Chives, Allium schoenoprasum

Pseudomonas, E. coli, and Candida. Roots work to kill Staphylococcus, Bacillus, Salmonella, E. coli, and Micrococcus as well as athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch. It can be taken internally and externally. Anti-Parasitic and Malaria: Chicory root alcoholic extractions eliminate intestinal worms and the protozoan responsible for cerebral malaria (Plasmodium falciparum). The roots contain lactucin and lactucopicrin, both anti-malarials. Liver and Gallbladder Disorders: The leaves, seeds, and roots of chicory are used to treat liver disorders. They are hepatoprotective. They promote the secretion of bile, treat jaundice, and treat enlargement of the spleen. They help fatty liver and to detox the liver. Diabetes: Chicory leaf tincture, leaf powder, or a whole-plant alcoholic extraction helps regulate insulin levels, stimulate insulin secretion, and lower blood glucose levels. Digestive Problems and Ulcers: Chicory coffee or tea made from the roots helps treat digestive problems and ulcers.

Skin Eruptions, Swellings, and Inflamma-

tions: For external use, wash blemishes with a chicory leaf infusion or apply crushed leaves as a poultice to areas of inflammation. Many people report that chicory infusion used as a wash nourishes the skin and gives it a more radiant and youthful appearance. It can be used as a face and body wash daily. Harvesting: Only harvest plants that have not been exposed to car fumes and chemical spray along roadsides. Leaves and flowers are easily picked throughout the season. Harvest the roots in the late autumn. Loosen the soil around the base of each plant, grab the plant at the base, and pull up as much of the tap root as possible. Clean and use them fresh or cut and dry them for future use. Warning: Chicory can cause contact dermatitis in some people. It also causes skin irritations and rashes in some people if taken internally. Avoid chicory during pregnancy; it can stimulate menstruation. Chicory can interfere with beta-blocker drugs for the heart. Recipes. Chicory Coffee: Clean the roots and chop them into small pieces. Lay them out on a cookie sheet to roast. Roast them in a very slow oven or over a fire. When the roots are completely roasted and dried throughout, grind them into a powder. Store the powder sealed in a cool, dry place. Brew like you would coffee.

Allium schoenoprasum belongs to the Amaryllidaceae (Amaryllis) Family. It is a close relative of garlics, shallots, and leeks. These herbs are often cultivated in home gardens, but also occur wild in many areas. They are widespread across North America, Europe, and Asia. They are mostly used as a culinary herb. Identification: Chives are bulb-forming plants that grow from 12 to 20 inches (30 cm to 50 cm) tall. Their slender bulbs are about an inch (2.5 cm) long and nearly 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) across. They grow from roots in dense clusters. The stems are tubular and hollow and grow up to 20 inches (50 cm) long and about an inch across. The stems have a softer texture before the emergence of the flower. Chives have grass-like leaves, which are shorter than the stems. The leaves are also tubular or round in cross-section and are hollow, which distinguishes it from garlic chives, Allium tuberosum. Chives usually flower in April to May in southern regions and in June in northern regions. Its flowers are usually pale purple and grow in a dense inflorescence of 10 to 30 flowers that is ½ to 1 inch (1.25 cm to 2.5 cm) wide. Before opening, the inflorescence is typically surrounded by a papery bract. Fruits are small, 3-sectioned capsules. The seeds mature in the summer.

Edible Use: The leaves, roots, and flowers are all edible. Leaves have a mild onion flavor.

Medicinal Use: Chives have similar medical properties to those of garlic but are weaker overall.

For this reason, it is used to a limited extent as a