One of the easiest herbs to grow, chives never seem to make it into the list of many gardeners, herbalists, shamans or witches which is a shame because for something so easy to grow we really should be making more use of them.
To grow, stick them in a pot of compost and water in. That’s about it! When needing some chives, snip the tops of them which will bring forth new growth. Any yellow shoots can be snipped – these have finished their growing cycle. After three years, dig up the crop and replant if necessary. You may need to break the clump of chives into separate pieces – a great gift to give to another.
Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) are the smallest plant in the edible onion family. They have a long history, coming to the fore in the middle ages when they were believed to keep away evil spirits and disease. Bunches of chives were often hung from bedposts and doors and grown on window
For medicinal use, the chive plant is high in vitamin C and therefore good for preventing colds and flu. In Chinese medicine, chives are a yang food which are warm in nature and pungent in taste. Given their warming nature, they are used to dispel mucus, warm the middle region and to treat impotence. They are also good for the the kidneys and liver and can be used to clear out the digestive system.
Other Names: Allium schoenoprasum
Planet: Mars
Element: Fire
Magickal Uses: Protection against evil