Chives belong to the Allium family and consist of underground stems and bulbs. The leaves of this plant appear only in spring. The flowers of this plant are lavender in color. The stalks of this plant are used in cooking and have a taste somewhat similar to the taste of onion.
Skin Benefits of Chives:
Anti-ageing benefits:
Chives are rich in Vitamin C and E, which have great antioxidant properties. These vitamins help in reversing the harmful; effects of the free radicals in the body, which can cause damage to the cells and aging of the skin. Ancient Romans used this plant to treat sunburns. So consume chives regularly and this will prevent aging of the skin, like the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the skin. This way you will stay young looking for a longer period of time.
Facial mask for dry skin:
If you have a dry skin, chives will help you treat it. Use a face mask made of chives and you will soon have a skin that is well moisturized and smooth. Make a puree of chives and apply this on your face as a mask. Keep it for about 30 minutes and ten wash off with water. Then apply a good moisturizer on your face.
Heals wounds:
Vitamin C is found abundantly in chives. This is a water soluble vitamin and a good antioxidant. This is beneficial for improving the elasticity of the blood capillaries and the skin. It also prevents bruising of the skin and heals the wounds faster.
Radiant skin:
Chives are rich sources of beta-carotene, which helps in getting rid of acne and providing you a blemish free and glowing skin.
Hair Benefits of Chives:
Strengthens the hair follicles:
Chives are good for keeping your hair strong and healthy. It helps in increasing the flow of blood in to the scalp and the hair roots, and thus increases hair growth. Chives also prevent breakage of hair, so that you have thick and shiny hair. Chives are good for preventing itching of the scalp as well.
Treatment of dull hair:
If you are worries about your dull hair, try chive oil hair mask and soon you will have a shiny hair that is bouncy and healthy. Here is how you can make the hair mask:
- Take a handful of chives and boil it with water for about 30 seconds.
- Now take out the chives from the boiling water and put them into a bowl containing icy water. Keep them for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Now squeeze out the water from the chives and then put them in a blender.
- Add half a cup of virgin olive or canola oil to it.
- Blend well and then strain it to remove the chive meat from the oil.
- Apply the oil thus you get on your scalp and hair. Make sure that you apply it from the roots of the hair to the tips.
- Let it remain on your hair for about 30 to 60 minutes.
- Now wash off with a mild shampoo, followed y conditioner.
Treatment of hair loss:
By using chive hair masks, you can reduce hair loss and also increase hair growth. Chive juice has the ability to increase the circulation of blood in the scalp and thus prevent loss of hair. All you have to do is to apply fresh juice of this plant in to your hair and scalp. Massage your scalp gently with spur finger tips. Let it remain on your hair for 30 to 60 minutes and then shampoo your hair. Do this for at least two weeks to get the desired result.
Health and Medicinal Benefits of Chives:
Aids in digestion:
Chives are rich sources of dietary fiber and provide you with enough roughage. This helps in preventing constipation, as well as other problems of the digestive tract. Chives enhance the functioning of the digestive system by eliminating bacteria, fungi and yeast that thrive in the intestinal tract. Chives are also rich sources of magnesium, zinc, potassium, phosphorous, copper, iron etc, which aid in proper digestion of the food you consume.
Anti-inflammatory properties:
The anti-inflammatory properties of chives help in reducing rheumatoid arthritis, which is common with age. The juice of this plant is a good insect repellent and also applied on wounds caused by fungal infections. The Vitamin C and E present in this plant keeps your immune system strong.
Anti-carcinogenic properties:
Chives have the power to reverse the effects of cancer causing substances. This is because they contain many antioxidants that act against the free radicals that cause the growth of cancer cells and tumors. Chives stimulate the body to produce glutathione, which can detect and get rid of cancer causing elements and toxins from the body.
Antibiotic properties:
Chives have antibiotic properties which have the ability to kill harmful microbes present in the body. Including chives in your daily diet protects you from common cold, yeast infections and flu.
Bone health:
Vitamin K is essential for healthy bones and chives are rich sources of this vitamin. It is needed for the production of osteocalcin, which is required for ensuring proper bone mineral density.
Beneficial for circulatory system:
The presence of flavonoids in chives helps in keeping the blood pressure within normal levels. So it is very beneficial for those suffering from hypertension. The suphides in this plant reduce the blood lipids and blood pressure. It is also rich n Vitamin C, which maintains the elasticity of the blood capillaries and the absorption of iron in the body. Folic acid in chives prevents the contraction of blood vessels and thus improves the circulation of blood. Blood clotting is also prevented by chives.
Cardiovascular benefits:
Allicin, which is an organosulfur, is found in high quantities in chives. This can reduce the level of LDL or bad cholesterol in the body and increase the amount of HDL or good cholesterol. As a result, the risk of heart diseases and strokes is greatly reduced. Allicin also helps in reducing blood pressure and prevent the deposit of calcium in the arteries. Vitamin B6 in chives is beneficial in lowering the levels of homocysteine in the blood.
