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Botanical illustration of Garlic

Plate VIII · Bulb

Garlic

Allium sativum

A pungent bulb cultivated for thousands of years, valued in kitchens and folk traditions around the world.

Type
Bulb
Family
Amaryllidaceae
Origin
Central Asia; cultivated worldwide

Garlic grows as a bulb made of separate cloves wrapped in papery skins. Its wild ancestors are traced to Central Asia, and it has been cultivated across Egypt, the Mediterranean, India and China since antiquity. Few plants are as central to the world’s cooking.

How garlic is prepared

It is used fresh, dried, powdered and aged, and each preparation contains a different mix of compounds. Crushing a fresh clove and waiting a few minutes before cooking allows allicin to form. In ASPHODEL Botanical Complex, it appears alongside oregano and pumpkin seed in the 18-in-1 blend.

Tradition, research, and what is established

We keep these three things separate, because they are not the same.

Traditional use

It appears in the folk practices of many cultures, from ancient Egyptian and Greek writings to traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic practice.

Preliminary research

When garlic is crushed or chopped, the compound alliin is converted into allicin, which gives the fresh bulb its sharp aroma. Its compounds are widely studied, with results that vary by preparation and study design.

Established

Allicin forms when garlic tissue is damaged. Garlic supplements may interact with some medications, including blood thinners, so check with a healthcare professional before use.

Reading a supplement label

On a supplement label, look for three things: the scientific name (Allium sativum), the part used (typically the bulb), and the amount per serving listed in the Supplement Facts panel. Those details, taken from the supplier’s documentation, tell you more about a product than any marketing claim.

Garlic in the ASPHODEL collection

In the ASPHODEL collection, you will find this ingredient in ASPHODEL Botanical Complex. Each product page lists its ingredients and label details from verified supplier documentation, and the Botanical Journal explores the history and research behind the plants and fungi we work with.

Botanical reference: Allium sativum on Wikipedia

This page is educational and describes the history and characteristics of a botanical. It is not medical advice and does not describe the effects of any ASPHODEL product.

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Products with Garlic

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