Garlic is a medicinal plant native to Central Asia that is cultivated worldwide for both its flavor and health benefits. Scientifically known as Allium sativum, garlic is a perennial plant with long, flat leaves and white flowers that grows as a bulb consisting of several cloves. It contains chemicals such as allicin that have been shown to reduce blood pressure and increase circulation. Garlic has a long history of medicinal use for treating coughs, infections, and respiratory diseases and is also used to help treat conditions like diabetes, cancer, and atherosclerosis.