Plant Comparison

Garlic vs Perforate St John’s-wort

A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.

First plant
Second plant
Show:
Plant AGarlicAllium sativumAmaryllidaceaeFull monograph →
Plant BPerforate St John’s-wortHypericum perforatumHypericaceaeFull monograph →

At a glance

Garlic and Perforate St John’s-wort: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cold & flu, infection (general), …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.

GarlicPerforate St John’s-wort
Constituents13
Pharmacological actions76
Indicated uses119
Safety notes22
Cited sources4031
Indicated uses
Only Garlic
Blood sugar / diabetes supportCancer (anticancer research)Cardiovascular / heart healthImmune supportMetabolic support
Shared (6)
Arthritis / joint painCold & fluInfection (general)Inflammation (general)Skin irritationWounds
Only Perforate St John’s-wort
BruisingEczemaInsomnia / sleeplessness
Pharmacological actions
Only Garlic
Anticancer (preclinical)Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)AntifungalAntimicrobialImmunomodulator / immune support
Shared (2)
Anti-inflammatoryAntioxidant
Only Perforate St John’s-wort
AntiviralEmollient / skin-soothingSedative / sleep supportVulnerary (wound healing)

Evidence face-off — shared uses

ConditionGarlicPerforate St John’s-wortVerdict
Arthritis / joint pain9/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Cold & flu9/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Infection (general)8/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Inflammation (general)9/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Skin irritation9/101/10Stronger for Garlic
Wounds8/101/10Stronger for Garlic

Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.

Key Constituents

Allicin and organosulfur compounds (ajoene, S-allyl-cysteine)[1, 2, 6, 7, 8]

Allicin (diallyl thiosulfinate), formed enzymatically when raw garlic is crushed, together with ajoene and the aged-garlic compound S-allyl-cysteine, are the principal bioactives behind garlic's antimicrobial and cardiovascular effects — acting partly by raising nitric oxide and by targeting microbial thiol-containing enzymes.

Allicin / organosulfur thiosulfinatesOrganosulfur compounds
Naphthodianthrones (hypericin, pseudohypericin)[4]

Red pigments historically used to standardise extracts; contribute to antiviral activity and are the compounds responsible for photosensitivity risk.

Phloroglucinols (hyperforin)[4]

Considered the principal compound behind the antidepressant activity and the main driver of the herb's potent CYP3A4/P-glycoprotein induction and drug-interaction profile.

Hyperforin
Flavonoids (hyperoside, quercetin, rutin)[4]

Antioxidant flavonoids contributing to overall activity.

FlavonoidsQuercetinRutin

Pharmacological Actions

Anti-inflammatory[2, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]
Anticancer (preclinical)[16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22]

Garlic organosulfur compounds (allicin, diallyl trisulfide, ajoene, S-allylcysteine) induce apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest and inhibit proliferation, invasion and metastasis across leukaemia, breast, colon and other cancers (preclinical); a randomized trial found garlic supplementation reduced gastric-cancer mortality.

Antidiabetic (blood-sugar lowering)[1, 3, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]
Antifungal[8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16]
Antimicrobial[1, 2, 4, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 23]
Antioxidant[1, 2, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16]
Immunomodulator / immune support[2, 3, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24]
Anti-inflammatory[5, 15, 16]
Antioxidant[6, 15, 16]
Antiviral[15, 16]
Emollient / skin-soothing[15, 16]
Sedative / sleep support[1, 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16]
Vulnerary (wound healing)[4, 15, 16]

Traditional & Indicated Uses

Arthritis / joint pain[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]Strong · 9/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 9
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Blood sugar / diabetes support[3, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]Strong · 9/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 9
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
Cancer (anticancer research)[16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22]Moderate · 5/10

Garlic and its organosulfur compounds show broad preclinical anticancer/chemopreventive activity (apoptosis, cell-cycle arrest, anti-invasion); in the randomized Shandong Intervention Trial, 7 years of garlic supplementation significantly reduced gastric-cancer mortality over 22-year follow-up (preclinical + RCT).

