Medicinal History of Chives

Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) have been used medicinally for thousands of years. The Romans were big on the herbs anti-inflammatory and curative properties, whereas some cultures believed chives to have magic powers and used them in fortune telling and to ward off disease and evil.

Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum) are native to the Chinese province of Shanxi and spread across China and Asia, becoming a valued medicinal herb. The Chinese believed Garlic chives to have aphrodisiac and libido enhancing powers, for treating erectile dysfunction. In India the whole plant (including roots) was traditionally used to treat coughs and colds, as a digestive and detoxifier. 

Top Five Medicinal Uses of Chives

1. Cancer Prevention

There is increasing evidence that sulphur compounds found in chives may help prevent some cancers by deterring cancerous cells from growing or spreading. Although the amount of fresh chives you’d have to eat to get any benefit would be unrealistic!

2. Bone Health

Chives are a great source of vitamin K which helps keep bones healthy and improves their density. Research indicates that vitamin K may reduce the risk of bone fractures.

3. Sleep and mood

Chives contain both choline and folate. Each of these components is linked to improving memory functions and sleep. Choline helps stimulate sleep and improves cognitive memory functions. Folate (folic acid) triggers the production of uplifting hormones; serotonin and dopamine. Garlic chives have been prized as an aphrodisiac and libido enhancer in antiquity.

4. Skin and hair

Chives have excellent antimicrobial and antifungal properties. They are a good source of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that’s important for skin health. Chives can be used in a smelly, but nutritious, anti-aging (and anti-kissing) face mask. Chive oil, used on the scalp and hair seems to stimulate follicle growth and health.

5. Digestive Health

The antifungal properties in chives can help combat harmful bacteria and yeast in your stomach and maintain a healthy gut. Chives also have antibacterial properties which can protect from various strains of tummy bug, they were traditionally used to get rid of intestinal parasites. 

He who bears chives on his breath, Is safe from being kissed to death.

Marcus Valerius Martialis "Epigrams" (A.D.80)

Parts of Chives Used for Medicine

Both the stalks and leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals. The flowers can be added to salads, used as a garnish or made into a blossom vinegar. To get the most nutritional benefit from chives, you need to eat a lot, therefore the stems are a better bet. When harvesting, cut down each stem to the base of the plant, rather than snipping off the tops.

Active Medical Ingredients in Chives

Chives are packed with a number of health boosting antioxidants. Allicin reduces cholesterol and blood pressure, lutein and zeaxanthin are two flavonoid antioxidants that have been linked with fighting some cancers. Chives are good sources of mood boosting folate and choline and high levels of vitamin K are vital for bone health.

This all sounds great, but you’d need to eat handfuls of chives a day to make a difference! One of the best ways to do this is to blend into a smoothy along with other fruit and herbs to disguise the taste.

Chives are toxic to cats and dogs in high doses, keep an eye out for any nibbled leaves.

Important.
Herbs have been used in medicines for thousands of years and a few leaves here and there are unlikely to be harmful. However, if you intend to start taking herbs medicinally or to treat a specific health condition, please seek the advice of your GP and a qualified herbalist, first.