Does anyone know...

[Ball-Bhreac Ròn]

...the magickal and medicinal uses for chives and how to care for it? And also, the medicinal uses for coriander? I tried looking on that really big herb website (www.wic.drak.something I think :p) but I can't find these two herbs. Any help would be much appreciated :)

[Nina]

Chives aren't overly keen on being indoors (too warm for them) but they can be grown in a cool room on a windowsill. Mine stay outside all year round, but I don't see much really cold weather (gets down to just below freezing regularly in the winter, but that's all). Whereever they are, lift up the clump and divide every 2-3 years. You can eat the flowers as well as the leaves. I have absolutely no info on any of my correspondence lists on the magickal or medicinal uses of chives, but they are a member of the onion family, if that helps.

Coriander - I grow this on my windowsill all the time as I use it to cook with on a regular basis.
Family: Umbelliferae Genus: Corinadrum Species: Sativum
Also Known As: Cilantro, Chinese Parsley
Rx: infusion of seeds, sprinkle on cuts and scrapes
Used for indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhea, and externally for muscles and joint pains.
Warnings: If Coriander causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upsets or diarrhea, use less or stop using it.
Harvest and dry seeds to grind to use as a spice in curries, you can also use the leaves, both fresh or dried.

Magickal correspondences: Coriander - Love,Health, Healing

[Ball-Bhreac Ròn]

Thanks Nina, that was exactly what I wanted! :):):)

[Nina]

Coriander ( Coriandrum sativum): Local names: Chinese Parsley.
The seeds are mildly NARCOTIC; a mild sedative, relieve "gas", migraines and aids in digestion. It is well known as a spice. To the ancient Egyptians, it was an aphrodisiac. The leaves are used in Middle Eastern and Asian dishes. The essential oil is a good additive to salves for the external relief of neuralgia and cramps. Magickal associations: Mars, Fire.
Used in love spells and charms. An old coriander spell is to take seven coriander seeds and grind them in a mortar, saying 'Warm seed, warm heart, let them never be apart' three times. Drop the seeds into wine and share with your lover.


Just found this - still can't find anything for Chives. Should be vaguely anti-septic though, being a member of the onion family.... I'm on a mission now!!

[Lavender]

Magically, I would use chives for protection spells against evil intent, or against hexes. Chives can also be used in spells for abundance & prosperity.

[Nina]

Thanks Wildchild! I can see the prosperity - after all, chives are rather good at multiplying! I might have to make a prosperity potato salad with new potatoes, sour cream and chives!

[Lavender]

You're welcome, Nina. When determining the magical correspondences of an herb, I like to look at the other properties as well. I feel that the whole herb usually ties in together - magically, medicinally, and physically.

[Nina]

Info on Chives! (http://www.alternative-beauty.com/article1050.html)

[kblackthorne]

Bear in mind I'm new here...

But for Magical properties have you checked Culpeper & Cunningham?

(Can't get to mine right now -- husband is still asleep & would be awakened by me rummaging on the bookshelf by his head)

[Lavender]

Chives are wonderful. As well to regular chives, try garlic chives. they have a nice garlicy-onion taste to them. The flowers are wonderful to top a salad with or sprinkled on top of soups.

[Bryony]

mix chopped chives with cream cheese for a spread on crackers- it is so good, and since we have chives ALL OVER the front yard, i do it quite often. :)