Bawang or garlic, is a specie in the onion family Alliaceae.

Bawang is a close
relative of onion (sibuyas), the shallot, the leek and the chive. Bawang has
been used throughout recorded history for both culinary and medicinal
purposes.

Bawang is a low herb, growing to up to 2 feet high. Bawang is widely popular

for its bulbs. Bawang bulbs are broadly ovoid, 2 to 4 cm in diameter,
consisting of several cloves. Bawang leaves are linear and flat. Umbels are
globose, many flowered. Sepas are oblong, greenish white, slightly tinged
with purple.

Bawang has a characteristic pungent, spicy flavor that mellows and

sweetens considerably with cooking. Bawang cloves are used as seed, for
consumption (raw or cooked), and for medicinal purposes. The leaves, stems
(scape) and flowers (bulbils) on the head (spathe) are also edible and most
often consumed while immature and still tender.

Bawang, Herbal Medicine

Bawang has been used as herbal medicine in many cultures for thousands of
years, dating at least as far back as the time that the Egyptian pyramids
were built. Bawang is claimed to help prevent heart disease including
atherosclerosis, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and cancer.

Bawang contains antibacterial compound known as Allicin, Because of this

bawang or garlic is known as nature's antibiotic. Bawang juice inhibits the
growth of fungi and viruses thus prevents viral, yeast and viral infections.
Preliminary test shows Bawang to have some positive results in the
treatment of AIDS.

The Philippine Department of Health has endorsed

Bawang as an alternative herbal medicine for its anti
bacterial properties and its efficacy for controlling
hypertension, blood cholesterol and blood sugar for
diabetics among others.
Medical Uses Of Bawang Herbal Medicine

Bawang - Antiinfectious: Antibacterial, antifungal, antiparasitic. Bawang

juice is applied to the afflicted area. Scientifically ajoene 0.4% cream when
applied topically, has been found 70% effective in certain dermatologic
fungal infections. A 0.6% gel was effective in tinea corporis and tinea cruris.

Bawang - Antiinflammatory and antioxidantactivity when included in diet.

Bawang - Hypertension: Bawang when eaten or chewed raw. Studies

suggest ingestion of Bawang has beneficial antihypertensive effect but
blood-lowering effects probably not dramatic. Other studies show a vascular
benefit through improvement of aortic elasticity and possible slowing of the
rate of atherosclerosis progression

Bawang - Hyperlipidemia: Bawang eaten or chewed raw is found to lower

blood cholesterol. Though still controversial, but probably has beneficial
effect on serum cholesterol and LDL levels. Some studies have shown a 4% to
12% lowering of total cholesterol. Bawang seems to have no effect on high
density lipoprotein (HDL).

Bawang - Anti-cancer: Bawang is studied to have possible anticarcinogenic

properties, specifically for colon, stomach and prostate cancers. In stomach
cancers, probably through its inhibitory effect on H. pylori. In epidemiologic
studies on stomach and colorectal cancer prevention, the garlic use was 3.5
grams to 30 grams of fresh or cooked garlic per week.

Other folkloric uses of Bawang as herbal medicine that needs further

studies for verification:

Arthritis, rheumatism, toothaches: Crush several Bawang cloves and rub on

affected areas.

Headaches: Crush one Bawang clove and apply to

both temples as poultice.
Insect bites: Crush Bawang or cut clove crosswise and rub directly to
affected area.

Athlete's foot.Crush Bawang or cut clove crosswise and rub directly to

affected area.

Fever, Decoction of boiled Bawang leaves and bulbs set to luke warm and
applied to the head and body.

Colds, cough, sore throat, hoarseness, asthma and bronchitis; Nasal

congestion steam inhalation of chopped Bawang and a teaspoon of vinegar
in boiling water.

Fresh Bawang has been used as a complement herbal medicine to INH

therapy for tuberculosis.

Digestive problems and gastrointestinal spasms.

drink an infusion of a peeled bawang clove or can also
be used as suppository.