Wild garlic has been valued for its complexity for over a millennium. It was referred to as ‘bear garlic’ because it was observed that brown bears would feast upon it to wake up its digestive tract after hibernation. This made people see it as such a copious ingredient that could empower the common man and strengthen his bones. It was so highly valued, that Old Irish Brehon laws saw it as the utmost of serious crimes. “A fine of the value of two and a half milch cows for taking wild garlic, seaweed or wild apples from private land without permission.” In modern day, the fine was roughly £2,500-4,500, just for stealing even one stalk of wild garlic, the fine was not just money, it was a social death sentence of debt bondage, reserved only for the working class (labourers).

Wild garlic was used to not only ward off evil spirits for its pungent sulphur; it was crucial for protection against parasites. The allicin disrupted the feeding enzymes of ticks and midges; it also could stop botflies from laying eggs in cattle; it was a natural barrier. It also served as a mild laxative; it would heal wounds and expel the incapacitated parasites from wounds or digestive tracts.

Now, it is not relied on as medicine but seen as a vital ingredient for a natural diet, and to make the most of seasonal greens. Nowadays, it serves as a waking call for spring foraging; it springs up as soon as spring begins and acts as the bugle to signal the charge for these bounties has begun.