Garlic - "the stinking rose" or "the fragrant pearl."
- Allium sativum L - commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion family Alliaceae. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, and leek. Garlic has been used throughout recorded history for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It has a characteristic pungent, 'hot', flavour that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking. Wikipedia encyclopedia
- How its used - is widely used around the world for its pungent flavor, as a seasoning or condiment. Garlic cloves can be eaten raw or cooked. They may also be dried or powdered and used in tablets and capsules.
- How Many Kinds of Garlic are There? According to Ron Engeland, author of Growing Great Garlic there may well be over 450 identifiable strains of garlic.
- Numbers 11:5 - This is the only mention of garlic in the Bible ...We remember the fish which we used to eat free in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic,
- Bad Breath - When eaten in quantity, garlic may be strongly evident in the diner's sweat and breath the following day. This is because garlic's strong smelling sulfur compounds are metabolized forming allyl methyl sulfide. Allyl methyl sulfide (AMS) cannot be digested and is passed into the blood. It is carried to the lungs and the skin where it is excreted. Since digestion takes several hours, and release of AMS several hours more, the effect of eating garlic may be present for a long time.
- Central European folk beliefs - considered garlic a powerful ward against demons, werewolves, and vampires. To ward off vampires, garlic could be worn or hung in windows etc.
- Egyptians worshipped garlic - and placed clay models of garlic bulbs in the tomb of Tutankhamen.
- Research - Some research says that Garlic and Onions may be Protective against Many Cancers.
- How Can You Get Rid of Garlic Odor on Your Hands after cooking? After exposure, scrub your hands with salt and lemon juice, using cold water. Then rinse off with soapy warm water.
Find more definitions at:
______________________________________________________
Superstitions
- For centuries garlic has been thought to possess magical properties and is widely used in charms and spells even today.
- For centuries Garlic has been used in healing meals by witches and healers and was believed that no healing meal should be without it.
- It is said that if you carry a garlic clove with you when traveling over water, it will prevent you from drowning.
- It is said that peeled garlic cloves can be placed in doorways and around the house for protection from illness and to keep evil at bay - especially in new homes.
- It is said that placing a clove of garlic under the pillows of children will protect them while they are sleeping.
- It is said that eating and carrying garlic is believed to enhance speed, strength, courage and endurance. Soldiers throughout history have used it for these properties when going into battle.
- Garlic is bound to Mars and fire.
_________________________________________________________________
Homemade Garlic Bread Spread
4 cloves of garlic, crushed and chopped fine
1/2 pound of butter, softened
3/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
3 teaspoons fresh or dried chopped basil
3 teaspoons fresh or dried chopped oregano
Salt & Pepper to taste
1 loaf French or Italian Bread
Cut the bread in half lengthwise and set aside. Mix all other ingredients thoroughly into a smooth paste. Spread the mixture onto each bread half using a knife (or fork if you want texture). Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven until bubbly.
______________________________________________________________________
Medicinal use
Garlic has been used as both food and medicine in many cultures for thousands of years, dating as far back as the time that the Egyptian pyramids were built. Garlic is claimed to help prevent heart disease including atherosclerosis, elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer. More claim to help ailments such as acne, asthma, diabetes, dysentery, baldness, arthritis, earache, eczema, emphysema, digestive disorders, heavy metal poisoning, hives, infections, intestinal worms, insomnia, evil eye, colds, influenza, allergies, toothache, warts and vampires.
- Worm Cure - Garlic is believed to cure worms in both people and animals - try giving the dog a clove of garlic daily. Yes you can try but dogs usually don't like girlic.
- How to make a garlic Tincture - A tincture can be made by soaking 1/4 pound of peeled and separated garlic cloves in 1/2 quart of brandy. Seal tightly and shake every day. Strain and bottle after two weeks of this, and take in drops - 25-30 a day, if desired.
- Garlic Cough Syrup - Slice 1 pound of fresh garlic and pour one quart of boiling water over it. Let sit for 12 hours, then add sugar until you reach the consistency of a syrup. Add honey for better taste, if desired. It is said that this is great for cough, flu, and respiratory ailments.
- Garlic Tea - For sore throat, make a garlic tea by steeping several cloves of garlic in half a cup of water overnight. Hold your nose and drink it.
- Garlic Ointments - Garlic ointments have been used for centuries. To make an Ointment out of garlic you need to use the garlic cloves instead of leaves, stems, or flowers like other herbal ointment recipes call for. It is said to only use the cloves of garlic when using it for wounds, cuts, athlete's foot, or any other external skin irritation, fungus, or infection.
- Herbal Ointments - To make your own herbal ointments, combine about 4 ounces of the fresh (or 2 ounces of dried) herb with 1 pint of olive, safflower, or other pure vegetable oil. Heat gently, uncovered, for about one hour. For a thicker ointment, add 1 to 1-1/2 ounces of beeswax to the mixture as it heats. Let cool and bottle appropriately. Resource Link
- Garlic Oils - Garlic oils have been used for centuries for medicinal uses and for cooking uses both. To make your own herbal oils combine about 4 ounces of the fresh (or 2 ounces of dried) herb with 1 pint of olive, safflower, or other pure vegetable oil. Heat gently, uncovered, for about one hour. For oil, strain, bottle, and cap tightly when cooled. Learn more about flavored oil recipes.
