Garlic

What's not to like about garlic, it tastes good in nearly everything, it is supposedly good for you, and it keeps all kinds of creatures at bay, mostly from the smell truth be told.

— Jasper Cameron, Leader of the Bronze Ravens

On the Usefulness of Garlic

As a seasoned traveler of the world, a dangerous and malevolent place filled with all sorts of things that wish to do me harm in one way or another, there is one thing that I ensure I never depart on a journey without: garlic. Many a seasoned veteran who has traversed treacherous lands, faced down salivating monsters, or delved deep into the arcane mysteries is no doubt familiar with the allure of this versatile bulb.
Its powers are not merely limited to making stew from a roadside inn palatable, no, it is indispensable in making wards and counters to any number of supernatural conundrums one may find oneself in. You don't believe me? Pull up a stool you innocent child.
We must talk about the various ways you can prepare your garlic for your journey or quest. First and foremost you should bring at least 3 heads of garlic with you. This ensures that not only do you have adequate to put in any meals that you make between towns, but also serves to ward off vampires, as well as predators who hunt by smell, for while they will have no trouble tracking you they will not wish to come closer.
Indeed this warding sent is so powerful that it is used in some more remote villages to ward animal pens and grazing fields, as well as graveyards (for obvious reasons). Wait, you didn't know? Most undead hunt by smell, and garlic also wards off the magic that is capable of raising them, when properly prepared.

The Garlic Merchant by Drunkenpanda951 with Midjourney

Next of course you should have no less than 3 different garlic powders, I myself have between 6 and 12 depending on the journey I am taking. Sun dry or smoke the garlic cloves, then use your typical mortar and pestle to powder the garlic. Once powdered place in a container with some rice kernels and you have a wonderful seasoning, as well as a surprise even more debilitating than pocket sand.
This powder can also be mixed with salt, highly recommended, as well as any number of herbs or other alchemical and/or medicinal compounds. I myself have a secret bled for those that like spicier food, that consists of dried garlic, smoked salt, Dwarven Snow Chilis, and a bit of ground ginger. Yes, wonderful seasoning for any warm soup you could make, and strong enough to stop a charging hippo, or any spellcaster trying to complete a chant.
Of course, this is just the mundane preparations. Once you add in magic and alchemics the possibilities are truly staggering. Garlic soaked in holy water and then powdered in a blessed vessel is practically a staple in many an adventurer's arsenal, good against not just undead, but demons and devils also. Mixed in with a smoke bomb and not only is an enemy or animal blinded, but no wolf or bugbear caught in the cloud will be able to track you by scent for at least 4 hours.
Yes, garlic is as valuable as any sword or shield, and some would argue more versatile.