Chives is the common name for Allium schoenoprasum, an edible species of the genus Allium. It is perennial plant, widespread in nature throughout Europe, Asia and North America. It is a type of small onion that is grown for its leaves and not for its bulb. The English name, chives, comes from the French word cive, from cepa, the Latin word for onion. Chives, commonly called wild leeks, are commonly used as a herb and can be found in fruit and vegetable stores or grown in the home garden. In culinary use, the stems and the closed, immature flower buds are cut into cubes and used as an ingredient for fish, potatoes, soups, salads, eggs, sauces and other dishes. Chives have a high nutritional value, as they are rich in vitamins and iron and low in calories. They have a lighter taste and aroma than that of the onion.

Chives have a number of beneficial properties. They can help against anemia and help lower blood pressure and can also help with digestion. They have beneficial effects for brain functions such as learning and memory. Thy can help against insomnia and depression. And Finally they can provide relief from the common cold.