Healing plants of Manipur: Chanam (Allium sativum Linn.)

Dr H Birkumar Singh *

String of garlic, Oroso , Galicia, Spain :: Pix - Wikipedia/Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga)

FAMILY: Alliaceae/Liliaceae

VERNACULAR NAMES:
Garlic (English), Chanam (Manipuri), Lasan (Hindi), Lasun (Bengali).

DESCRIPTION:

It is believed that Garlic has been grown since human civilization. A story goes that the Khonum Khoufof who built the oldest Pyramid of Egypt gave garlic food daily to all the labours who constructed the Pyramid to keep all the labours energetic, smart and healthy.

The Hippocrates (460-357 BC) who is known as Father of Medicine wrote the medicinal and superior properties of Garlic. He emphasized the property of Garlic on treatment of Intestinal complicacies. It is reported that the Garlic has been used in China since 3000 BC.

Garlic is an aromatic delicate and bulb bearing annual crop which is generally cultivated. The whole plant is aromatic. It has semi-cylindrical hollow leaves with pointed end. It bears 5-12 bulb-lets in a single bulb.

DISTRIBUTION:

Garlic is believed to be originated from Central Asia. Now-a-days, Garlic is cultivated across the World more prominently and widely in India, China, Ethiopia, Kenya, Brazil, Mexico and Mediterranean regions.

PHYTOCHEMICAL CONTENTS:

The Garlic bulb is having Moisture (62%), Protein (6.3%), Fate (0.1%), Fibre (0.8%), Minerals (1.0%) and Carbohydrate (29.8%). The major Elements and Vitamins present in Garlic are Calcium, Phosphorous, Iron, Riboflavin, Niacin and Vitamin-C. In lesser quantity, Iodine, Sulphur and Chlorine are also reported.

The energy content is 145 calories. As assential oil is present in the bulb of Garlic which is mainly composed of Allyl propyl disulphide, Diallyl disulphide, Allicin, Allisatin-I and Alisatin-II.

HEALING PROPERTIES:

(i) In Manipur, the Garlic paste is applied on wounds for early suppuration & to remove foreign material.

(ii) The Arjuaristha, a Baidyanath formulation used for treatment of Heart diseases is using Garlic as an important constituent.

(iii) In Pakistan, Garlic bulb in cooked with cow milk and given to treat Heart diseases, Flatulence, Whooping cough and Asthma.

(iv) It is reported that Garlic bulb is fried in the seed oil of Sesame –Thoiding-amuba (Sesamum indicum) and given 5-6 bulbs daily to treat Epilepsy.

(v) The bulb of Garlic is fried in Ground nut oil and eaten 5-6 bulbs daily to treat Rheumatism.

(vi) It has been a traditional practice that the paste made of Garlic bulb in mustard oil is massaged on body to relieve from Muscular sprain, Body-ache and small Tumours. The same ailment can be applied o forehead against Headache, Fever and Cough.

(vii) Regular consumption of Garlic is beneficial in controlling high Blood pressure. Eaten the raw bulb is reported having more beneficial effect.

(viii) Regular consumption of Garlic is reported enhancing human Immune system. It can prevent Cancers and if diagnosed with Cancer also, it can enhance the longevity of the life.

(ix) The paste of Garlic bulb is reported very effective against Leprosy and Leucoderma & Bleeding piles.

(x) Regular consumption of Garlic can prevent early falling of hairs and helps in coming up of new hairs.

(xi) The soup made of Garlic bulb in milk is reported highly beneficial in Tuberculosis (TB) and Pneumonia.

OTHER USES:

(i) Both bulb and leaf are very important vegetable/spices throughout the world. It is becoming must item for most of cuisines. In Manipur, the leaf is cooked with dry/roasted/fermented fishes and consumed as a delicacy. It is also prepared local Morok-metpa (Chutney).

PROPAGATION/CONSERVATION/MARKET:

Garlic is generally propagated through bulb-lets but can also be propagated through seeds. It is widely cultivated across the world as a spice. It is extensively cultivated in China and graded as the best amongst the spices. It is sole in local, national and international markets.

NB: Without expert advice, the use of this plant for treatment of the above should be restricted.