Botanical Overview
Allium ursinum, commonly known as Bear’s garlic, Ramsons, or Wild garlic, belongs to the family Amaryllidaceae. It is native to Europe, Western Asia, and parts of North Africa. The parts used medicinally include the leaves, bulbs, and flowers.
Energetics
The plant is considered to have a cooling and moistening energetic profile with a pungent, garlicky taste. Its action directionality is ascending and outward, with a relaxing tonicity and it primarily affects the qi aspect in traditional energetic terms.
Primary Actions
- Antibacterial
- Antioxidant
- Diuretic
- Expectorant
- Hypotensive
- Antispasmodic
Indications
Western
- Hypertension
- Upper respiratory tract congestion
- Digestive sluggishness
- Mild infections
- Flatulence
Syndromes
- Hypertensive states
- Bronchial catarrh
- Dyspepsia
TCM
No traditional indications documented.
Ayurveda
No traditional indications documented.
Unani
No traditional indications documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Contains phytochemicals such as allicin, flavonoids, sulfur compounds, essential oils, mucilage, and polyphenols that contribute to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and hypotensive effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Fresh leaves infusion: 2-5 g, 1-3 times daily
- Tincture 1:5 in 45% alcohol, 2-4 mL, 2-3 times daily
- Powdered bulb or leaf: 1-3 g daily
Safety & Contraindications
Generally safe in culinary and traditional doses. Caution advised in individuals on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy due to potential increased bleeding risk. Allergies to Allium species should be considered. Use in pregnancy and lactation is not well studied; medicinal doses are recommended to be avoided.
Astrological Correspondences
No established planetary or elemental rulers documented.
Selected References
- European Medicines Agency (EMA) Herbal Monograph Allium ursinum L., herba (2014)
- Plants For A Future Database: Allium ursinum (wild garlic)
- Kalač, P. Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Allium ursinum L., PubMed (2015)
- Bruneton, J. Medicinal Plants of the World (1995)