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Article: Gorgeous garlic: the use of garlic dates back over 4,000 years, when it was most often thought to keep evil at bay. Today research shows garlic has many health benefits, and it doesn't take a culinary genius to know this vegetable can enliven almost any meal.(LIFESTYLES)
- Article from:
- Swiss News
- Article date:
- January 1, 2006
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2006 Swiss News. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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In folklore, garlic was thought to bring good luck and protect against evil. The smell was said to ward off sorcerers, werewolves and warlocks, as well as vampires.
An Egyptian papyrus from 1,500 B.C. recommends garlic for 22 ailments. The Egyptians fed it to slaves building the pyramids, to increase their stamina. In ancient Greece and Rome, garlic was said to repel scorpions, treat dog bites and bladder infections, and cure leprosy and asthma. In the Middle Ages, garlic was even thought to prevent the plague.
Nature's antibiotic
Beyond superstition, modern research has confirmed much of what our ancestors believed and practised regarding the ...