This month's Herbs in Witchcraft post features chives. Closely related to onions and garlic, these tender stems with their beautiful purple blossoms carry their own unique magical and healing properties.
Chives probably appear most commonly in our lives as a garnish for baked potatoes. As a kitchen witch, I love their subtle onion flavor as well as the pop of color, crunch, and freshness they can bring to a rich or heavy dish. Intuitively, I sense that chives carry an energy of healing and vibrancy. Let's explore what the experts have to say.
Healing Properties of Chives
Chives are an allium and are related to onions and garlic, so they carry similar healing properties. These include decongestant, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. There has also been some evidence that they can reduce the risk of cancer, especially of the stomach, esophagus, and prostate.
They can also be used to stimulate the appetite and aid in digestion. They've been used for anemia and as a blood cleanser. Chives have been shown to improve heart health, bone health, vision, and immunity. They're high in vitamin C and iron, and should be eaten fresh to receive their full benefit.
Add fresh chopped chives to a jar of apple cider vinegar, then cover and steep for a couple of weeks before straining. You can use this medicinal vinegar in cooking or just take a shot in the morning.
Magical & Spiritual Properties of Chives
Like other alliums, chives carry fire energy and are tied to the planet Mars. They also bring masculine or projective energy to spells.
Chives carry protective energy and have even been used in exorcism. They have also been used to lift the spirits of people showing signs of depression.
Their protective energy can be used to ward off malevolent spirits, but it can also be called on to help you break bad habits as it protects you from temptation.
Similar to garlic, chives can also be used for passion and lust spells.
Not much is said about the edible chive blossoms, but given their color and appearance, I suggest you could experiment with working with chive blossoms to stimulate your third eye or crown chakras.
Witchcraft Uses
Hang a bundle of chives from the ceiling or a bedpost to ward off evil and disease.
Chives can be used in divination by throwing the blades in the air while thinking of your question then interpreting how they fall.
Add the dried herb to a spell jar or charm bag to bring balance, speed, or strength to the spell.
Protect spells with a circle of chives.
Create chive oil to anoint yourself or your materials with protective energy.
Recipes for the Kitchen Witch
This tender allium appears most often as a garnish, but it definitely brings so much flavor and life to the finishing of a dish. The bright, fresh color and flavor bring balance to dishes that tend to be heavy or rich. They especially cut through the starchy goodness of potato dishes.
Sprinkle fresh chopped chives over your soups, salads, or other dishes to bring protection or to add a fiery punch of passion to a date night dish.
Here are a few recipes featuring chives to get you started.
- Bacon & Egg Potato Salad
- Homemade Sour Cream & Chive Dip
- Breakfast Nachos with Fried Eggs
- Hummus & Egg Toast with Sun-Dried Tomatoes & Chives
- Spicy Cheese Fries
- Ham & Potato Soup
- Cheddar Corn Soup
Now that we have a deeper understanding of the many magical and healing properties of this herb, we can begin to use them for more than just a pop of green in an otherwise beige meal and truly appreciate them for their own vibrant energy. How will you use chives in your practice? Let me know in the comments.
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