What is wild garlic?
From its Latin name Allium ursinum, wild garlic refers to a plant belonging to the Amaryllidaceae family, found mainly in the undergrowth. Botanically, wild garlic is a plant with white flowers. Its height varies between 20 and 50 cm.
Bear’s garlic, also called wild garlic or wild garlic, gives off the same characteristic odor of garlic, which allows it to be easily identified, even by the uninitiated. Long prized by the Celtic and Germanic populations, the plant has regained its splendor in Europe for several years thanks to its multiple benefits.
Originally from Siberia, wild garlic has spread across the Western and Mediterranean world for millennia. Its name comes from a legend according to which after hibernation, bears fed on these leaves to purge themselves.
Good to know :Wild garlic has elongated, very green leaves that evoke lily of the valley, but with which it should not be confused because the latter is toxic.
What are the benefits of wild garlic?
Wild garlic has a high content of vitamin C. He also has antibacterial and antibiotic properties, as well as a notable concentration of vitamin Aas well as minerals: calcium, iron, sodium And phosphorus. Thanks to its properties, wild garlic acts to:
- Limit the risk of stroke and the risk of heart disease (regulation of blood pressure).
- Reduce the joint pain (arthritis, rheumatism): the allicin contained in its essential oil is anti-inflammatory. Wild garlic essence can also be used in friction against rheumatism. To prepare it, macerate 30 g of crushed garlic in 25 cl of wine vinegar for about ten days.
- Reduce blood cholesterol (purifying and detoxifying activity thanks to its sulfur compounds).
- Fight against certain viral infections such as the flu, and against certain respiratory infections such as bronchitis.
- Reduce symptoms of digestive disorders such as bloating, gas and abdominal cramps.
- Strengthen the immune system.
How to use wild garlic?
Wild garlic is first used in cooking. The bulb of the plant can be consumed as it is (to preserve all its vitamin C content) or mixed.
Wild garlic leaves are most often chopped to be mixed with the dish, or sprinkled when serving. It is not uncommon to see wild garlic among the list of ingredients for spicy mixtures or parsley.
Like many other medicinal plants, wild garlic is also available in the form of capsules as a food supplement, essential oil and in the form of an infusion.
Where to get wild garlic?
In the form of dried leaves or a food supplement, you can buy wild garlic in organic shops, delicatessens and in certain supermarkets. For fresh leaves, you can find them easily wild garlic in woods and undergrowth, in damp places and near streams.
What does wild garlic taste like?
Its flavor is more floral than that of garlic, also more refined and less pungent. This is why it is a highly sought-after plant in the kitchen to make pesto or wild garlic butter in particular.
How to store wild garlic fresh?
Once rinsed, put the stems in a glass of water, as for a bouquet, then place this glass in the refrigerator. You will need to change water every day.
What are the contraindications of wild garlic?
- Wild garlic is contraindicated in people suffering from gastric irritation, intestinal irritation and urinary irritation.
- It is also contraindicated for people with skin diseases. Wild garlic is not recommended for people prone to inflammation of the respiratory tract.
- Wild garlic can also interact with drugs taken as part of the treatment of a disease related to blood thinning and/or in the event of treatment with anticoagulant drugs. It is then necessary to refer to the opinion of a health professional before consuming wild garlic.
- Consumed in excess, wild garlic can cause stomach cramps.
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