Wild Garlic

Wild Garlic

Wild garlic has all the properties of common garlic. However, it exceeds it in terms of the content of certain substances, primarily sulfur compounds, which have a positive effect on the cardiovascular and digestive systems, and also help fight viruses, bacteria and the yeast Candida albicans, responsible for mycosis.

Wild garlic - why it is worth eating it and what to make of it [RECIPES]

Bear's garlic (Allium ursinum), also known as Gypsy garlic or witch's onion, is a plant whose properties were already discovered by the ancient Germans. They treated wild garlic as a universal medicine. According to an ancient German legend, it was the bears' first meal after waking up from hibernation (hence the name of the plant).

So they came to the conclusion that since garlic strengthens the effect, it is able to strengthen the human as well. It should be noted, however, that wild garlic is nothing like traditional garlic. It is not in the form of cloves, but leaves, which contain the most health-promoting properties and are the most frequently eaten part of it.

Wild garlic grows wild in forests all over Europe and some parts of Asia.

Its characteristic features are long (up to 20-30 cm tall) lanceolate leaves, as well as spherical, white inflorescences with single star-shaped flowers emitting an intense garlic aroma, located on long (up to 50 cm) stems. White flowers contain harmful substances, therefore they are not edible.

Wild garlic - application

How can you use wild garlic? The use of a plant can also be based on its taste as well as health or aesthetic values.

Thanks to its large green leaves and white flowers, bear's garlic is ideal for sowing in decorative flower beds. Its inflorescences can also be used as cut flowers. In the garden, the plant looks great under trees or next to taller perennials.

All parts of wild garlic are edible. For this reason, it is often used in the kitchen. Fresh plants have the strongest flavor and aroma. They are suitable for drying and cooking. The fruits are quite sharp, the flowers - a bit milder. The leaves can successfully replace even traditional lettuce.

Each part of the plant - in the right proportions - is recommended for salads.

• The leaves can be used to make tasty and delicate pesto, perfect for bread, risotto or pasta.
• Together with flowers, they can be an interesting addition to sandwiches.
• You can use the onions instead of the cloves of traditional garlic.

Why is it worth growing wild garlic? What can it be used for? As you can see, the list of advantages is very long. Its value was appreciated not only by Poles.

This plant is popular in almost every country where it occurs naturally. Especially often guests at the tables include in Russia, Georgia and Armenia. Wild garlic leaves are a tasty and aromatic addition to soups. At our western neighbors, in turn, after salting and shredding, they are poured with olive oil, which makes a tasty addition to dishes, toasts or salads.

Wild garlic - interesting facts

Wild garlic bulbs remain fit for consumption for up to 6 months. You can pickle the leaves, store them in oil or salt, dry or freeze them. The latter two methods, however, change their taste.
Bear's garlic: health properties

Wild garlic leaves are rich in microelements, e.g.

• sodium,
• calcium,
• iron
• and vitamins, e.g. B1, B2, C.

Eating them has a positive effect on the human body, including by supporting the immune system. Wild garlic is sometimes called a natural antibiotic. Its action is similar to that of synthetic antibiotics. It destroys bacteria responsible for pathogenic processes. It does not affect the natural bacterial flora of the body.

Proponents of this plant are eager to emphasize that it has a much greater spectrum of activity than ordinary garlic. The health properties of wild garlic result, among others, from with the phenolic acids present in it.

• They are effective in fighting colds or flu.
• They thin out the secretions remaining in the bronchi.
• They also alleviate the symptoms of other respiratory infections.

Wild garlic contains a high concentration of sulfur compounds.

• They support the digestive system and improve the functioning of the intestines by stimulating the secretion of bile.
• They also participate in cleansing the body of heavy metals.
• They have a positive effect on the cardiovascular system.
• They lower the level of triglycerides and harmful cholesterol in the blood.

Wild garlic extracts have an anticoagulant effect:

• reduce blood viscosity and lower blood pressure,
• iron contained in them improves the transport of oxygen in the body.

Thanks to this, the risk of stroke, heart attack or coronary diseases is reduced.

Wild garlic is also recommended as a natural remedy for fighting parasites in the digestive system. You can use it, among others with problems with pinworms or human roundworms. When consumed regularly, it can support a balanced weight loss.

In the past, a tincture based on wild garlic was used to strengthen immunity. Young leaves were collected, which were then chopped, poured with spirit and left aside for about 3 weeks. After this time, the drink was ready. Consuming it was recommended in the fall and winter season.

This plant is appreciated as an aid in the fight against dermatological problems. Wild garlic is sometimes an ingredient of cosmetics. Wraps from it soothe the symptoms of acne and seborrhea. Infusions, on the other hand, work well on hair, skin and nails.

The list of wild garlic benefits is really long. If you are looking for a plant that looks nice and tastes good, you've come to the right place. Try its taste and take advantage of its healing properties.

Wild Garlic