Bear’s Garlic – Europe's Super Star Secret!

Bear’s Garlic (Allium ursinum), also known as Ramson’s garlic, is one of the oldest, most revered medicinal herbs known in Europe – but not very well known in the U.S. Most Americans have never heard of this plant – much less consumed it. It is not the same plant as regular garlic (Allium sativum) that we are all familiar with. However, Bear Garlic has an interesting history of cultivation that dates back to the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations. Folklore tales describe how this plant was first discovered for its benefits when people saw bears feasting on huge amounts of the plant to help regain their strength after a long winter hibernation. Later, this lush, green herb became recognized in herbal medicine to help treat disorders of the stomach and intestines and was also used as a blood purifier.

Bear Garlic is unique in several ways. It is a different Allium species than regular garlic (which is commonly grown for its bulbs). However, it is the leaves of Bear Garlic that are harvested for use (not its bulbs). The bulb of the Bear Garlic plant remains in the ground continuously, like a tulip, that re-sprouts year after year. When compared to regular garlic, Bear Garlic is nearly odorless, most likely due to the large amounts of chlorophyll present in its leaves. Interestingly, Bear Garlic is a notable nutritional powerhouse which contains nearly twice the magnesium and phosphorous mineral levels and 15 times more manganese that its regular garlic cousin. It also contains 30% more sulfur compounds than common garlic.

One of the most pronounced benefits of bear garlic is its ability to improve cardiovascular health. This herb demonstrates antiplatelet activity that helps thin the blood as well as keep blood pressure within normal levels. In addition, bear garlic has been shown to lower harmful cholesterol levels, which may help prevent further cardiovascular issues.

Wild Bear Garlic also possesses several important minerals, which may support those who suffer from high cholesterol levels and triglycerides as well as high blood pressure. The plant may have a beneficial impact on the arteries and can help prevent the buildup of plaque on aterial walls. That buildup can restrict blood flow and trigger blood clots if left unattended, so it is important to avoid the buildup of plaque in the first place.

Bear Garlic also contains Y-glutamyl peptides that are believed to stimulate the plant’s ACE-inhibitory potential, an effect that acts on a key enzyme involved in blood pressure regulation. Ajoene, an organosulfur compound, is present in Bear Garlic at twice the level found in ordinary garlic. This agent promotes vasodilation by effecting calcium and potassium channels. Another key compound, adenosine, a special RNA-associated agent, is a staggering 15 to 20 times higher in Bear Garlic. This natural agent supports healthy blood pressure, helps reduce cholesterol levels, inhibits platelet aggregation and protects against toxins.

On top of the cardiovascular benefits, bear garlic also has immune-boosting capabilities thanks to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. This ability can help fight off bodily infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Additionally, bear garlic has been commonly used to speed recovery from the common cold.

Regular garlic, the bulbs that are most commonly found in stores, carries its own unique and powerful health benefits. Because both species (Bear Garlic and regular garlic) contain their own specific, health-promoting properties, perhaps the most dynamic nutritional supplement is one that contains both Bear Garlic and regular garlic, to offer you the perfect cardiovascular and immune-boosting supplement. However, always be sure to purchase your nutritional supplements from a trusted source so that you may be able to achieve your most optimal nutritional outcome.