Chicory ordinary and its useful properties, contraindications. Amazing chicory plant What is chicory and what does it look like

Chicory is an unusual plant for its versatility: it is both a beautiful blue flower, similar to a cornflower, and a compound perennial, whose thick root is a source of a coffee substitute, and a valuable medicinal herb for many ailments, actively used in recent years as a means to lose weight. Chicory has long been used by people for various useful purposes, it was mentioned in their writings by such famous scientists as Theophrastus, Dioscorides and Pliny the Elder. The ancient Egyptians used the plant to treat bites from poisonous snakes and scorpions. Avicenna made healing remedies from chicory to improve vision, normalize digestion and treat joints.

plant description

Almost everyone knows what chicory looks like, its delicate blue flowers are scattered across fields and meadows, swaying on thin stems along roads and along ravines, it can be found in all city parks where the grass has not been mowed for at least some time. You can even say that this plant is a weed, because it sprouts with its strong spindle-shaped thick root, reaching a length of up to 1.5 m, through everything, no matter what, but chicory is not a simple weed, but a golden one. Given its valuable properties, people grow a medicinal plant on an industrial scale in special areas with clean soil for further processing and use in the food industry and medicine.

The rough and ribbed stem of the plant, reaching 1.2 m in size, contains milky juice, like the root. Chicory blooms for a very long time, almost all summer, and the flowers do not appear simultaneously, but gradually replace each other, giving the impression of continuous flowering. Common chicory is found in the middle lane, and closer to the southern borders next to it you can find salad chicory, the soft juicy healthy leaves of which are used to prepare snacks.

Composition and properties

The milky juice of the medicinal plant contains a large amount of bitterness, such as lactucin, lactucopicrin and taraxasterol. These bitter substances stimulate the appetite, which explains the use of the roots and herbs of the plant to improve appetite. All parts of the plant contain various resins and pectin, which positively affects the condition of the stomach and intestines. The fruits of the plant are saturated with protocatechin aldehyde, and the chicory root and leaves contain water-soluble inulin, a polysaccharide used to feed diabetics as a sugar substitute, vitamins A, B, C, E and PP, chicorin, pectin, choline, proteins, fats, essential oils, a large number of micro and macro elements. That is why young shoots, stems and leaves of chicory are recommended for dietary nutrition.

The medicinal properties of the plant are unusually wide. Chicory removes harmful toxic substances from the liver, restoring its functions, infusion of its inflorescences improves the condition of the heart and the functioning of the nervous system. If you boil the root of chicory, the medicinal properties of the resulting remedy have a diuretic and choleretic effect, so nephritis, hepatitis and cystitis are treated with a decoction of the root. The root of the plant has astringent properties and lowers blood sugar, having an effect similar to insulin on patients, therefore it is used to treat diabetes. Chicory leaves have the same effect, which is why it is so useful to eat them raw in salads.

Ground parts of chicory are used as an infusion. In the flowers of the plant, coumarin glycosides are found, which are used to thin the blood. However, like all medicinal plants, chicory grass and roots have both beneficial properties and contraindications. The plant is not recommended for children under 3 years of age, people with varicose veins, stomach or intestinal ulcers, as well as patients with hemorrhoids. Doctors do not recommend it for asthmatics and people with chronic bronchitis.

Procurement and storage

Chicory roots are harvested in March or at the end of October-beginning of November, when the plant is not in the vegetative state, and the ground part is either still missing or already dying. It is during this period that the maximum amount of useful substances accumulates in the root. Since the root is very long, it will be impossible to pull it out with your hands, you will definitely need a shovel. The root taken out of the ground must be washed and dried, then cut across into small pieces. Drying in an oven or a special drying cabinet is considered optimal, but many people dry the roots simply under a canopy or in attics, after which they lay the roots in paper bags or linen bags and clean them in a dry place. You can store such roots for up to 3 years.

Chicory grass is harvested from June to September, preferably in the morning, after the dew has already dried, in an ecologically clean place, away from large highways and factories. Cut stems are laid on a fabric under a canopy or hung in attics, periodically checking the quality of the product and turning it over. The herb is stored in the same way as the roots, with the only difference being that it is not recommended to store the herb for more than a year.

Growing a plant

This medicinal and food plant can be grown both from seeds and by dividing the roots, and it is so unpretentious that absolutely any land is suitable for its cultivation, the only condition on the part of the plant is the requirement of good illumination of the site. The home healer is quite winter-hardy and easily tolerates short-term frosts. When planting, the seeds are laid to a depth of 3 cm in well-loosened soil, which, after making the seeds, will need to be lightly tamped. After the appearance of the first few leaves, the seedlings are thinned out and phosphate and nitrogenous fertilizers, such as superphosphate, ammonium nitrate and potassium sulfate, are applied to the ground.

