Description:   Garlic is closely related to onions, shallots, leeks, and chives, and is part of the onion genus, Allium. It is thought to have started out as a wild onion in Siberia, but has now grown into its own across the world for its fragrance and flavor. It is a tall perennial plant that grows 3 feet in height, and has solid, flat leaves. In the Northern Hemisphere, the plant will flower between July and September.

Element: Fire

Astrology:  Mars, sign in Aries   

Associated Deities: Hecate

Lore:  Since ancient times, garlic has been believed to have protective power against hostile magic and malignant spirits. It has also been used as an aphrodisiac in ancient Egypt. Its use has been widely documented in other major civilizations, including Babylonians, Greeks, Roman, and Chinese. The original Olympic athletes were given garlic, possibly the earliest known use of “performance enhancing” in sports. 

Safety: Concentrated forms, such as capsule, should not be digested by anyone who is pregnant or nursing

Parts Used:  Bulb

Magical Uses:  

• A braid of garlic strung in the kitchen can be used to ward off hostile forces, while also encouraging health and happiness within the home. Change the braid yearly
• Add a clove of garlic to a mojo bag for increased strength
• Use in spells for the following:
• Invoke courage 
• Face conflict
• Exorcism
• Spell breaking
• Protection
• Strength
• Invoking passion

Medical uses:
***DISCLAIMER: Do not use as a substitute for actual medicine. Please talk to your doctor before use.***

• Take to help aid immune system and boost recovery time of the common cold and flu
• Garlic supplements can significantly aid in reducing high blood pressure
• Garlic can aid in lowering both total and LDL cholesterol
• High doses of garlic supplements have shown to increase antioxidants
• Garlic has high antibiotic properties
• Garlic is currently used to also help conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, and heart attacks.