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Herbs and Herbal Remedies

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Chives

The Chive is the smallest though one of the finest-flavoured of the Onion tribe belonging to the botanical group of plants that goes under the name of Allium which includes also the Garlic Leek and Shallot. Though said to be a native of Britain it is only very rarely found growing in an uncultivated state. The chive plant is a hardy perennial. The bulbs grow very close together in dense tufts or clusters and are of an elongated form with white rather firm sheaths the outer sheath sometimes grey. The slender leaves for chives appear early in spring and are long cylindrical and hollow tapering to a point and about the thickness of a crowsquill. They grow from 6 to 10 inches high.

The essential oil that is responsible for flavor and medicinal properties of Allium are not as strong in this plant. Chives have less of this oil than larger alliums and has fewer medicinal applications. Chives have been used to battle Anorexia Nervosa and similar eating disorders.

Chives are useful for Anaemia Antiseptic Blood Carminative Digestive Diuretic Spice. Antibiotic properties of the chive plant are attributed to the sulfur compounds. The oils of the chives seem to lower blood levels of low-density lipoproteins the "bad" cholesterol that clogs artery walls. Chives contain some iron and vitamins (chives are especially high in vitamin C) and are mild antibiotic and can also be used as a mild laxative.

Chives

Herbal Remedies

Herbal Books

The Green Pharmacy James A. Duke New £4.59! The Secret Teachings of Plants Stephen Harrod Buh... New £9.30!

The Bach Flower Remedies Step by Ste... Judy Howard New £4.99! Holistic Herbal David Hoffman New £10.99!

Prescription Alternatives Earl L. Mindell New £6.59!   Dictionary of Modern Herbalism Simon Mills New £7.72!

Chives