MALAI POONDU

Malai Poondu (Allium sativum var. ophioscorodon), often called Himalayan Garlic or Mountain Garlic, is a unique form of garlic that grows naturally in high-altitude regions. Unlike common garlic, this variety produces smaller bulbs with a sharp, pungent aroma and a distinct earthy taste. In traditional households and Siddha texts, Malai Poondu has been regarded as a treasured herb due to its rarity and association with mountain terrain. Its presence in folk practices reflects a long cultural connection with the use of wild herbs from India’s hill regions, where nature and healing are deeply intertwined.