Scientific Name

• Allium sativum

Common Names

• English: Garlic
• Hindi: Lahsun

Description

Garlic, scientifically known as Allium sativum, is a perennial plant native to Central Asia and widely cultivated across the globe for its culinary and medicinal uses. The plant produces a bulb composed of multiple cloves with a strong aroma and pungent flavor, making it a staple spice in global cuisines. Garlic is also renowned in traditional medicine for its immunity-boosting, heart-protective, and antimicrobial properties.

Health Benefits of Garlic

1. Boosts Immunity – helps fight infections, colds, and flu.
2. Heart Health – lowers bad cholesterol (LDL), improves circulation, and reduces blood pressure.
3. Antimicrobial Properties – effective against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
4. Diabetes Support – helps regulate blood sugar levels.
5. Anti-inflammatory – reduces joint pain, arthritis, and inflammation

Usage of Garlic

1. Culinary Use
   • Widely used in cooking for flavor in curries, soups, sauces, pickles, and breads.
   • Can be consumed raw, roasted, or cooked.
2. Traditional & Home Remedies
   • For Immunity: Raw garlic cloves with warm water in the morning.
   • For Cough/Cold: Garlic boiled in milk or added to soups.
   • For Blood Pressure: Garlic capsules or raw cloves daily.
   • For Skin: Garlic paste applied externally for acne and fungal infections.