman, David. (2003). Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press. p. 526.
Kennedy, A. (2007). Herbal Medicine: Natural Remedies, 150 Herbal Remedies to Common Ailments. Berkeley, CA: Althea Press. p. 35, 38, 62, 83, 93, 118, 146, 173, 178, 197.
Appendix I: Constituents
Allicin (cysteine sulfoxide) is the result of alliinase and alliin coming into contact with one another. This is what happens when garlic is crushed. This is what causes the odor associated with garlic, which made the herb famous for offending the nose. It has clinically demonstrated antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antibiotic, and hypolipidemic properties. It also inhibits platelet aggregation (blood clotting). Ganora adds antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal and that it breaks down fairly quickly. In oil, it transforms into other chemicals that make it anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antithrombotic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and cardioprotective (Hoffman, 2003, p. 39, 60, 174; Ganora, 2009, p. 11, 23, 45, 50, 57, 65, 104).
Alliin (cysteine sulfoxide) (Organosulfur Compound, Volatile Oil, amino acid):, amino acid) is converted to allicin by the enzyme alliinase and is anti-platelet aggregation. Ganora adds antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anticarcinogenic (Hoffman, 2003, p. 60; Ganora, 2009, p. 23, 50, 57, 65, 104).
Alliinase (cysteine sulfoxide) is the enzyme that changes alliin into allicin by being exposed to the air. Cooking kills this enzyme and prevents the conversion to allicin (Hoffman, 2003, p. 60, 174, 526; Ganora, 2009, p. 50, 65, 104).
Essential Oils are steam soluble. These are often the active compounds in the plant but even more so, they are often needed to activate the other constituents of the plant for a synergistic effect (Ganora, 2009, p. 19, 43, 45, 46, 51, 68 ,109, 134, 137, 139).
Flavonoids: All polyphenolic plant pigments of a specific structure. There are over 4,000 of them. These are broken down into categories: Catechins, dihydrochalones, chalones, flavanones (dihydroflavones), flavones, isoflavones, anthocyanides, aurones, flavanols, and flavonols. This general property is immunomodulatory due to antioxidant/free-radical scavenging ability (Hoffman, 2006, p. 100-102, 152, 167, 170, 174). (Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Damiana, E
Germanium:
Minerals: This just means the plant/herb is a good source of at least one mineral.
Scordinins: (Garlic)
Sulfur Compounds: (Garlic)
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Selenium
Vitamin A
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Allicin (cysteine sulfoxide) is the result of alliinase and alliin coming into contact with one another. This is what happens when garlic is crushed. This is what causes the odor associated with garlic, which made the herb famous for offending the nose. It has clinically demonstrated antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antibiotic, and hypolipidemic properties. It also inhibits platelet aggregation (blood clotting). Ganora adds antibacterial, antimicrobial and antifungal and that it breaks down fairly quickly. In oil, it transforms into other chemicals that make it anticancer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antithrombotic, antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, and cardioprotective (Hoffman, 2003, p. 39, 60, 174; Ganora, 2009, p. 11, 23, 45, 50, 57, 65, 104).
Alliin (cysteine sulfoxide) (Organosulfur Compound, Volatile Oil, amino acid):, amino acid) is converted to allicin by the enzyme alliinase and is anti-platelet aggregation. Ganora adds antioxidant, cardioprotective, and anticarcinogenic (Hoffman, 2003, p. 60; Ganora, 2009, p. 23, 50, 57, 65, 104).
Alliinase (cysteine sulfoxide) is the enzyme that changes alliin into allicin by being exposed to the air. Cooking kills this enzyme and prevents the conversion to allicin (Hoffman, 2003, p. 60, 174, 526; Ganora, 2009, p. 50, 65, 104).
Essential Oils are steam soluble. These are often the active compounds in the plant but even more so, they are often needed to activate the other constituents of the plant for a synergistic effect (Ganora, 2009, p. 19, 43, 45, 46, 51, 68 ,109, 134, 137, 139).
Flavonoids: All polyphenolic plant pigments of a specific structure. There are over 4,000 of them. These are broken down into categories: Catechins, dihydrochalones, chalones, flavanones (dihydroflavones), flavones, isoflavones, anthocyanides, aurones, flavanols, and flavonols. This general property is immunomodulatory due to antioxidant/free-radical scavenging ability (Hoffman, 2006, p. 100-102, 152, 167, 170, 174). (Chickweed, Coltsfoot, Damiana, E
Germanium:
Minerals: This just means the plant/herb is a good source of at least one mineral.
