Eating Garlic in Halacha
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Question
Hello, Regarding the consumption of garlic, there is a source in the Shulchan Aruch that suggests caution in eating garlic, and there is a source in the Gemara where Ezra's decree recommends eating garlic. How can these sources be reconciled?
Answer
Hello
I am not aware of a source that prohibits eating garlic, except on the eve of Yom Kippur, because it increases seed and may lead to seminal emission on Yom Kippur.
For the same reason, Ezra decreed to eat garlic on Friday night, as Friday night is the time for the mitzvah of marital relations.
Thus, there is no contradiction between these statements.
Source
Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Bava Kamma, page 82a
Ezra established ten decrees, etc., and they eat garlic on the eve of Shabbat.
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 240
Mishnah Berurah, Siman 608, Se'if Katan 18
(18) Dairy foods - see TAZ, that one should also be cautious with garlic and eggs, as they also increase seed.