Urginea Indica commonly called squill, Vanapalandu, Jangli pyaz, or Nasivengalaym is a powerful Ayurvedic herb with numerous health benefits. It is native to the Mediterranean region and mostly grows on sandy land that is close to the sea. The health benefits of wild onions and how to use it differently for different diseases are mentioned in various ancient Ayurvedic books.
Wild onion Quick Facts
Name:
Wild onion
Scientific Name:
Allium vineale
Origin
North-western Africa, the Canary Islands, Europe, and western Asia
Colors
Egg-shaped capsules
Taste
Delicious, sweet, and pungent taste
Health benefits
Beneficial for Cancer, Problems with gut health, heart and brain health and Bone Health
Some people call it wild garlic; some people call it field garlic. Whatever you call it, Allium vineale is actually a strong and flavorful vegetable. The flavor and appearance actually resemble those of onion more than garlic. It is a perennial, bulb forming species in the lily (Liliaceae) family and is native to North-western Africa (i.e. Algeria and Morocco), the Canary Islands, Europe, and western Asia (i.e. Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan). The species was introduced in Australia and North America, where it has become a harmful weed. A few of the popular common names of the plant are crow garlic, false garlic, field garlic, scallions, stag garlic, stag’s garlic, wild garlic, wild onion, compact onion, and Koch’s garlic. All parts of the plant have a strong garlic odor.
Wild Onion facts
Name
Wild onion
Scientific Name
Allium vineale
Native
North-western Africa (i.e. Algeria and Morocco), the Canary Islands, Europe and western Asia (i.e. Lebanon, Syria, Turkey, Armenia and Azerbaijan)
Prairie remnants and other areas along railroads, degraded meadows near rivers or woodlands, woodland borders and thickets, vacant lots, grassy clay banks, poorly maintained lawns, and waste areas
Soil
Preferred heavy soil containing some clay. However, other kinds of soil are tolerated as well
Plant Size
30-60 cm tall, but sometimes reaching up to 1 m in height
Bulb
Underground bulb is 1-2 cm diameter, with a fibrous outer layer
Stem
30-120 cm tall, cylindrical and hairless
In Leaf
October to August
Leaf
Slender hollow tubes, 15-60 cm long and 2-4 mm thick, waxy textured, with a groove along the side of the leaf facing the stem
Flowering Season
June to July
Flower
Individual flower is stalked and has a pinkish-green perianth 2.5 to 4.5 mm (0.10 to 0.18 in) long. There are six tepals, six stamens and a pistil formed from three fused carpels
Fruit Shape & Size
Egg-shaped capsules
Reproduction From
Seed, aerial bulb-lets and bulbs
Seed
1/8 inch long, flattened on one side, dull black, and wrinkled
Allium vineale var. compactum (Thuill.) Lej. & Courtois
Allium vineale var. compactum (Thuill.) Mérat
Allium vineale var. compactum Boreau
Allium vineale var. descendens Nyman
Allium vineale var. kochii Lange
Allium vineale var. laxiflorum (Tausch) Rouy, 1910
Allium vineale var. monspessulanum (Willd. ex Schltdl.) P.Fourn., 1935
Allium vineale var. multiflorum Baguet
Allium vineale var. nitens (Sauzé & Maillard) Nyman
Allium vineale var. nitens (Sauzé & Maillard) P.Fourn., 1935
Allium vineale var. pratense Mérat
Allium vineale var. purshii (G.Don) Regel
Allium vineale var. sylvaticum Mérat
Allium vineale var. typicum Asch. & Graebn
Allium vineale var. virens Boiss., 1882
Getuonis vinealis (L.) Raf.
Porrum capitatum P.Renault
Porrum vineale (L.) Schur
Plant Description
Wild onion (Allium vineale), also called scallions, and wild garlic, is an upright, erect, long-lived, perennial, herbaceous plant perennial plant in the Liliaceae family that grows about 30-60 cm tall, but sometimes reaching up to 1 m in height. The plant is found growing in prairie remnants and other areas along railroads, degraded meadows near rivers or woodlands, woodland borders and thickets, vacant lots, grassy clay banks, poorly maintained lawns and waste areas. The plant prefers heavy soil containing some clay. However, other kinds of soil are tolerated as well.
