Botanical Overview
Allium sativum (family Amaryllidaceae) is commonly known as Garlic or Common garlic. The medicinal part primarily used is the bulb, valued for its rich sulfur-containing compounds. Native to Central Asia and widely cultivated in the Mediterranean, garlic has been a staple both as food and as medicine for millennia.
Energetics
Garlic is considered warming and drying in energetic quality, with a pungent taste. It has ascending and outward directionality and is regarded as tonifying qi, helping to stimulate and mobilize energy in the body.
Primary Actions
- Antimicrobial
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Cardioprotective
- Hypolipidemic
- Expectorant
Indications
Western
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Common cold
- Fungal and bacterial infections
- Atherosclerosis
Syndromes
- Infectious diseases
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Respiratory congestion
TCM
- External pathogenic wind-cold
- Phlegm accumulation
- Poor circulation
Syndromes
- Wind-cold invasion
- Qi stagnation
- Dampness retention
Ayurveda
- Digestive sluggishness
- Respiratory congestion
- Cholesterol imbalance
Syndromes
- Kapha disorders
- Vata disorders
- Pitta disorders (in moderation)
Unani
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Digestive disturbances
- Cardiac weakness
Syndromes
- Reyhaneh (cardiac tonic)
- Zof-e-qalb (heart weakness)
- Balgham (phlegm excess)
Constituents & Mechanisms
The bulb contains allicin, ajoene, alliin, flavonoids, saponins, and various sulfur compounds, conferring antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Fresh bulb crushed or raw: 1-2 cloves daily
- Garlic oil extract: 300-1000 mg daily
- Aged garlic extract: 600-1200 mg daily
- Powdered garlic: 300-900 mg daily
- Tincture 1:5 in 40% ethanol: 2-5 mL 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Garlic is generally safe in culinary amounts but may cause gastrointestinal irritation, increased bleeding risk with anticoagulants, and allergic reactions. Use cautiously in pregnancy and lactation and avoid high doses before surgery or in bleeding disorders.
Astrological Correspondences
No credible data found to support planetary or elemental rulers for Allium sativum.
Selected References
- European Medicines Agency. Assessment report on Allium sativum L., bulbus. 2013.
- Plants For A Future. Allium sativum – PFAF Plant Database.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. Garlic. 2021.
- World Health Organization. WHO monographs on selected medicinal plants: Volume 1, Allium sativum. 1999.