Where a ray of southern sunlight touched the rock, the first wild garlic sprouted from the ground.

Wild garlic (Allium ursinum) is currently a very popular and sought-after plant. It is also sometimes referred to as bear garlic, wolf garlic, or even dog garlic, which reflects the interest in this plant throughout history.

Uses

Wild garlic was considered a plant that cleanses the stomach, intestines, and even the blood. It can also be used as a preventative measure against vascular diseases that come with age. It is recommended for high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis. It dilates blood vessels and relieves cramps. However, the effects are not immediate; wild garlic needs to be taken for a period of time. Its antioxidant properties help prevent the buildup of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels. It also has anti-inflammatory properties. It is used as part of detoxifying spring cures. It eliminates bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites. When taking antibiotics, it helps to regenerate the gut flora. In traditional medicine, it was also used externally on wounds.

Preparation of a medicinal tincture

Finely chopped leaves are placed in a jar and covered with 50% alcohol. After a month, the mixture is strained into dark bottles. It is taken 3 times a day, 15-25 drops at a time.

Garlic pesto

The leaves are washed and dried. They are blended with olive oil, sunflower seeds, and grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt, pepper, or lemon. Store in a cool place. Sunflower seeds can be replaced with walnuts, cashews, or other nuts.

The leaves and young flowers can be added to spring salads, risottos, soups, etc.

Where to find it

Wild garlic belongs to the onion family (Alliaceae), or sometimes the lily family (Amaryllidaceae). It grows in Central and Western Europe, extending to the British Isles, western Ukraine, the Baltic region, northwestern Asia Minor, and the Caucasus. In the north, it can be found in Scandinavia, and in the south, in the Balkans, Spain, and Italy. It prefers deciduous forests, groves, beech forests, and floodplain forests. It thrives in moist environments, from lowlands to mountains. Wild garlic can be easily grown in the garden. Seeds and seedlings are readily available for purchase.

How to identify it

Wild garlic is a perennial plant with a relatively narrow, cylindrical bulb. It typically produces two stalked leaves that are lanceolate to elliptical in shape. This distinguishes it from other types of garlic. The plant can grow to a height of 20 to 50 cm. It blooms from April to June. A racemose inflorescence of 10-25 white flowers is formed in a whitish bract on a leafless stem. It is a relatively distinctive species, but it is sometimes confused with lily of the valley or even monkshood, both of which are poisonous plants, and mistaking one for the other could have serious consequences. The characteristic garlic smell confirms that it is indeed wild garlic.

In some areas, wild garlic is abundant and forms extensive patches. On the other hand, it is a relatively rare plant that requires attention. Its collection, especially in protected areas, is illegal.

HistoryThe wild garlic plant has a rich history. For example, Germanic mythology explains its origin as follows: Where a ray of southern sunlight struck a rock, the first wild garlic plant grew from the ground. It was considered one of the first plants to emerge after the creation of the world. The Celts are said to have valued its medicinal properties and consumed it before battles. The species name "bear's garlic" was indeed associated with bears, for whom it was supposedly a suitable food. Ancient peoples recognized medicinal plants associated with bears as being very healing and powerful. They were believed to impart "bear strength." For example, people used to make soup from this garlic on Green Thursday. It has been used for over two thousand years. Other sources suggest that the animal names were intended to warn that the plant was not suitable for humans. Interestingly, the Italian physician and botanist Pietro Mattioli does not mention this plant. Similarly, other ancient herbalists did not. In contrast, it is currently recommended by everyone. This article was published with the kind permission of the magazine "Sféra." DIOCHI casopis-sfera.cz /gnews.cz-HeK