Society Garlic

Tulbaghia violacea, commonly known as society garlic or wild garlic, is a versatile plant native to Southern Africa, including KwaZulu-Natal and Cape Province. It's a part of the Amaryllidaceae family and is valued both for its culinary applications and medicinal properties. As a milder alternative to traditional garlic, it adds flavor to dishes without leaving a strong garlic breath, making it popular in cooking. In traditional medicine, it's used for its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cardiovascular benefits, with potential efficacy in lowering blood pressure due to its ACE inhibitory activity. This characteristic makes it a potential natural source of hypertension treatment.

Society Garlic contains bioactive compounds like cysteine derivatives (Marasmin, Ethiin, and Methiin), Kaempferol. it also has chemical similarities with garlic and onions, including the compound Alliin, which is converted to Allicin by the alliinase enzyme, and responsible for the aroma of fresh garlic (although there is no clear indication in any publication to tell if Tulbaghia violacea contains this enzyme as garlic does, which might explain why it taste like garlic but doesn't give you garlic breath). 

The Zulu people of South Africa traditionally consume its leaves and flowers, much like spinach, for both their flavor and health benefits. However, despite its potential, it's important to consult healthcare professionals before using it as a supplement, especially for those with specific health conditions or on medication. Further research is needed to fully explore and validate its therapeutic potential.

The recommended dosage of Society Garlic in milligrams (mg) can vary depending on the specific form in which it is consumed. When taken as a supplement or extract, typical dosages may range from 500 mg to 1,000 mg, usually divided into two or three daily doses. However, if using fresh Society Garlic in culinary applications, the dosage is more a matter of taste preference. Society Garlic is milder than traditional garlic, and its use can be adjusted to suit personal flavor preferences. When using it for potential health benefits, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist to determine the most suitable and effective dosage, particularly if you have specific health goals or dietary considerations.