Garlic
Other plantsGarlic Against Vampires
In Romanian folklore, garlic was considered a protection against vampires and evil spirits. On certain dates of the year, particularly St Andrew’s Eve, people rubbed garlic on doors, windows and even chimneys to prevent the creatures from entering the house.
This belief became world-famous in 1897 with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Van Helsing surrounds Lucy with garlic flowers and places them around her room to protect her from the vampire.
Medicinal properties
Bulb
Garlic is particularly associated with the cardiovascular system. Several clinical trials and meta-analyses have observed a modest reduction in total and LDL cholesterol with certain garlic preparations, as well as a possible effect on blood pressure. However, results vary depending on the preparation used.
Recipe
Garlic Oxymel
- Plant part
- bulb
- Duration
- 1 to 2 weeks
Ingredients
- 2 garlic bulbs
- 2 cups apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
Preparation
- Peel and coarsely chop the garlic cloves.
- Place the garlic in a clean jar.
- Add the honey, then pour in the apple cider vinegar until the garlic is completely covered.
- Close the jar and leave it to steep in a cool, dark place for 1 to 2 weeks.
- Shake the jar daily.
- Strain the preparation and store the oxymel in a clean container.
Sources and references
- Murgoci A. The Vampire in Roumania. Folklore. 1926;37(4):320–349.
- Stoker B. Dracula. 1897. Chapter X.
- Kwak JS, et al. Garlic powder intake and cardiovascular risk factors: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. Nutrition Research and Practice. 2014;8(6):644–654. doi:10.4162/nrp.2014.8.6.644.
- LearningHerbs. 5 Ways to Fight Colds and Flu with Garlic.
