Garlic (Allium sativum) is the November Herb of the Month. It is a member of the Amaryllidaceae (Onion) Family

The visible parts of garlic grow above the ground. They have a green stalk about 12” high. In June it shoots up a white, five-petaled flowers together in a globe-shape. The edible bulb of the garlic grows under the ground. One clove is planted and over time it changes into a bulb with 10-12 cloves in it.

The name “garlic” comes from an Old English word “garleac” meaning “spear leek”. Garlic is native to central Asia, where it still grows. Although there are varieties of wild garlic grow in the United States. The Amaryllidaceae (onion) family has a lot of other family members including onions, chives, daffodils, amaryllis, and many other flowers.

Historians speculate that humans may have been using garlic up to 10,000 years ago! Garlic has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes for a long time. We have 5,000 years of history of its use in the Mediterranean, Egypt, India, Babylon, and parts of Asia. 75% of the world's garlic is grown in China, but there are also growers in the US like @newdawnfields in northern Michigan.

Egyptian records indicate that people building the pyramids were partially paid in garlic. It’s estimated that the Cheops pyramid builders were paid the equivalent of 2 million dollars of garlic! Both Roman Gladiators and Greek Olympians ate garlic before competition to increase their endurance and strength. During World War I the Russians used garlic so often as an antibiotic that it became known as, “Russian Penicillin”.

Greek midwives would hang garlic to ward off evil spirits. Many Mediterranean and European homes still do this. Many Europeans believed garlic could ward off the evil eye and protected against, demons, vampires, and werewolves. Palestinian men wear garlic in their buttonhole on their wedding day, it is supposed to ensure a successful wedding night.

Eat leeks in March and garlic in May, Then the rest of the year, your doctor can play

- old Welsh saying

Garlic has drying and warming energy. It is anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-septic. There is a long history of garlic treating heart conditions, hypertension, anxiety & stress, blood pressure and cholesterol. Garlic Oil is still suggested by many doctors to get rid of earaches.

Louis Pasteur studied garlic’s antibacterial properties back in 1858. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Garlic is known for its Yang (masculine/active) energy, and its ability to improve circulation and expel dampness from the body. Italians were known for giving their children necklaces of raw garlic to prevent them from catching cold.

Garlic has masculine energy. It is associated with the element Fire, and the planet Mars, making it useful in conflict and competition. It is traditionally used for protection, exorcism, strength and vitality, and theft prevention. Garlic is known to keep away people you don’t want around, or those who may abuse your relationship.

Garlic is often used in Chinese New Year and is thought to drive out evil spirits and invite good luck and wealth. In legends of Korea’s birth, a tiger and bear became human by eating garlic and mugwort for 100 days. It remains an important part of culture and cuisine. In European folklore, garlic was used to ward off evil spirits and protect people from vampires and werewolves. Its powers were believed to be so powerful that it was hung on windows, over doors, or rubbed anywhere evil could enter a home.

In Hinduism, garlic is associated with the god Shiva and is believed to provide vitality and strength. Ancient Greeks would place garlic at crossroads as an offering for Hecate. Garlic was an important plant in the worship of both Isis and Osiris in Egypt. It was used in worship, embalming practices, and for protection.