Just understand that the modern Garlic hasn't been around that long.

As one of the text books put it; the Garlic in German history books was NOT the modern day Garlic but what we call Bear Garlic..

We have known for a long time that Bear Garlic has many benefits..

...but since it cannot be cultivated, it has not gained any superregional importance
http://www.leaflady.org/bears_garlic.htm

FYI: It will only grow in Selenium rich soil with the correct beneficial bacteria to turn Se into Selenomethionine since Bear Garlic supplies SeMC in huge amounts..