#636 The Garlic Warden

 Fun  Fact #636

The Garlic Warden

When it comes to food and Halloween there are few which can match Garlic’s fame. This is in large part due to its use in Eastern European myths as a source of “Good Magic” and a ward against Evil. Heck even in the 1800s it was seen as a protection against “Measma” or “Sickness Air” thanks to its strong odor. 

What's more interesting is there are actual benefits which Garlic brings. For instance Garlic is a great antimicrobial vegetable, which can allow it to operate as a preventative for illnesses like Cholera and Influenza when consumed. Additionally the smell Garlic puts off is highly repellant to insects, mice, and rats which further reduces people’s potential contact with disease. This is why it was common in the Middle ages during times of epidemic to hang garlic from windows and even wear garlic as a necklace. The last time this became extremely common in practice was in WW2 where Garlic was supplied to soldiers in large quantities by the Russians in part for these reasons. It actually became so common it was referred to as “Russian Penicillin”.

Interesting sidenote: in places with a record of birthrates, you do find a correlation between garlic consumption with a lowered birthrate (except Poland but it appears they’re the exception).

(This is a continuation to Fun Fact #419 The Stinking Rose)