🏛️Ancient Babylonian Medicine

Leek (Karashu)

Allium porrum

About Leek (Karashu)

Leek (Karashu) (Allium porrum) is a herb used in the Ancient Babylonian Medicine tradition to help with Immune Support, Digestive Issues, Cholesterol, and Kidney Support, among 1 other condition it addresses. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Allium polyanthum, called the many-flowered garlic, is a Mediterranean species of wild onion native to Spain, France, Italy, Morocco, and Tunisia. It is widely cultivated for its edible and potently aromatic bulbs and foliage.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Leek (Karashu) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Leek (Karashu) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Leek (Karashu) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Leek (Karashu) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Leek (Karashu) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Use Caution

This herb has blood-thinning (antiplatelet/anticoagulant) activity. These are generally used cautiously in pregnancy and are typically discontinued in the weeks before delivery due to bleeding risk — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.

Breastfeeding

Likely Safe

Blood-thinning herbs are generally considered lower-risk during breastfeeding than in late pregnancy, though caution is still reasonable, especially at concentrated doses.

Children

Use Caution

Blood-thinning herbs are generally used cautiously in children, particularly around any planned surgery or dental work.

Contraindications

  • Autoimmune conditions (lupus, MS, RA) — may overstimulate immune response
  • Pre-surgery — discontinue at least 2 weeks prior (potential antiplatelet effect)
  • Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function

Warnings

⛔ Heart & Blood Pressure Medications

May interact with antihypertensive drugs, blood thinners, or cardiac medications. Do not combine without medical guidance.

⚠️ Kidney Disease

Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.

⚠️ Allergic Reactions

Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

⚠️ Not Medical Advice

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

Drug & herb interactions

May affect immune activity

Watch for: Immunosuppressants (for transplant or autoimmune conditions)

Immune-stimulating herbs can work against immunosuppressive therapy.

May thin the blood

Watch for: Anticoagulants (warfarin), antiplatelets (aspirin, clopidogrel), and other blood-thinning herbs or supplements (ginkgo, garlic, fish oil, vitamin E)

Combining blood-thinning substances can increase bleeding risk, including before surgery or dental work.

May have a diuretic effect

Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium

Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.

Where to find in nature

Native region

Various global regions

Climate

Varied

Habitat

Cultivated in traditional medicinal gardens, botanical gardens, and herb farms worldwide

🌿 To see Leek (Karashu) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

Where to buy

In store

  • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
  • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
  • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
  • Farmers markets with herb vendors

Online

iHerb

Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

Mountain Rose Herbs

Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

Starwest Botanicals

Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

Herb Pharm

High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

Amazon

Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

Etsy

Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

Quality tips

When buying Leek (Karashu), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.