Evidence: 5
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
Cardiovascular / heart health[4, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 24]Strong · 10/10
Evidence: 10
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
Cold & flu[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24]Strong · 9/10

inferred from immunomodulator action

Evidence: 9
Label: Cold & flu
Immune support[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 24]Strong · 9/10
Evidence: 9
Label: Immune support
Infection (general)[8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16]Good · 8/10

inferred from antifungal action

Evidence: 8
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]Strong · 9/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 9
Label: Inflammation (general)
Metabolic support[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]Strong · 9/10

inferred from antidiabetic action

Evidence: 9
Label: Metabolic support
Skin irritation[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17]Strong · 9/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 9
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 23]Good · 8/10

inferred from antimicrobial action

Evidence: 8
Label: Wounds
Arthritis / joint pain[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
Bruising[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 1
Label: Bruising
Cold & flu[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 1
Label: Cold & flu
Eczema[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from emollient action

Evidence: 1
Label: Eczema
Infection (general)[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from antiviral action

Evidence: 1
Label: Infection (general)
Inflammation (general)[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Inflammation (general)
Insomnia / sleeplessness[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from sedative action

Evidence: 1
Label: Insomnia / sleeplessness
Skin irritation[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from anti-inflammatory action

Evidence: 1
Label: Skin irritation
Wounds[15, 16]Traditional · 1/10

inferred from vulnerary action

Evidence: 1
Label: Wounds

Safety, Cautions & Contraindications

Safety note[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16]Caution

Garlic is generally very safe at culinary and supplemental doses for most healthy adults. Raw garlic contains allicin (formed when crushed) at concentrations that can irritate the gastrointestinal tract — nausea, heartburn, flatulence, and diarrhoea are the most common side effects, especially with large amounts of raw garlic on an empty stomach. Garlic may inhibit platelet aggregation and enhance anticoagulant effects of warfarin — use caution with blood-thinning medications, especially before surgery (stop 7–10 days prior). May lower blood pressure and blood sugar — caution when combined with antihypertensive or antidiabetic medications. Topical raw garlic can cause chemical burns (contact dermatitis) and should not be applied undiluted to skin for prolonged periods. Odour (from allicin metabolites) affects breath and perspiration. Pregnancy: culinary amounts safe; avoid medicinal-dose supplements due to blood-thinning risk (National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, 2021).

Safety note[9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 25]Caution

Duke (2002) rates garlic as +++ with exceptional clinical evidence (score 3) for antiseptic activity, and score 2 for anti-aggregant (antiplatelet), antiatherosclerotic, antiatherogenic, antibacterial, and antimycotic effects — among the most clinically validated herbal medicines. Commission E approves garlic for arteriosclerosis prevention and elevated blood lipids. Dose: 4 g (1 clove) fresh garlic daily, or 300 mg standardized dry powder extract (1.3% allicin) three times daily. Important interaction: garlic significantly potentiates anticoagulant medications (warfarin, aspirin) due to its anti-aggregant effects; use with caution in patients on blood thinners (Duke, 2002).

Safety note[15, 16]Caution

Significant drug interactions: strongly induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, reducing plasma levels of many drugs including oral contraceptives, antiretrovirals, cyclosporine, warfarin, and digoxin. May cause photosensitivity (fair-skinned individuals). Do not combine with SSRIs, SNRIs, or MAOIs (serotonin syndrome risk). Avoid in bipolar disorder.

Safety note[15, 16, 17]Caution

Duke (2002) rates St. John's wort as ++ (raised from earlier editions) and notes antidepressant, antiviral, antibacterial, and wound-healing activities at experimental and clinical levels. Hypericin and hyperforin are identified as key active constituents. Clinical evidence (score 2) confirms antidepressant efficacy in mild-to-moderate depression, and WHO/Commission E provide approval for this indication. Dose: 300 mg standardized extract (0.3% hypericin, 3–5% hyperforin) three times daily. Duke emphasizes the critical drug interaction: St. John's wort is a potent CYP3A4 inducer and can significantly reduce blood levels of many medications including oral contraceptives, cyclosporine, antiretrovirals, and warfarin. Avoid combined use with SSRIs (serotonin syndrome risk) and pharmaceutical antidepressants (Duke, 2002).

