Garlic history

Moyers, S. 1996. Garlic in Health, History and World Cuisine , pp. 1-36. Suncoast Press, St. Petersburg, FL. 

Woodward, P.W. 1996. Garlic and Friends The History, Growth and Use of Edible Alliums pp. 2—22. Hyland House, Melbourne, Australia. 

Garlic has served throughout history as a remedy for numerous diseases. 

Garlic, Allium sativum L., is a species in the onion family, Alliaceae. Onion, shallot, and leek are close relatives. Garlic has been used throughout history for both culinary and medicinal purposes. It has a pungent hot sensation that mellows and sweetens considerably with cooking. A large number of sulfur compounds contribute to the smell and taste of members of the onion family. Diallyl disulfide and diallyl sulfide are... 

Garlic has been a valued commodity throughout history. It has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for more than 4000 years, as a form of currency in Siberia, and as a repellent for witches by the Saxons. Today it is used as a dietary supplement because of its reported health benefits. Allicin, the molecule responsible for garlic s odor, is a rather unstable molecule that is not stored in the garlic bulb, but rather is produced by the action of enzymes when the bulb is crushed or bruised. 

IV. Diagnosis is based on a history of exposure and the clinical presentation. Cutaneous bums, a garlic odor of the vomitus, and smoking or luminescent stools and vomitus caused by spontaneous combustion of elemental phosphorus suggest ingestion. 

IV. Diagnosis is difficult without a history of exposure. Acute severe gastroenteritis with garlic breath odor and hypotension may suggest selenious acid poisoning, but these findings are not specific. 

One text on Ayurvedic medicine contraindicates garlic in pregnancy (Ghadha 1988) however, the long history of use as a food has established that consumption of garlic in reasonable quantities is generally safe, though caution may be indicated in children. 

Garlic has served throughout history as a remedy for numerous diseases. Movies have often depicted its power to repel werewolves and vampires. The characteristic garlic odor derives from the many sulfur compounds it contains. One of the major constituents is allicin, a compound with antibacterial properties. 

Both patch and prick tests can be performed with native spices as such. Patch tests can also be done with ethereal oils of spices. In addition, some pure allergens of spice oils are available from patch-test allergen suppliers (Table 1). The selection of spices used in tests is dependent on the worker s exposure history. In most cases, cinnamon, clove, cardamom, allspice, vanilla, ginger and nutmeg should be tested with patch tests, and mustard, coriander, caraway, celery seed and parsley with prick tests. Paprika and garlic should be tested with both patch and prick tests. 

---