Botanical Index No. 848

Ramson, Bear Garlic

allium ursinum

Medicinal Actions

ACE Inhibitor, Antiaggregant, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Cardioprotective, Cyclo-oxygenase Inhibitor, Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Hypocholesterolemic, Hypotensive, Lipolytic, 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibitor, Tonic

Primary Conditions Treated

Asthma Atherosclerosis Bacteria Bronchosis Cardiopathy Catarrh Cold Cramp Dermatosis Dyspepsia Enterosis Fever Flu Gas Gastrosis High Blood Pressure High Cholesterol Hypertony Infection Pertussis Obesity Yeast

General Dosage

Food farmacy; 2–4 g root or shoot 3 ×/day.

Safety & Contraindications

While not covered by AHP, I think it merits their AHP Class 2c. “Hazards and/or side effects not known for proper therapeutic dosages”. Some thiol-bearing compounds in garlic, onion, and their relatives can cause acantholysis in vitro and possibly pemphigus in vivo. Too much may induce flatulence, heartburn, and “thin blood”. Some people are allergic to garlic relatives. Commission E reports foul breath, rare GI disturbances, and allergic reactions. CAN cautions that the sulphides may irritate the GI tract or cause dermatosis.

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