Root
The primary underground structure is a bulb (2/5 to 4/5 inch wide), which produces fibrous roots from the bottom surface. Bulbs are oval or rounded and covered with a brittle, membranous, papery outer layer. Mature bulbs produce 2 types of underground bulblets at the base. Soft-coated bulb lets (1/3 to 2/3 inch long) are white and teardrop-shaped and can germinate the first autumn. Hard-coated bulb lets (1/2 inch long) are light brown, oval, and flattened on one side, and germinate the following spring or later.
Stems
The smooth, waxy stems are erect, unbranched, slender, hairless, and rounded, and can grow 1 to 3 1/2 feet high. Stems are usually solid and become rigid with age.
Leaves
Basal leaves emerge from the bulb, and are 1/2 to 2 feet long, slender, smooth, hollow, and nearly round in cross section. Stem leaves are produced along the lower half of the stem, and are composed of a tubular sheath surrounding the stem and a smooth, hollow, grass-like blade. The blades are flattened at the base, but nearly round toward the end. The sheaths cover the lower half of the stem.
Flowers
Flowers or aerial bulblets are produced in dense spherical clusters (3/4 to 2 inches wide) at the tops of stems. Clusters are initially covered in a papery bract (spathe). Flowers are purplish to greenish (sometimes white), with 6 small petals, and are borne on short stalks above the bulblets. Aerial bulblets are commonly produced in place of some or all the flowers, and are oval or teardrop-shaped and very small (1/8 to 1/5 inch long). They are smooth, shiny, and often develop miniature, tail-like green leaves. Flowering normally takes place from June to July.
Fruits and Seeds
From the flowers, 2-seeded fruits are produced in egg-shaped small capsules also about 3-4 mm long. Seeds are about also about 3-4 mm long, flattened on one side, dull black, and wrinkled. Seeds start ripening from August to September.
Health benefits of Wild onion
If you’re one of those expecting mothers who think you need to be chowing on oranges and pills to ensure sufficient intake of folate, firstly congratulations! Secondly, allium plants are excellent sources of natural folic acid. 100g of fresh leaves is just 30 calories! Those 30 calories is jam packed with many flavonoid antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals like pyridoxine, folic acid, niacin, riboflavin, thiamin, carotenes, Zeaxanthin, lutein, and so much more. Together, they work to strengthen the immune system and protect the body from different types of cancer. Listed are few of the health benefits of Wild onion
1. Bone Health
Just 70 grams of Wild onion provides the daily recommended intake of Vitamin K, which has a potential role in bone health by promoting bone formation and strengthening activity. Sufficient vitamin K levels in the diet help limit neuronal damage in the brain which displays an established role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Protects your heart and brain
Wild onion decreases blood vessel stiffness by release of nitric oxide and brings a reduction in the total blood pressure. It prevents platelet clot formation and has fibrinolytic action in the blood vessels which helps decrease the overall risk of coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular diseases, and stroke. It decreases the production of bad cholesterol and makes your liver very happy. They’re also found to have strong antiviral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial properties.
3. Cancer
Extracts from Wild onion leaves have been shown to prevent the growth of various types of cancers including breast, lung and colon cancer. In this regard, it is more beneficial than regular garlic.
4. Problems with gut health
Like its cultivated relative, Wild onion can be beneficial for gut flora. Your gut flora has an impact on multiple aspects of your mental and physical health.
10 Health and Nutrition Benefits of Leeks and Wild Ramps
Leeks belong to the same family as onions, shallots, scallions, chives, and garlic.
They look like a giant green onion but have a much milder, somewhat sweet flavor and a creamier texture when cooked.
Leeks are usually cultivated, but wild varieties, such as the North American wild leek — also known as ramps — are gaining popularity.
Ramps are popular with foragers and top chefs alike due to their potent flavor, which is a cross between garlic, scallions, and commercially grown leeks.
All varieties of leeks are nutritious and thought to offer a host of health benefits.
Here are 10 health benefits of leeks and wild ramps.
1. Contain a variety of nutrients
Leeks are nutrient-dense, meaning that they’re low in calories yet high in vitamins and minerals. One 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked leeks has only 31 calories (1Trusted Source).