Scordinins: (Garlic)
Sulfur Compounds: (Garlic)
Magnesium
Phosphorus
Potassium
Selenium
Vitamin A
Vitamin B
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Appendix II: Therapeutic Actions
Anti-bacterial means it kills bacteria, generally associated with infections.
Antibiotics: Inhibit the growth or destroy bacteria/viruses/fungi while boosting the immune system (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Anti-diabetic means it reduces blood sugar which leads to a diagnosis of diabetes.
Anti-microbial encompasses all microbes, not just viral or bacterial.
Antiseptics are used to prevent bacteria growth internally and externally. (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Antispasmodics help with muscle cramps and spasms (Griffin, 1997, p. 7). Coughing is also a result of this spasm activity so a lot of these herbs are used to relieve cough. Hoffman likes to remind people that just because the cough is relieved doesn't mean the cause of the cough is gone. We should strive to fix the cause, not just the symptom. Often, the cough should be allowed to happen because the body clearly doesn't want something in there.
Anti-viral means it works against viruses, often the flu.
Cholagogues promote the flow of bile and stimulate appetite (Griffin, 1997, p. 8).
Diaphoretics: Served as a warm tea, they promote sweating, Served cold, they act as diuretics. These focus on the respiratory system, including sinuses. There are 2 types: Stimulating drain the lymphatic system to target those swollen glands. Relaxing reduces fevers and skin toxins. They help with acute symptoms. (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)
Expectorants are the ones that make you cough up and spit out mucous. This includes mucous from the sinuses, lungs and stomach. (Griffin, 1997, p. 9) The cough itself is relieved by antispasmodics but this is why you want to think before taking cough medicine. The body wants to get rid of that mucous for a reason.
Hypocholesteremic means it reduces cholesterol.
Hypotensive means it lowers blood pressure. Hoffman has a list of these herbs so here is the reference and I'll add a list later if I don't have one up yet (Hoffman, 2003, p. 516).
Vermifuge means it expels parasitic worms which means it's another word for anthelmintic. Anniesremedy.com says vermifuge stuns the parasites to flush them out where vermicides kill the worms.
Anti-bacterial means it kills bacteria, generally associated with infections.
Antibiotics: Inhibit the growth or destroy bacteria/viruses/fungi while boosting the immune system (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Anti-diabetic means it reduces blood sugar which leads to a diagnosis of diabetes.
Anti-microbial encompasses all microbes, not just viral or bacterial.
Antiseptics are used to prevent bacteria growth internally and externally. (Griffin, 1997, p. 7)
Antispasmodics help with muscle cramps and spasms (Griffin, 1997, p. 7). Coughing is also a result of this spasm activity so a lot of these herbs are used to relieve cough. Hoffman likes to remind people that just because the cough is relieved doesn't mean the cause of the cough is gone. We should strive to fix the cause, not just the symptom. Often, the cough should be allowed to happen because the body clearly doesn't want something in there.
Anti-viral means it works against viruses, often the flu.
Cholagogues promote the flow of bile and stimulate appetite (Griffin, 1997, p. 8).
Diaphoretics: Served as a warm tea, they promote sweating, Served cold, they act as diuretics. These focus on the respiratory system, including sinuses. There are 2 types: Stimulating drain the lymphatic system to target those swollen glands. Relaxing reduces fevers and skin toxins. They help with acute symptoms. (Griffin, 1997, p. 8)
Expectorants are the ones that make you cough up and spit out mucous. This includes mucous from the sinuses, lungs and stomach. (Griffin, 1997, p. 9) The cough itself is relieved by antispasmodics but this is why you want to think before taking cough medicine. The body wants to get rid of that mucous for a reason.
Hypocholesteremic means it reduces cholesterol.
Hypotensive means it lowers blood pressure. Hoffman has a list of these herbs so here is the reference and I'll add a list later if I don't have one up yet (Hoffman, 2003, p. 516).
Vermifuge means it expels parasitic worms which means it's another word for anthelmintic. Anniesremedy.com says vermifuge stuns the parasites to flush them out where vermicides kill the worms.
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