Allium sativum L.

Family: Liliaceae       

Synonym:Allium pekinense Prokh.

Bengali/Vernacular name: Rashun (Bengali), Rown (Noakhali, Sandwip).

Tribal name: Ron (Chakma), Chungfro (Chak), Cher-risun (Khasia), Parun nau (Lushai), Yao-ui (Murang), Masaunau (Pangkhoa), Krasoipru (Marma), Kra-sthway-pru (Rakhaing), Roin (Tanchangya).

English name: Garlic.

Description of the plant: An erect herb, stem much reduced. Bulbs broadly ovoid, 2-4 cm in diameter, consisting of several, densely crowded, angular and truncated tubers. Leaves linear and flat. Umbels globose, many flowered; fruits seedless.

Plant parts used: Leaf,bulb.

Herbal uses: Cottonseed-sized pills made from bulbs of the plant are taken twice a day (two pills each time) for one month to treat asthma.

Juice extractedfrom freshly crushed garlic isused for the treatment ofcold, cough, sore throat, hoarseness, and bronchitis.

Bulb of the plant is used to treat hypertension, wounds, leprosy, piles, and diabetes.

Steam inhalation of chopped garlic and a teaspoon of vinegar in boiling waterused for nasal congestiontreatment. 

Garlic juice diluted in wateris applied externally to prevent hair from turning grey.

Juice extracted from the bulb with common salt applied totreat bruises, and sprains; also used for the treatment ofneuralgia, and earache.

A fresh juice extracted from the bulb is used as antiseptic for control of wound suppuration. 

Decoction prepared from the leaves and bulbs of the plant is used to treat fever, dyspepsia, and worm infestation.

Crushed several cloves and rubbed to affected areas for the treatment of arthritis, rheumatism, and toothache.

Paste prepared from the bulb of the plant is applied to treat headache.

Decoction made from the bulbs of the plant is taken twice a day (5 ml amount each time) for 15 days to treat tonsillitis.

Cottonseed-sized pills made with the bulbs of the plant are taken three times a day (one pill each time) for three days to treat chest pain.

Fresh bulb is eaten as a preventive for tuberculosis.

Distribution: Garlic is cultivated throughout Bangladesh.

Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….