Chives, commonly known as Allium schoenoprasum is one of the smallest members of the Allium family comprising of onions, leeks, shallots, and garlic. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. A typical chive plant is basically a strong-smelling perennial, with underground stems and bulbs. The bulbs grow close together in clusters and have an elongated shape, with white firm sheaths which are sometimes grey on the outside. Allium schoenoprasum (chives plant) have long, slender, hollow and tapering leaves that appear only in spring.

The strong smell of chives plant can be attributed to a number of sulfur compounds. Such as alkyl sulphoxides and allyl sulfides. However, chive sulfur content is lower than that of onion and garlic. The stalks have an onion-like taste and are used in cooking. The unopened immature chives flower buds are diced and used as an ingredient in fish, potatoes, and soups. Chives nutritional value and chives nutrition.

The dull green straw-like leaves are used as a seasoning herb. Due to their mild and less pungent flavor, they are often used to enhance the flavor of soups and sandwiches and fish dishes. However, overcooking should be avoided as the flavonoids present in Allium schoenoprasum get destroyed when exposed to high temperatures. This allium schoenoprasum herb also comprises of insect-repelling properties like other allium containing plants and herb.

Health benefits of Allium schoenoprasum (chives plant) 

• Vision Health

Allium schoenoprasum consists of Carotenes specifically lutein and zeaxanthin that are directly liable for decreasing oxidative stress in the ocular system and postponing the appearance of cataracts in the eye. They are also helpful to prevent macular degeneration, keeping your eyes healthy well into your old age.

• Digestive Issues

Allium schoenoprasum consists of allyl sulfides and other unique organic compounds that are effective for easing digestive discomforts. Chives benefits to help increase the nutrient uptake efficiency of your gut, ensuring that you get as many of the nutrients from your food as possible.

• Immune System Booster

The amount of vitamin C is found in Chives boost the efficiency of the immune system by encouraging the production of white blood cells and stimulating the production of collagen that is an essential component in the creation of new blood vessels, cells, tissues, and muscles.

• Birth Defects

Folic acid is essential for pregnant mothers who want to ensure the healthy development of their infant. Folic acid prevents neural tube defects in newborn infants, and chives are a rich source of folic acid for conscientious mothers.

• Anti-Bacterial and anti-fungal

Allicin, which is not a natural active constituent of Chives (Allium schoenoprasum), is naturally produced by our bodies enzymes after Chives is digested. It is enzymatically produced in less than six seconds by the action of Alliinase, the enzyme that converts alliin into allicin.

Allicin is a well-known antibacterial and antifungal agent found in Allium species that has also exerted anticancer as well as antibiotic effects.

• Heart health

Allicin which is a component of the chives has the ability to lower the low-density cholesterol. And is vital for improving heart health. Also, this element has the ability to lower blood pressure. Quercetin which is also a component of the chives is lowering cholesterol levels in the plaque.

• Bone health

Vitamin K found in chives is a vital vitamin for bone integrity and bone mineral density this is one of important benefits of chives. When we are getting older our organism is getting weaker and can have some serious conditions such as osteoporosis and arthritis. Vitamin K which is a component of the chives can help for producing the osteocalcin which is vital for keeping the bones strong and nice for joint pain relief.

Allium schoenoprasum benefits for skin (chives plant)

• Anti-aging Benefits

Vitamin C and E in chives have antioxidant properties. Chives combat free radicals that cause damage to the cells and are responsible for skin aging. Consuming it can prevent damage by free radicals, thereby preventing signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles.

• Radiant Skin

Being a good source of beta-carotene, chives are effective in clearing acne and hence are great for radiant skin.

Chives benefits for hair (Allium schoenoprasum)

• Treatment of Hair Loss

Chive flowers hair masks have been found to be effective in slowing hair loss as well as improving hair growth and thickness. Chive juice can prevent hair loss by improving blood circulation in the scalp. If you are suffering from hair loss, you can try applying freshly squeezed chive juice directly onto your scalp. Massage your scalp and hair roots with your fingers and avoid scratching your scalp. Wear a shower cap and leave for 30-60 minutes before shampooing. This treatment should be done for up to 2 weeks to determine its effectiveness.

• Strengthens Hair Follicles

Chives stimulate hair growth by increasing the flow of blood to the scalp and hair roots. Chive plant stops hair breakage, giving you a fuller and shinier head of hair. Allium schoenoprasum is also effective in reducing or eliminating any itchiness in the scalp.