Garlic - Allium sativum

Description: white skinned bulb, with each bulb being divided into several cloves. Tall stem with single round pale green or pink bloom.

Use: The parts you want to use are the bulbs (the "root" of the plant). Used for treating high blood pressure, as an antibiotic, as an expectorant and digestive aid. Also used for flavoring and has accumulated many superstitions.

Decoction: used to prepare barks, roots and berries 4 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 2 ounces fresh herb; finely chop herbs in a pan and cover with the water (which should be cold). Bring this mixture to a boil, cover and simmer for about 5 minutes. Then strain the liquid off and press as much of the remaining liquid out of the herbs as possible. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 2 weeks.

Tincture: A tincture is a good solution for long term treatment as will store for up to two years. 8 ounces of dried herb, 1½ cups of alcohol (grain alcohol like Everclear), and 4 cups of water; Chop your herbs up finely and put them in a glass jar with a good tight fitting lid. Pour the liquid over the herbs and tighten the lid. Keep the jar in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every two days. After the two weeks, strain the liquid off through cheesecloth into a clean colored glass jar and store away from heat and direct sunlight.

Medicinal uses: antibiotic, expectorant and digestion, high blood pressure

Used in spells relating to: protection