At the same time, they’re particularly high in provitamin A carotenoids, including beta carotene. Your body converts these carotenoids into vitamin A, which is important for vision, immune function, reproduction, and cell communication (2Trusted Source). They’re also a good source of vitamin K1, which is necessary for blood clotting and heart health (3Trusted Source).
Meanwhile, wild ramps are particularly rich in vitamin C, which aids immune health, tissue repair, iron absorption, and collagen production. In fact, they offer around twice as much vitamin C as the same quantity of oranges (4, 5Trusted Source).
Leeks are also a good source of manganese, which may help reduce premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms and promote thyroid health. What’s more, they provide small amounts of copper, vitamin B6, iron, and folate (6Trusted Source, 7Trusted Source, 8Trusted Source).
Leeks are low in calories but high in nutrients, particularly magnesium and vitamins A, C, and K. They boast small amounts of fiber, copper, vitamin B6, iron, and folate.
2. Packed with beneficial plant compounds
Leeks are a rich source of antioxidants, particularly polyphenols and sulfur compounds.
Antioxidants fight oxidation, which damages your cells and contributes to illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
Leeks are a particularly great source of kaempferol, a polyphenol antioxidant thought to protect against heart disease and some types of cancer (9, 10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).
They’re likewise a great source of allicin, the same beneficial sulfur compound that gives garlic its antimicrobial, cholesterol-lowering, and potential anticancer properties (12Trusted Source, 13Trusted Source).
Meanwhile, wild ramps are rich in thiosulfinates and cepaenes, two sulfur compounds needed for blood clotting and thought to protect against certain types of cancer (14Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source, 16).
Leeks are rich in antioxidants and sulfur compounds, especially kaempferol and allicin. These are thought to protect your body from disease.
3. May reduce inflammation and promote heart health
Leeks are alliums, a family of vegetables that includes onions and garlic. Several studies link alliums to a lower risk of heart disease and stroke (17Trusted Source). While most of these studies have tested onions or garlic, leeks contain several beneficial compounds thought to lower inflammation and protect heart health (18). For instance, the kaempferol in leeks has anti-inflammatory properties. Kaempferol-rich foods are associated with a lower risk of heart attacks or death due to heart disease (10Trusted Source).
Moreover, leeks are a good source of allicin and other thiosulfinates, which are sulfur compounds that may benefit heart health by reducing cholesterol, blood pressure, and the formation of blood clots (13Trusted Source, 15Trusted Source, 19Trusted Source, 20Trusted Source).
Leeks contain heart-healthy plant compounds shown to reduce inflammation, cholesterol, blood pressure, the formation of blood clots, and your overall risk of heart disease.
4. May aid weight loss
Like most vegetables, leeks may promote weight loss. At 31 calories per 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of cooked leaks, this vegetable has very few calories per portion. What’s more, leeks are a good source of water and fiber, which may prevent hunger, promote feelings of fullness, and help you naturally eat less (21Trusted Source). They also provide soluble fiber, which forms a gel in your gut and is particularly effective at reducing hunger and appetite (22Trusted Source).
Additionally, research consistently links diets rich in vegetables to weight loss or reduced weight gain over time. Adding leeks or wild ramps to your diet can boost your overall vegetable intake, which may increase this effect (23Trusted Source, 24Trusted Source).
The fiber and water in leeks can promote fullness and prevent hunger, which may aid weight loss. Furthermore, this vegetable is very low in calories.
5. May protect against certain cancers
Leeks boast an array of cancer-fighting compounds. For instance, the kaempferol in leeks is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases, especially cancer. Test-tube research shows that kaempferol may fight cancer by reducing inflammation, killing cancer cells, and preventing these cells from spreading (11Trusted Source, 25Trusted Source).
Leeks are also a good source of allicin, a sulfur compound thought to offer similar anticancer properties (26). Animal studies reveal that ramps grown in selenium-enriched soil may help lower cancer rates in rats (27Trusted Source). What’s more, human studies demonstrate that those who regularly consume alliums, including leeks, may have up to a 46% lower risk of gastric cancer than those who rarely eat them (28Trusted Source).
Similarly, a high intake of alliums may be linked to a lower risk of colorectal cancer (29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source). Keep in mind that more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.
