Properties of chicory

To begin with, the word "chicory" can mean two plants - chicory salad and chicory ordinary. Chicory salad (endive) is cultivated incountries of the Mediterranean and use its leaves in cooking. A chicory ordinary (wild chicory, Petrovian batogi) often grows like a weed, but it is famous for its medicinal properties. So today we will talk about the useful properties of wild chicory.

Most of the nutrients are contained in the root of chicory (which, by the way, can reach 15 meters in length). First of all, this is a polysaccharide inulin (just do not confuse it with insulin). Inulin is a reserve carbohydrate, which can serve as a substitute for sugar and starch. It is very easily absorbed by the body, so chicory is often included in the diets diet of diabetics.

Milk juice chicory contains bitter substances, so chicory well increases appetite. So if you have problems with appetite - you will help a cup of a fragrant drink from the root of chicory before dinner.

In addition, chicory antimicrobial properties. Therefore, drinks from chicory are used fornormalization of the digestive system with gastrointestinal disorders and treatment of gastrointestinal diseases (for example, dysbiosis). A tincture, infusions and decoctions of chicory are used externally for the treatment of skin diseases (dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis, seborrhea, psoriasis, acne, etc.).

Still such useful properties of chicory are known: choleretic, diuretic, astringent, antipyretic, anthelmintic. Therefore, chicory is used to treat cholelithiasis, normalization of the pancreas, kidneys and liver.

Chicory contains potassium and iron, so it useful for the cardiovascular system. It normalizes the work of the heart, promotesthe expansion of blood vessels and the removal of their blood "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein). Chicory is used in the treatment of atherosclerosis, ischemic disease, tachycardia and anemia.

Chicory has a beneficial effect on the nervous system. It contains vitamins of group B, whichhave a calming effect on the nervous system, while not oppressing it. Therefore, a drink from chicory, unlike coffee, you can safely drink before going to bed and not be afraid that you will not be able to sleep properly. On the contrary, it can be used to combat insomnia. And in the morning the drink from chicory, on the contrary, will give vivacity and will charge with energy.

But every medal has a flip side, and chicory probably has not only useful, but also harmful properties. Yes, there are certain contraindications to chicory, which are worth observing. The root of chicory contains a lot of vitamin C, and ascorbic acid can cause allergic reactions in people prone to allergies. Therefore, do not be addicted to chicory.

Despite the fact that drugs containingchicory, used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers, as well as gastritis, drink soluble coffee drinks with chicory content in these diseases is not recommended. Chicory is able to provoke and intensify cough, this also needs to be taken into account when receiving it. If you are suffering from excessive weight, chicory should be taken with caution. On the one hand, it helps to lose weight because of the high content of inulin, which will replace your sugar, on the other - it stimulates the appetite, and the whole diet can go wrong. Finally, do not use chicory for individual intolerance (which, incidentally, is rare).

Chicory used in the form of broths, infusions of inflorescences, roots and grass. You can also take chicory juice. For preparation broth inflorescence 2 tablespoons the inflorescence is poured or boiled in 500 ml of water and filtered. Drink the infusion or decoction several times a day (3-4) for a third of the glass to improve digestion.

To prepare decoction of roots, you need 1 tsp. crushed roots pour a glass of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes, strain and drink a quarter cup 4 times a day. For preparation herb infusion 1 tsp raw pour a glass of boiling water, let it brew and strain. Drink the infusion 2-3 times a day before eating a half cup. If you are planning an external application of infusion, the proportions of the ingredients will be as follows: 20 g of raw materials per half liter of boiling water.

As you can see, the useful properties of chicory make it a very valuable plant. Here only Do not neglect traditional medicine and completely rely on medicinal plants. Everything is good in moderation. Be healthy!