Garlic
It is not known for certain where garlic originated but comparison with close relatives suggests South West Asia as a likely location. Garlic is easy to grow as it naturally defends itself from pests. In Britain, planting in late winter will provide a harvest in spring.
Species informationDistribution: Cosmopolitan
Habitat: Original habitat is obscure, prefers sandy well drained soils
Form: Herb
Family: Alliaceae
Scientific name: Allium sativum (Alliliaceae)
Garlic is one of the most well known antiseptic plants. The plant has long been used in by a variety of cultures to treat bacterial infections. British folk healers have long used garlic as a treatment for sore throats and garlic preparations were used in the first world war to prevent gangrene.
When crushed, enzymes in the garlic clove produce allicin a highly potent antibacterial compound. Allicin is effective against a wide range of bacteria including those resistant to antibiotics. Since allicin is destroyed by stomach acid and cooking it is not effective when consumed in food but instead must be applied directly to the skin.
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