Garlic is one of the most popular seasonings used in food preparation and third only to gingko biloba and ginseng in sales for 1997 as an herbal supplement. This distinctive herb is a member of the lily family along with onions, leeks, and shallots. The bulb of the plant has been grown and used by people for centuries. It has been used all over the world for a wide range of conditions, ranging from scaring off vampires to chewing of it by Greek Olympian athletes. Today it is used primarily as an ingredient in food preparation, and by many individuals as an herbal supplement.
Garlic bulbs contain the active ingredients allicin and ajoene.
When the cells of the garlic bulb are crushed, aliin is converted to allicin. Allicin is responsible for many of garlic's effects and odors. This fact sheet will highlight some of the claims made about garlic, pros and cons of using it, common dosage, and possible side effects. It has been used more recently to provide relief from some stomach and intestinal problems. There have been many claims about the effectiveness of garlic as an herbal supplement.