What are the benefits of garlic? Garlic (Allium sativum) is a common cooking ingredient that possesses some health benefits. Throughout history people have used garlic to prevent and treat a variety of conditions and diseases. Garlic belongs to the genus Allium and is closely related to the onion, rakkyo (an onion found in Asia), scallion, chive, leek, and shallot. It has been used by humans for thousands of years and was used in Ancient Egypt for both culinary purposes and its health and therapeutic benefits.