wild garlic powder

Herb: Wild Garlic
Latin name: Allium ursinum
Family: Alliaceae (Onion Family)

Medicinal use of Wild Garlic: Ramsons has most of the health benefits of the cultivated garlic, A. sativum, though it is weaker in action. It is therefore a very beneficial addition to the diet, promoting the general health of the body when used regularly. It is particularly effective in reducing high blood pressure and blood cholesterol levels. It is recognised as having a good effect on fermentative dyspepsia. All parts of the plant can be used, but the bulb is most active. The plant is anthelmintic, antiasthmatic, anticholesterolemic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, astringent, cholagogue, depuritive, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, febrifuge, hypotensive, rubefacient, stimulant, stomachic, tonic and vasodilator. Ramsons ease stomach pain and are tonic to the digestion, so they can be used in the treatment of diarrhoea, colic, wind, indigestion and loss of appetite. The whole herb can be used in an infusion against threadworms, either ingested or given as an enema. The herb is also beneficial in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and emphysema. The juice is used as an aid to weight loss and can also be applied externally to rheumatic and arthritic joints where its mild irritant action and stimulation to the local circulation can be of benefit.

t’s been wonderful going out into the front garden and chopping a bunch of garlic chives to add zest to a meal. Here are a few ways you can use wild garlic and garlic chives in the kitchen:

# Add chopped leaves to mayonnaise or sour cream or butter
# Flavour olive oil by soaking wild garlic leaves in it
# Use as a substitute for garlic or spring onions in salads
# Make wild garlic pesto with wild garlic leaves, sea salt, pine nut kernels, freshly grated Parmesan, black pepper and olive oil
# Add to tomato sauces in place of basil
# Make cheese and wild garlic sandwiches for lunch
# Use as a garnish on savoury dishes and soups
# Add to an omelette.