Wild Garlic: Definitions, Properties, and Benefits?

Wild garlic, known by its Latin name Allium ursinum, literally garlic of the bears, belongs to the Alliaceae family, now classified under the Amaryllidaceae. We know that wild garlic was already in use during the Mesolithic period, some 9,500 years ago. This wild garlic is among the first nutritious plants to emerge at the end of winter. Given that humans’ earliest knowledge of herbal medicine came from observing animal behavior, it is not unlikely that bears actually fed on this plant.

Wild garlic is found throughout Europe and temperate Asia. It is specific to woodlands, where it grows in colonies, sometimes covering cool, damp woodlands along streams as far as the eye can see, especially in western and central France. Wild garlic is a bio-indicator of preserved alluvial valley forests.

The plant grows to a height of 10 to 50 cm. Its stem is round with long, ribbon-like leaves, often grouped in pairs, emerging directly from the ground. The leaves are glossy on top and matte underneath. The main vein, in the center of the leaf, is prominent on the underside. Its inflorescences are characteristic of the Allium genus: very rounded umbels composed of small white, star-shaped flowers with six petals and a green center. This flowering, which occurs between May and June, attracts many pollinating insects due to its abundance of pollen and nectar. Wild garlic could be mistaken for toxic plants such as colchicum, lily of the valley, Solomon’s seal, ornithogalum, or arums, but none of these plants possess the characteristic garlic odor that the plant emits. This is therefore the best way to tell whether you are harvesting wild garlic or another plant that resembles it.

When harvesting, which takes place from April to June, it is important to pick only what you need and not to remove the root. Unfortunately, we sometimes see areas ravaged by unscrupulous people. Foraging in the wild requires ethical behavior!

Another way to get wild garlic is to grow it at home. As long as it’s in moist but well-drained soil rich in organic matter, in partial shade, wild garlic can grow almost anywhere. It withstands sub-freezing temperatures (-34°C); it is therefore a hardy plant.

The leaves are the main part harvested, but the flower is also edible, though it’s best to leave it for pollinators, who love it. The bulb is also left in the ground so the plant can continue to produce, thereby preserving the colonies. Unlike cultivated garlic, where the bulb is consumed, here it is the leaves that are most valuable, combining medicinal properties with culinary delight. Wild garlic has properties similar to cultivated garlic, but its hardiness seems to multiply its benefits.

As with cultivated garlic, it is the sulfur compounds—specifically alliin and diallyl disulfide, which is a powerful antibacterial agent. Since these are highly volatile compounds, only fresh leaves provide benefits; once dried, they lose much of their properties. Wild garlic leaves also contain vitamin C, selenium, adenosine, a powerful antimicrobial, and flavonoids, which are antioxidants. The leaves help in particular to: 

Lowering cholesterol, thanks to sulfur compounds that prevent cholesterol deposits from forming in the blood, thereby preventing cardiovascular events and atherosclerosis.

Blood pressure regulators and Blood thinners by dilating blood vessels, which prevents blood platelets from clumping together, thereby preventing the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, thrombosis, and other blood clotting disorders.

Antiseptic against viral infections, particularly the flu, and respiratory infections such as emphysema and bronchitis.

Disinfectants and anthelmintics, in the intestines, Stimulants of gastric juice secretion, which helps alleviate chronic and acute diarrhea, bloating, and other stomach aches and intestinal disorders, and relieves the liver.

Purifying, diuretic (increases urine output) and detoxifying; which also helps resolve certain skin problems (just like Burdock). Like Artichoke, Wild Garlic is a plant detox ideal for spring, caring for the liver at the same time.

To make wild garlic vinegar, macerate 30 g of fresh leaves in 25 cl of wine vinegar for about ten days.

People taking anticoagulant medications should use wild garlic with the utmost caution. It is also contraindicated in cases of urinary or gastric irritation.

Echinococcosis is a zoonosis, an animal disease that can be transmitted to humans through contaminated fox feces. Infection is relatively rare because most people are resistant to this tapeworm.

Since wild garlic alters blood clotting parameters, it is strongly discouraged before surgery.