External Ids

Gbif: 2856681
Wikidata: Q23400
Gbif: 3189486
Powo: urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:433719-1
Wikidata: Q158289

Botanical Description

Bulbous perennial herb usually grown as an annual, forming an underground compound bulb ('head') of several angular cloves wrapped in papery white to purplish skin. The leaves are flat, narrow and strap-shaped, greyish-green, arising from the bulb. A tall, leafless flowering stem (scape) may rise from the bulb bearing a rounded umbel of small pink-white flowers, often mixed with small bulbils, though cultivated garlic rarely sets true seed.[1]

Height: 30-100 cm (flowering scape)
Habit: Bulbous perennial herb, usually grown as an annual
Leaves: Flat, narrow, strap-shaped, greyish-green
Flowers: Small pink-white flowers in a rounded umbel, often mixed with bulbils; true seed is rare in cultivated garlic
Stem: Tall, leafless flowering scape when present
Root: Fibrous roots below a compound bulb of several cloves
Fruit: Rarely sets true seed; propagated mainly by cloves
Flowering Period: Summer

Erect, branching perennial herb with paired, oval leaves dotted with tiny translucent oil glands that look like pinpricks when held to the light (giving the species name 'perforatum'). Bright yellow, five-petalled flowers with numerous stamens and black dots along the petal edges are borne in flat-topped clusters, and release a reddish pigment when crushed.[4]

Height: 30-90 cm
Habit: Erect, branching perennial herb
Leaves: Paired, oval, dotted with tiny translucent oil glands
Flowers: Bright yellow, five-petalled, with numerous stamens and black-dotted petal edges, in flat-topped clusters
Stem: Erect, branching, with two raised longitudinal ridges
Root: Woody rootstock with spreading rhizomes
Fruit: Small, three-valved capsule
Flowering Period: June-September (traditionally around St John's Day, 24 June)

Habitat

Believed to originate in Central Asia; cultivated worldwide in temperate and subtropical climates as a garden and field crop, thriving in well-drained, sunny sites.[1]

Grows in grassland, roadsides, woodland clearings and waste ground on well-drained soils; native to Europe, Western Asia and North Africa and widely naturalised elsewhere, including North America and Australia.[4]

Harvesting

Bulbs are lifted in mid- to late summer once the leaves have yellowed and died back, then cured (dried) in a warm, airy place before storage; young leaves and immature flower scapes ('sprouts') can be cut earlier in the season.

Parts: Leaf, Root, Young sprouts
Season: Mid- to late summer for the bulb; spring for young leaves and sprouts

The flowering tops (flower and upper leaf) are cut in summer as the flowers open, around the traditional St John's Day period, and dried quickly in a warm, shaded, airy place to preserve the hypericin and hyperforin content.[4]

Parts: Flower, Leaf
Season: Summer, at flowering

Traditional Uses

Garlic has one of the longest continuous medicinal histories of any plant, used across many traditional systems (Ayurvedic, Chinese, Egyptian, Greco-Roman and European folk medicine) as an antimicrobial, cardiovascular and respiratory remedy, for colds and infections, and as a digestive and immune tonic. This traditional reputation is now among the most extensively clinically studied of all herbal medicines.[1, 9]

St John's wort has a centuries-long European folk reputation as a wound-healing and nerve tonic herb, traditionally used for mild wounds, burns and nerve pain and to lift low mood; this traditional mood-supporting use is now one of the most extensively clinically studied applications of any herbal medicine, with standardised extracts shown comparable to conventional antidepressants for mild-to-moderate depression.[1, 4]

Preparations

Fresh clove[1]

Fresh clove crushed or chopped and left to stand briefly (activating allicin formation) before eating raw or lightly cooked.

Standardised extract/powder[1, 10]

Dried garlic powder standardised to allicin content, or aged garlic extract, taken as capsules or tablets.

Standardised extract[1]

Flowering-top extract standardised to hypericin and/or hyperforin content, taken as tablets or capsules; the best-studied clinical form for mood support.

