Significance of Garlic
Garlic is a bulbous plant with various implications across different contexts. In Jainism, it is viewed as unacceptable for mendicants when raw. The Purana forbids its use in shraddha ceremonies, while Ayurveda praises it for its medicinal properties, addressing ailments like worms and Vata-disorders. Theravada Buddhism regards it as detrimental for monks and central in nuns' expiation events. Scientifically, garlic, or Allium sativum, is valued for its health benefits, including lowering blood pressure, cholesterol, and its antimicrobial properties.
Synonyms: Allium sativum, Allium, Clove, Bulb, Spice
In Malay: Bawang putih; In Spanish: Ajo; In French: Ail; In Dutch: Knoflook; In Finnish: Valkosipuli; In German: Knoblauch; In Swedish: 痴颈迟濒枚办
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Garlic'
In Buddhism, Garlic is seen as a significant vegetable linked to the nuns' expiation rituals, while monks are advised against its consumption due to its negative impacts on mindfulness and spiritual clarity.
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) A food item that the monks were instructed not to consume due to its adverse effects.[1]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (2): Bhikkhuni-vibhanga (the analysis of Nun鈥� rules)
(1) A vegetable that is central to the events of expiation for the nuns and is characterized as the Magadha plant.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Garlic'
In Hinduism, garlic is seen as a beneficial herb in healing practices, yet it is prohibited during the shraddha ceremony. It is noted for its medicinal properties, including the treatment of various ailments and disorders.
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) A bulb that is curative of worms, dermatosis, leprosy, Vata-disorders, and Gulma; it is described as unctuous, hot, aphrodisiac, pungent, and heavy.[3]
Jain concept of 'Garlic'
In Jainism, Garlic is viewed as a common bulbous plant considered inappropriate for mendicants, particularly when consumed raw or unrefined, reflecting dietary restrictions aligned with the religion's principles of non-attachment and non-violence.
From: Acaranga-sutra
(1) A common bulbous plant that is deemed unacceptable for mendicants when raw or unmodified.[4]
The concept of Garlic in scientific sources
Garlic, or Allium sativum, is noted for its health benefits such as reducing hypertension and lowering lipids, and is incorporated in the Arogyavardhini compound for enhanced medicinal effects.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) This contains vitamins, minerals, and trace elements beneficial for human health and is claimed to have a healing effect on COVID-19 infection, although evidence is lacking.[5]