According to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garlic:
Allium sativum, commonly known as garlic, is a species in the onion genus, Allium. Its close relatives include the onion, shallot, leek, chive,[1] and rakkyo.[2] Dating back over 6,000 years, garlic is native to central Asia,[3] and has long been a staple in the Mediterranean region, as well as a frequent seasoning in Asia, Africa, and Europe. It has been used throughout its history for both culinary and medicinal purposes.
Garlic’s health benefits and uses (http://www.garlic-central.com/garlic-health.html):
- A natural antibiotic.
- Aged garlic can have a powerful antioxidant effect.
- Used extensively in herbal medicine.
- Considered by many as a “wonder drug” as it has a reputation of preventing the common cold and flu.
- Used to treat symptoms of acne.
- Raw garlic can help manage high chloresterol levels.
- Can be used as an effective natural mosquito repellant.
Garlic’s negative side effects (http://www.garlic-central.com/garlic-health.html):
- Produces the classic “garlic breath.”
- Used to excess, eating raw garlic can irritate or damage the digestive tract.
- Allergy to garlic can cause skin rash, temperature and headaches.
- Eating garlic prior to surgery can potentially disrupt anti-coagulants.
- When combined with a medication used to treat HIV/AIDS, eating garlic can be potentially harmful.
Additional information on the use and health benefits of garlic can be found in