Dosage

Fresh clove[11]

The WHO monograph on Bulbus Allii Sativi gives an average daily dose of 2-5 g of fresh garlic (roughly one to two cloves), alongside 0.4-1.2 g of dried powder, 2-5 mg of oil and 300-1000 mg of extract as solid material. The EU herbal monograph gives no posology for fresh cloves, so WHO is the source here. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Standardised powder extract[10, 12]

The EU herbal monograph gives, for adults and elderly, powdered herbal substance at a single dose of 300-750 mg for a daily dose of 900-1380 mg divided into 3 to 5 doses; liquid extract 110-220 mg four times daily; and, for the second indication, dry extract 100-200 mg 1-2 times daily (daily dose 100-400 mg). Garlic is CONTRAINDICATED in patients on saquinavir/ritonavir therapy. Not recommended under 18 years for the first indication. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

Standardised extract[1]

Clinical trials for mild-to-moderate depression commonly use around 300 mg of standardised extract three times daily (900 mg/day total); given extensive drug interactions, use should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially alongside other medicines. Educational reference only, not a prescription.

References

REF-2426, REF-2427, REF-2428, REF-2429, REF-2430
REF-0842, REF-0843, REF-0844, REF-1789, REF-1790, REF-1791, REF-1792, REF-1793, REF-1794, REF-1795, REF-1796, REF-1797, REF-1798, REF-1799

Drug Class Interactions

Safety note[26, 27]Caution
Drug Class: antiretrovirals
Mechanism: Garlic supplements reduced saquinavir exposure by about half in healthy volunteers, which could lower the effectiveness of some HIV protease inhibitors.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[27]Caution
Drug Class: anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Mechanism: Garlic has antiplatelet activity (ajoene) and may add to the bleeding risk of anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs; interactions with warfarin have been reported.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[27, 28]Caution
Drug Class: antidiabetics
Mechanism: Garlic may modestly lower blood glucose (a meta-analysis in diabetic patients found reduced fasting glucose and HbA1c); watch for an additive effect with diabetes medication (an interaction with chlorpropamide has been reported).
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[29]Caution
Drug Class: antihypertensives
Mechanism: Garlic can lower blood pressure (a meta-analysis found meaningful reductions in people with high blood pressure); combined with blood-pressure medicines it may add to their effect, so monitor blood pressure.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[18, 19, 20, 21]Avoid
Drug Class: antidepressants-serotonergic
Mechanism: St John's wort raises serotonin activity; combined with SSRIs, SNRIs or MAOIs it can trigger serotonin syndrome (agitation, tremor, sweating, rapid heartbeat). Reviews of clinical reports document serotonin syndrome and lethargy when it is combined with serotonin-reuptake inhibitors.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[18, 19, 22]Avoid
Drug Class: antiretrovirals
Mechanism: Potent CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein induction lowers antiretroviral levels (indinavir exposure fell ~57%), risking loss of viral control and drug resistance.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[18, 19, 23]Avoid
Drug Class: immunosuppressants
Mechanism: Enzyme and transporter induction reduces ciclosporin and tacrolimus levels; reported to cause subtherapeutic concentrations and transplant rejection.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[18, 24, 25, 26]Avoid
Drug Class: hormonal-therapies
Mechanism: Increased metabolism of ethinylestradiol and progestins reduces contraceptive exposure, causing breakthrough bleeding, ovulation and unplanned pregnancy. Randomised and controlled trials in women confirmed more breakthrough bleeding, reduced progestin levels and evidence of ovulation when St John's wort was added to the pill.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[18, 19, 21]Caution
Drug Class: anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Mechanism: CYP induction increases warfarin clearance and can lower INR, reducing the anticoagulant effect; close monitoring is needed.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[18, 27]Caution
Drug Class: cardiac-glycosides
Mechanism: P-glycoprotein induction lowers digoxin levels (AUC fell ~25% over ten days), which may reduce its effect.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[18, 19, 21]Caution
Drug Class: statins
Mechanism: CYP3A4 induction lowers levels of simvastatin and atorvastatin, potentially weakening their cholesterol-lowering effect.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[18, 19, 21]Caution
Drug Class: cyp3a4-substrates
Mechanism: As a broad CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein inducer, St John's wort can lower levels of many medicines cleared by this pathway; check each medication individually.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03
Safety note[20, 28, 29]Avoid
Drug Class: chemotherapy-agents
Mechanism: St John's wort strongly induces CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, speeding the breakdown and removal of several cancer medicines. In patients it cut the active form of irinotecan (SN-38) by about 42% and reduced imatinib exposure by roughly a third - enough to weaken treatment and risk drug resistance. Do not take St John's wort during chemotherapy.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Pairings

