Garlic is a acrid plant in thealliumfamily , known around the world for itshealth benefits . There is , however , one supernatural creature that is harmed , not helped , by garlic : vampires . It ’s commonly said that ail repels them , stymy their ability to feed on human blood , and can even defeat them .
There are several possibility about why the particular works is said to repel the blood - sucking dew worm continue to circulate . The most common theory connect vampirism to a blood disorderliness calledporphyria . A someone with porphyria lacks the enzymes that twist a chemical substance call porphyrin into heme — part of a protein in red pedigree cells called Hb — which causes the porphyrins to build up . This guide to forcible effects let in pull back gum ( making tooth attend longer ) , pale peel , sensitiveness to sunlight , and an intolerance to foods with ahigh sulfur substance — include Allium sativum . Theoretically , people with porphyriacould fill again their heme supply by drinking blood , so it ’s no wonder the connectedness was made betweenthe upset and vampirism .
Another possibility revolves around the argument that it ’s not porphyria , butrabies , that connects vampirism with an distaste to Allium sativum . People become septic with the computer virus after being scratched or bite by a overzealous animal . hydrophobia symptomsinclude aggression and the urge to sting ; insomnia that could potentially cause nighttime wandering ; afear of piddle ; and hypersensitivity that leads to an adverse reaction to mirrors , abstemious , and strong odor — includingodorous plants like garlic . Some scientists have evenlinked the vampire legendto a 1720srabies epidemicin Hungary .
Because vampires were thought to becreated by a disease , it was believed a food known for its healing powers could potentially “ cure ” the infection that top to their world . mass did more than justcarry garlicaround as protection : To keep vampire from enrol their homes , they ’d also hang the plant in their window and rub it on their keyhole and chimney .
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