1 oz - ZIN: 517697 - The garlic plant ( Allium sativum ), a member of the lily family, has been used since early antiquity in the Orient and Occident as an antiseptic protection against the plague, a potent health supportive for many health concerns of man and beast, a powerful charm against the evil eye, demons, witches, and vampires. In ancient Rome the garlic was dedicated to Mars, the god of war. The Roman legions propagated the garlic in all their conquered lands because it was believed that eating it in abundance gave courage on the battlefield. The English name of the garlic is derived from the Old English gar - spear, and leac - leek.