Garlic and ginger both reduce blood clotting/platelet stickiness, so taking them together may add up and raise the risk of bruising or bleeding — use caution, especially before surgery or alongside blood-thinning drugs.[30, 31]

Partner Id: zingiber-officinale
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Garlic and ginseng both reduce blood clotting/platelet stickiness, so taking them together may add up and raise the risk of bruising or bleeding — use caution, especially before surgery or alongside blood-thinning drugs.[30]

Partner Id: panax-ginseng
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Garlic and feverfew both reduce blood clotting/platelet stickiness, so taking them together may add up and raise the risk of bruising or bleeding — use caution, especially before surgery or alongside blood-thinning drugs.[30, 32]

Partner Id: tanacetum-parthenium
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Garlic and black seed (Nigella sativa) can each mildly lower blood pressure, so taking them together — especially alongside blood-pressure medicines — may add up and lower blood pressure more than expected. Monitor your blood pressure.[29, 33]

Partner Id: nigella-sativa
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

St John's wort raises serotonin activity and can cause serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonin-boosting agents; pairing it with another mood-active, serotonergic herb such as saffron may add to this risk.[30]

Partner Id: crocus-sativus
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

St John's wort is a strong enzyme inducer and increases serotonin activity; combining it with another antidepressant-type herb such as rhodiola may add to serotonergic effects and unpredictably change how each is handled by the body.[30]

Partner Id: rhodiola-rosea
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

St John's wort speeds up the breakdown of many substances and also raises serotonin activity; pairing it with a sedative herb such as valerian may add to drowsiness and can unpredictably change how each is handled by the body.[30, 31]

Partner Id: valeriana-officinalis
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

St John's wort is a strong enzyme inducer and kava is a liver-metabolised sedative; combining them may add to central-nervous-system effects and alter how kava is processed, so combined use warrants caution.[30, 31]

Partner Id: piper-methysticum
Type: caution
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-03

Lookalikes Review

Outcome: has-lookalikes
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06
Outcome: none-known
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-07

