You’ve probably heard the old myth that garlic repels vampires, but is there any truth behind this? There’s no scientific evidence to support the existence of vampires or their aversion to garlic. However, the myth likely has roots in garlic’s longstanding reputation for warding off illnesses, insects, and even some individuals.
From Ancient Crop to Folk Healer
Garlic (Allium sativum) is one of the world’s oldest cultivated crops. It originated in central Asia, which is located in modern Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. It may have also grown wild from Eastern Europe to Northern Africa and across Southern and Eastern Asia. People have gathered wild garlic for food and cultivation for thousands of years, and it is a tradition that continues to this day.
Before people knew about harmful microorganisms (pathogens), diseases plaguing human communities were a mystery. Many cultures blamed illness on evil spirits or supernatural forces. In societies before germ theory, these beliefs, sometimes called ‘moral vitalism,’ offered a way to understand, predict, and even try to control the spread of disease.
In this search for protection, garlic may have become much more than a flavorful ingredient. It was eaten and applied to the skin for its medicinal properties across many ancient cultures. Historical evidence suggests that garlic was used by the Sumerians, Tibetans, Romans, Assyrians, Slavs, and Arabs, as well as in ancient China, Egypt, Greece, India, and Israel. People turned to garlic to prevent or treat a wide range of ailments, from headaches and high blood pressure to coughs, insect bites, skin conditions, and digestive disorders.
Garlic and Modern Medicine
More recently, scientific interest in garlic and its potential health benefits has grown considerably. Studies have shown that garlic may offer many health benefits, including antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It may also help fight cancer, lower blood pressure, and regulate blood sugar levels. Garlic capsules and tablets can interact with medications and may be unsuitable for people with health conditions such as bleeding disorders, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, allergies, and for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not medical advice. It’s very important to consult your healthcare provider before using garlic supplements to ensure they are safe and appropriate for you.
The Power Within: Alliin, Allicin, and Ajoene
Garlic’s famously pungent aroma and unique flavor come from its wide array of sulfur compounds—over thirty have been identified in pharmacological studies. Garlic contains alliin, which is odorless. However, when garlic is cut or crushed, alliin quickly transforms into allicin. Allicin is credited with garlic’s antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-cancer, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and heart-protective effects, and also its signature smell. Allicin can turn into ajoene, which may help lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, and slow the growth of some cells. Together, these compounds help explain why garlic’s legendary powers may have a surprising basis in science.
Nature’s Garlicky Repellent
Beyond protecting us from germs and certain health problems, the same sulfur compounds that make garlic valuable for medicine and cooking may also help it work as a natural insect repellent. Studies have shown that garlic essential oil and extracts can repel insects like mosquitoes and mealworm beetles.
Eating lots of garlic may also repel mosquitoes. Once eaten, compounds found in the garlic are metabolized and then released through our skin and breath. Beware of the dreaded garlic breath! While more research is needed, it’s believed these sulfur compounds may help drive off not only insects and sometimes unwelcome people. With garlic’s potential ability to ward off pathogens, health conditions, insects, and even people, the science behind its supernatural power against vampires starts to make a little more sense.
Stay Tuned! If You Dare
Eager to discover more about vampires? Keep an eye out for our upcoming blog. We’ll explore how folklore, medicine, and the natural and supernatural worlds are intertwined. Dare to join us… Mwahaha!
Creamy Garlic Lentil Soup
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Serves 8 – 10 |
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp olive, canola, or avocado oil
- 1 large yellow or white onion, diced
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 large carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 cups dried red lentils
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock
- 1/3 cup white wine (or additional stock)
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp parsley, chopped (garnish, optional)
Directions
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown. Be careful not to burn the onion.
- Stir in garlic, carrots, and celery; cook until vegetables are softened, about 2 – 5 minutes.
- Add seasonings, lentils, and stock. Cover and cook until the mixture bubbles. Reduce the heat and simmer until lentils are creamy, about 15 – 20 minutes.
- Use an immersion blender, or add the cooled soup in batches to a standing blender, and blend until the desired texture.
- Add salt and pepper, and wine. Adjust seasonings, and thin with extra stock or water, if needed.
- Serve hot and garnish with parsley. Enjoy!
Adapted from Garlic Garlic Garlic written by Linda & Fred Griffith
Nutrition
Serving size: 1.4 cups | Calories: 246 | Total Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: will vary | Total Carbohydrates: 35g | Dietary Fiber: 15g | Added Sugar: 0g | Protein: 12g | Vitamin C: 6mg | Iron” 4mg | Potassium: 547mg |
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