Garlic Vine Leaves

Garlic Vine (Mansoa allicea), is also known as False Garlic because the leaves when crushed smell like garlic, however, it doesn't smell if the plant is left alone.

An infusion of leaves in decoction is used as a common remedy for cold, flu, pneumonia, cough, fever and headache.

Garlic Vine Uses:

Culinary Uses:

• When the Garlic Vine leaves are younger, they are soft and tender and can be chopped up and used in food.
  
• The older Garlic Vine leaves, which are tougher than the younger ones, can still be chopped up or crushed for use in food.
• The flowers of Garlic Vine can also be eaten, much like zucchini flowers are eaten.

Medicinal Uses:

• The fresh leaves are usually used to make an infusion or tea to help with sickness or inflammatory issues.
• The bark or roots of False Garlic are usually used in decoctions or tinctures, which may aid in the treatment of illnesses, inflammation, or as a laxative or antispasmodic.
  
• The leaves can also be added to a bath to help fight aches, pains, cramps, fatigue, and fever.
  
• Crushed leaves are applied to the forehead to help with headaches.
  
• Leaves were traditionally applied to the body as insect or snake repellent.
  

Garlic Vine Benefits:

• Garlic Vine is known for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, and antipyretic properties and is beneficial as herbal medicine.
• Ailments such as coughs, colds, flu, and pneumonia can be managed through the use of Garlic Vine leaves.