Dangerous Lookalikes

Safety note[34, 35, 36, 37]Fatal
Dangerous Plant: colchicum-autumnale
Confused Part: Spring leaves, when foraging wild garlic (ramsons) foliage before flowering.
Confusion Context: When people gather wild garlic (ramsons) leaves in spring, autumn crocus leaves — which emerge at the same time in the same damp meadows and woodland edges — are the deadliest thing they can pick by mistake. Autumn crocus contains colchicine, a cell poison with no reliable antidote; a few leaves can kill, and poisoning is repeatedly documented from 'wild garlic' that was actually autumn crocus, progressing from stomach upset to multi-organ failure.
Distinguishing Features: Crushed wild-garlic leaves smell strongly of garlic or onion; autumn crocus leaves have NO garlic smell., Each wild-garlic leaf grows singly on its own slender stalk; autumn crocus leaves are thicker, stiffer and glossy, several clasped together from a common base at ground level, with no individual stalks., Wild garlic pulls up with a small white bulb and onion-like roots; autumn crocus has no garlic bulb.
Key Test: Crush one leaf with clean hands and smell it: a strong garlic or onion smell = wild garlic (safe); no garlic smell = do not pick it. Hands already smelling of garlic give false reassurance, so test with clean hands.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06
Safety note[38, 39, 40]Fatal
Dangerous Plant: convallaria-majalis
Confused Part: Spring leaves, when foraging wild garlic (ramsons) foliage before flowering.
Confusion Context: Lily-of-the-valley leaves emerge at the same time and in the same shady, damp woodland as wild garlic and are a classic, sometimes fatal, mix-up. The plant contains cardiac glycosides (convallatoxin) that disturb the heartbeat like an overdose of heart medicine, and there is no reliable antidote; foragers who ate leaves they took for wild garlic have arrived at hospital with a dangerously slow heart and low blood pressure.
Distinguishing Features: Crushed wild-garlic leaves smell strongly of garlic or onion; lily-of-the-valley leaves have NO garlic smell., Wild garlic has ONE leaf per individual stalk; lily-of-the-valley has a pair (sometimes three) of leaves wrapped together around a single common stalk, often purplish at the base., Lily-of-the-valley leaves are stiffer and glossier, and there is no garlic bulb underneath.
Key Test: Crush one leaf with clean hands and smell: strong garlic or onion = wild garlic (safe); no garlic smell = discard. Then check the leaves — one leaf per separate stalk (wild garlic) versus a pair of leaves sheathed around one common stalk (lily-of-the-valley).
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06
Safety note[40]Irritant
Dangerous Plant: arum-maculatum
Confused Part: Young spring leaves, when foraging wild garlic (ramsons) foliage.
Confusion Context: Lords-and-ladies pushes up its young leaves at the same time and in the very same damp woods as wild garlic, often mixed in with it. Every part contains needle-like calcium-oxalate crystals: biting a leaf drives them into the mouth and throat, causing immediate intense burning, blistering and swelling — occasionally enough to threaten the airway.
Distinguishing Features: Crushed wild-garlic leaves smell strongly of garlic or onion; lords-and-ladies leaves have NO garlic smell., Wild-garlic leaves have parallel veins running the length of the leaf; lords-and-ladies leaves have a branching net of veins., Lords-and-ladies leaves are arrow- or spear-shaped with two backward-pointing lobes ('tails') at the base, often glossy and sometimes dark-spotted; wild-garlic leaves are smooth ovals with no basal lobes.
Key Test: Crush one leaf with clean hands and smell: garlic or onion = wild garlic (safe); no smell = discard. Reject any leaf that is arrow-shaped with basal 'tail' lobes or has net-like (not parallel) veins — that is lords-and-ladies.
Reviewed By: Omnia Sana (owner-authorized)
Reviewed Date: 2026-07-06

Not documented

References & Sources

  1. El-Saber Batiha, G. and Magdy Beshbishy, A. and G Wasef, L. and Elewa, Y.H.A. and A Al-Sagan, A. and Abd El-Hack, M.E. and Taha, A.E. and M Abd-Elhakim, Y. and Prasad Devkota, H (2020) 'Chemical Constituents and Pharmacological Activities of Garlic (Allium sativum L.): A Review', Nutrients, 12(3), pp. 872. doi:10.3390/nu12030872 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12030872
  2. Shang, A. and Cao, S.Y. and Xu, X.Y. and Gan, R.Y. and Tang, G.Y. and Corke, H. and Mavumengwana, V. and Li, H.B (2019) 'Bioactive Compounds and Biological Functions of Garlic (Allium sativum L.)', Foods, 8(7), pp. 246. doi:10.3390/foods8070246 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.3390/foods8070246
  3. Mejia Delgado, E.M. and Quiroz-Aldave, J.E. and Durand-Vasquez, M.D.C. and Aldave-Pita, L.N. and Fuentes-Mendoza, J.M. and Concepcion-Urteaga, L.A. and Paz-Ibarra, J. and Concepcion-Zavaleta, M.J (2025) 'Immunomodulatory effect of Allium sativum in type 2 diabetes mellitus', World Journal of Experimental Medicine, 15(2), pp. 103481. doi:10.5493/wjem.v15.i2.103481 Meta-analysis / review
    https://doi.org/10.5493/wjem.v15.i2.103481
  4. Majewski, M (2014) 'Allium sativum: facts and myths regarding human health', Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny, 65(1), pp. 1-8. Meta-analysis / review
    https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Allium%20sativum%3A%20facts%20and%20myths%20regarding%20human%20health
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Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.