Uses of Wild Garlic
Wild Garlic
Also known as Wood Garlic, Ransomes, Ramsons, Devil's Posy, Onion Flower, Stinkplant and Bear's Garlic. Front the family Liliaceae.
Wild garlic is a native of Europe and Asia, naturalized in many countries in the Northern hemisphere including Britain and North America.
Species Allium ursinum
Wild Garlic
Hardy perennial. Ht 36-45cm (12-18in). Clusters of white flowers in spring and summer.
Medicinal
It has been shown to reduce blood pressure; evidently it is useful in guarding against strokes. It has also been successful in controlling diarrhoea, dysentery, TB, whooping cough, typhoid and hepatitis. Effective against many fungal infections and it can be used to expel worms. It has even been shown to lower blood sugar levels, suggesting a use in controlling diabetes.
Herbalists consider garlic to be a first-rate digestive tonic and also use it to treat toothache, earache, coughs and colds. A decaying tooth will hurt less if packed with garlic pulp until treatment can be obtained.
Externally, garlic can be applied to insect bites, boils and unbroken chilblains but it may cause an allergic rash if used for too long.
Pests and Diseases
Mostly wild garlic is free from pests and disease
Cultivation
Propagation
Seed
It is better to sow straight into the garden.
Division
Divide established plants early autumn, when the flowers have died back.
Maintenance
Spring: If the plant is getting invasive dig up.
Summer: Divide plants in late summer, when the plant has died back.
Autumn: Sow seed.
Winter: No need to protect this herb as it is fully hardy.
Garden Cultivation
Wild garlic likes a moist, fertile soil in a semi-shady to shady spot in the garden. Sow the seed in autumn where the plants are to grow and cover them lightly with soil. Germination will take place in early spring. Wild garlic self-seeds easily; in wet areas it can be invasive.
Culinary
Pick from end-spring for use in salads, soups or as a vegetable.
Other Uses
Traditionally, as a liquid household disinfectant. |
