The bulb of Allium sativum Linne (nat. ord. Liliacecae).

Habitat

Asia and Southern Europe, cultivated.

Characters

Bulb subglobular, compound, consisting of about eight compressed, wedge-shaped bulblets, which are arranged in a circle around the base of the stem, and covered by several dry membranous scales. Odor pungent and disagreeable; taste warm and acrid.

Composition

The chief constituents are - (1) A volatile oil, 1/4 per cent., which consists of Allyl (C3H5) oxide and sulphide. (2) Mucilage. (3) Albumin.

Dose, 15 to 30 gr.; 1. to 2. gm.

Preparation

Syrupus Allii. Syrup Of Garlic

Garlic, 200; Sugar, 800; diluted Acetic Acid to 1000.

Dose, 1 to 4 fl. dr.; 4. to 15. c.c.

Action And Uses Of Garlic

The effects of garlic are those of a general stimulant, quickening the circulation, exciting the nervous system, and promoting expectoration. It is beneficial in impaired digestion, in chronic catarrhal and other pectoral affections in which symptoms of inflammation have subsided and a relaxed state of the vessels remains.