#419 The Stinking Rose

 Fun Fact #419

The Stinking Rose (Halloween Fun Fact)

In the Medieval Age there were many people who claimed to use magic. Yet the issue arose of how places would tell the good (White Magic) from the bad (Black Magic). The simple answer was to ask them to present the  garlic Cloves, as it was “Well known” that Garlic (or The stinking Rose) was the primary ingredient in almost all White Magic and so if you didn't have it then you must draw your power from more nefarious sources. 

While in actuality there is no evidence of Garlic being linked to “Magic” there is an odd quirk which happens when someone consumes garlic. The chemical Allyl Methyl Sulfide (AMS), which is present in garlic, does not break down upon consumption. Instead it is absorbed through the stomach and sent to the lungs and skin where it comes out in the sweat and breath for up to days after consumption. However, most insects are harmed by this smell resulting in them avoiding the person and thus protecting the person from any harmful diseases they may carry. This is likely why it was believed that Garlic had positive magical effects. 

Side note: If you want to quickly get rid of AMS  in your system, try eating raw celery, mint, parsley, or Lettuce which carry chemicals to break down AMS in a matter of hours. For a temporary fix with immediate effects try drinking milk, as it coats the throat masking the smell but not getting rid of it.