The health benefits of Chicory (Cichorium intybus) are many. It is a staple food in the Mediterranean, where it has been used for centuries. The plant is rich in nutrients such as Vitamin C, calcium, and potassium. Today we will explore how this delicious herb can improve your health!

Synonyms

Chicory has several names: blue daisy, blue sailors, blue dandelion, blue weed, bunk, coffee weed, cornflower, hendibeh, horseweed, and ragged sailors.

 

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Habitat

It is native to Europe and parts of Asia and North Africa.

Chicory plants prefer dry soils like those found near creeks or drainage ditches where there’s plenty of sun exposure as well as soil moisture.

Chicory is easy to grow from seed as an annual or biennial plant and thrives in most climates except for those that are very cold (below -20° C).

In the wild, chicory grows in disturbed habitats. They are found on highways and roadsides as well as along railroad tracks.

 

 

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Part Used

The entire plant is used in herbal medicine, but the roots are most often utilized.

The leaves and roots are used to produce the beverage for which it is named, while the flowers can be eaten as food (soaked in water).

-Leaves: brewed into tea or coffee substitute

-Roots: boiled like turnips, mashed potatoes; roasted, ground like coffee beans

-Flowers: soaked in water then served chilled with sugar and lemon peel added to make an herbal “tea” drink

Description

 Chicory is a perennial plant that regenerates from its roots and has been used medicinally for centuries. It can grow up to 6 feet or more in some cases. The leaves radiate out like spokes on a wheel around the flower spike, with white flowers blooming at the top of each leafy stem. Its root contains starch and polyphenols, which are good sources of dietary fiber and antioxidants, respectively. Today, it’s often sold as an additive to coffee because of its natural bitterness and adds depth when added to salads and other foods too!

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Traditional Uses and Benefits

The leaves can be harvested just before flowering starts and boiled like spinach, then chopped into salads with onion if desired. This tender green vegetable tastes slightly bitter because of its ability to concentrate minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese. As well as vitamins A & B-complex, especially riboflavin, give benefits when taken internally for chronic fatigue syndrome.

It is one of the popular herbal remedies for constipation. Chicory has been used since ancient times due to its laxative properties, but it’s also high in fiber and can help with stomach disorders.

It has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy. But it’s recently become popular with the rest of society because of its potential help on liver disorders and gallstones.

In the ancient world, chicory was used to treat liver disorders and encourage digestion by stimulating the production of bile from the body’s gallbladder. It has been shown that chicory acts as an antioxidant in this process – protecting healthy cells while attacking free radicals, damaging them.

Chicory has anti-cancer properties, allowing it to fight tumors in mice by inhibiting angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). This plant can also be used as an appetite stimulant for cancer patients who are having trouble eating normally because of their illness.

Chicory has a unique ability to reduce skin swelling, erythema, and edema. The anti-inflammatory constituents of chicory roots are chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid. These components inhibit the release of histamine from mast cells.

The chicory plant (Cichorium intybus) is used to help with an upset stomach and has been in use since ancient times as a medicinal herb. It can be helpful when you are suffering from indigestion or constipation.

Dosage and Precautions

Dosing: For adults and for children older than six years, the recommended dose of chicory is 150-450 mg/day. For infants under one-year-old, a single dose should not exceed 100 mg per day. The duration of use can vary from three weeks to up to nine months if needed for relief.

Precautions: Consume with caution in people who have allergies or sensitivities to other members of the Asteraceae (Compositae) family, including ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds; dandelion, daisies, sunflower. All parts of the plant contain a bitter-tasting saponin called inulin, which can cause an upset stomach and diarrhea when consumed in large quantities.

References

  1. GREAT PLANTAIN: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions …. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-677/great-plantain
  2. Sage Nutrition Facts – Health Benefits, Nutritional Value …. http://www.foodofy.com/sage.html
  3. Adderall Dosage – Drugsdb.com. http://www.drugsdb.com/rx/adderall/adderall-dosage/
  4. Chicory: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose …. https://www.rxlist.com/chicory/supplements.htm
  5. Chemical Composition and Nutritive Benefits of Chicory …. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/tswj/2017/7343928/
  6. Chicory – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicory

 

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The content and information on newerapost for information and educational purposes only. It is not for self-diagnosis and self-treatment. The content is not a medical manual. Before beginning the use of any prescription, medication and pursuing any self-treatment, all readers should consult a physician.

The information given in this article is intended to help you make informed decisions for your health. You must consult with your doctor before pursuing any natural remedies if you are under care for any health condition.

Do not take any vitamins, minerals, herbs, or other supplements without consulting your doctor, if you are taking any medication. The website does not make a representation, express or implied, regarding the accuracy of the information and does not accept any single responsibility for any errors or misuse.