Some studies suggest that leek compounds may fight cancer and that high intake of alliums, including leeks and wild ramps, may lower your risk of this disease. Still, more studies are needed.
6. May promote healthy digestion
Leeks may improve your digestion. That’s in part because they’re a source of soluble fiber, including prebiotics, which works to keep your gut healthy (31Trusted Source). These bacteria then produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), such as acetate, propionate, and butyrate. SCFAs can reduce inflammation and strengthen your gut health (32Trusted Source, 33Trusted Source). Research suggests that a prebiotic-rich diet may aid your body’s absorption of important nutrients, which can boost your overall health (34Trusted Source).
Leeks are a good source of soluble fiber, which feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut. In turn, these bacteria reduce inflammation and promote digestive health.
7–9. Other potential benefits
Although leeks aren’t studied as rigorously as onions and garlic, emerging research suggests that they may offer additional benefits.
May lower blood sugar levels. The sulfur compounds in alliums have been shown to effectively lower blood sugar levels (35Trusted Source).
May promote brain function. These sulfur compounds may also protect your brain from age-related mental decline and disease (35Trusted Source).
May fight infections. Research in animals shows that kaempferol, which is present in leeks, may protect against bacterial, virus, and yeast infections (10Trusted Source).
Although these results are promising, more studies are necessary.
Leeks may help lower blood sugar levels, promote brain function, and fight infections. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits.
10. Easy to add to your diet
Leeks make a delicious, nutritious, and versatile addition to any diet. To prepare them, cut the roots and dark green ends off, keeping only the white and light green parts. Then, slice them lengthwise and rinse under running water, scrubbing away the dirt and sand that may have accumulated between their layers.
Leeks can be eaten raw, but you can also poach, fry, roast, braise, boil, or pickle them. They make a great addition to soups, dips, stews, taco fillings, salads, quiches, stir-fries, and potato dishes. You can also eat them on your own. You can refrigerate raw leeks for about a week and cook ones for around two days. Unlike cultivated leeks, wild ramps are incredibly pungent. Just a small amount of ramps can add a burst of strong, garlic-like flavor to your favorite dish.
Leeks are versatile and easy to add to your diet. You can eat them on their own or add them to a variety of main or side dishes.
Traditional uses and benefits of Wild onion
The whole plant is anti-asthmatic, blood purifier, carminative, cathartic, diuretic, expectorant, hypotensive, stimulant and vasodilator.
The tincture is used to prevent worms and colic in children, and also as a remedy for croup.
Raw root can be eaten to reduce blood pressure and also to ease shortness of breath.
They contain sulfur compounds and when added to the diet on a regular basis they help reduce blood cholesterol levels, act as a tonic to the digestive system and also tonify the circulatory system.
It also may help to regulate blood sugar and is loaded with vitamins and minerals.
Culinary Uses
Leaves raw or cooked are used as garlic.
The bulb is used as a flavoring.
Leaves of wild garlic are foraged to make soups, sauces (similar to pesto), as well as cheeses.
Leaves can also be eaten raw like salad greens.
You can also chop them finely and add them to mashed potatoes the way you might add chives.
Flowers are edible and can be used to garnish salads.
Steamed leaf stalks with buds make an interesting alternative to spaghetti.
Young fruits make a spicy condiment.
Leaves can also be made into a puree with nuts, mustard leaves, olive oil, and lemon juice to make a pesto that can be used with pasta or added as flavoring to stews, burgers, and other meats.”
Leaves could be wrapped around lamb or fish and grilled for a mild garlic flavor.
During the 19th century, wild garlic was used to flavor butter instead of salt.
For a quick bite, the young leaves can be eaten with bread and butter.
Leaves are eaten in spring salads dressed with oil and vinegar, cooked like spinach, or made into a sour soup in Romania.
Other facts
While Allium vineale has been suggested as a substitute for garlic, it has an unpleasant aftertaste compared to that of garlic.
The juice of the plant is used as a moth repellent.
The whole plant is said to repel insects and moles.
Juice of the plant can be rubbed on exposed parts of the body to repel biting insects, scorpions, etc.
Precautions
There have been cases of poisoning caused by the consumption, in large quantities and by some mammals, of this species.
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