The name garlic is derived from the Anglo-Saxon words gar-spear and lac-plant that refer to the shape of garlic leaves. Allium sativum is a member of the Liliaceae family, which also includes onions leeks, scallions or chives.
Garlic herbs have a bulb consisting of a cluster of smaller bulbs. The leaves are long, linear and sword shape.
In Bahasa Melayu, garlic named as bawang putih.
In Malay traditional medicine Garlic or allium sativum has been used as an herbal to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, prevent blood clots and ward off arteriosclerosis.
Garlic also has been used since prehistoric times as a spice as well as a medicine to combat microbial and fungal infections, help in cardiovascular problems, stimulate immunological system or stop s tumor growth.
Garlic also helps keep the arteries flexible. Garlic has also been reported to help protect from some infections and particularly useful for digestive system health.
Malay also believes that garlic can help increase the female sexual drive. One of the instructions: pound garlic, young betel and ‘kucai’ until fine and then mix with the water. Add egg yolk. Drink this mixture, every night, about two hours before bedtime.
Allium sativum or bawang putih
