The garlic-chive plant has the same intense green of the more familiar common chives. It is cultivated and valued not only for its many culinary uses but also for its therapeutic effect. The plant contains sulfurous mustard oils with antiseptic properties that relieve inflammation. These oils promote the flow of blood throughout the body's mucous membranes.The mustard oils also help stimulate the appetite and aid digestion, counteracting the processes of fermentation and the decay of food in the digestive tract. The leaves and flowers of the garlic chives are also useful. They are suitable for eating and they are used in the same way as common chives.

When used medicinally, garlic chives will stimulate the appetite and help improve digestion, have a diuretic effect and help promote blood circulation in the muccous membranes. In the kitchen, chives and their flowers are a well-known culinary herb. The mild, garlicky taste of chives enhances a variety of dishes, from sandwiches, potatos, and spreads to salads.