Garlic is the edible bulb from a plant in the lily family. It has been used as both a medicine and a spice for thousands of years. Garlicâs most common folk or traditional uses as a. are for high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure.arlic is the edible bulb from a plant in the lily family. It has been used as both a medicine and a spice for thousands of years. Garlicâs most common folk or traditional uses as a. are for high cholesterol, heart disease, and high blood pressure.