Although the plant is drought tolerant, it will respond with appreciation to regular watering, will begin to grow faster, and the leaves will become softer and juicier. If, with good care, the plant does not feel well, then the acidity of the soil should be measured, since chicory does not like acidic soil. In this case, actions to reduce the acidity of the soil will help.

Multiple Recipes

To get rid of excess weight, nutritionists have developed various herbal preparations, which include chicory, but you can prepare a healthy drink yourself:

1. 1 tsp crushed roots should be poured with 500 ml of water, put the dishes on a small fire and boil for about 15 minutes. Let it brew for about half an hour, strain and take 100 ml 3 times a day 20 minutes before meals. In addition to weight loss, this decoction will improve overall well-being and will favorably affect the stomach and liver.
2. For external use with eye fatigue and conjunctivitis, you can prepare such an infusion. 50 g of finely chopped roots and herbs should be poured with 1 cup of boiling water, cover and let stand for half an hour. Then strain and use in the form of compresses on the eyes or lotions. The same infusion is very good for rubbing sore joints.
3. To get rid of skin diseases, you can prepare the following tincture of chicory: 20 g of finely chopped roots and herbs should be put in a small bottle and pour 100 g of vodka or alcohol, then close tightly and put in a dark place for a week. This tincture can treat the skin with skin diseases such as eczema, allergic rashes, dermatitis, acne, and it can also treat burns and purulent wounds.

Thus, chicory, which has only a positive characteristic, will help to cope with many ailments.

Common chicory (Cichórium íntybus) is a species of perennial herbaceous plants from the genus Chicory (Cichorium) of the Asteraceae family. People call it:

• blue flower;
• roadside grass;
• shcherbak;
• petr's batogs.

Spreading

It grows in the Caucasus, in Siberia and in the European part of our country. Also, the plant is common in the tropical and temperate climates of Eurasia, in northern Africa. Rarely found in Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, North and South America.

Common chicory is considered a weed plant and grows almost everywhere: near settlements, in wastelands, fields, meadows, forest clearings, near roads, along river banks and along the slopes of ravines.

Botanical description

The blue flower has a long, spindle-shaped, fleshy root that secretes milky juice when damaged.

The stem is hollow, ribbed, rough, covered with coarse hairs, strongly branching. Green or bluish-green in color, reaches a height of 1.5 m.

The branches are bristly, deviating, thickening in the upper part. Appear naked due to the absence or very small size of the leaves.

Basal leaves are serrated along the edge, pinnately lobed. The closer to the top, the simpler they become. Stem leaves are small, very rarely arranged, lanceolate or lanceolate-ovate.

The flowers are bisexual, reed, arranged in baskets, always in the axils of the leaves and singly along the tops of the plant. The petals are five-toothed, blue, but white and pink are also found. They open only in the sun and quickly fade. New ones immediately appear in their place. The length of the rim is up to 25 mm. The flowering period is from June to September. Flowers of common chicory are a wonderful honey plant.

The fruit is a three or five-sided, brown, oblong achene.

Collection of raw materials

The main source of medicinal raw materials is the root of the plant. But common chicory grass, its flowers and young tops are also used. The harvesting of flowering raw materials begins in July. Drying starts immediately after collection. Dry under a canopy or in a well-ventilated area. The shelf life of dried herbs is 1 year.

The roots are harvested in autumn, when the plant has faded, and the leaves with flowers have fallen off. To do this, they are dug up, washed with running water and dried from excess moisture. Next, the roots are cut into pieces and dried in the air, covering from the scorching sun, or in a dryer for 5 days. The shelf life of this product is about 3 years.

Chemical composition

The composition of the plant consists of biologically active active substances. The leaves, roots and milky juice of common chicory contain a large amount of:

• Essential oils.
• Inulin. Cleanses the body of toxins and cholesterol. Takes part in exchange processes.
• Thiamine. An indispensable support for the heart muscle and nervous system.
• Ascorbic acid. It is an antioxidant, normalizes muscle tone, and also supports the functioning of the human immune system.
• Carotene. Immunomodulator, is a strong antioxidant.
• Intibin glycoside. Reduces the amount of "bad" cholesterol, dilates blood vessels, eliminates signs of tachycardia.
• Tannins. Participate in the work of the digestive tract. They help to remove toxins, radionuclides, salts of heavy metals.
• Choline. A natural nootropic that regulates the proper functioning of the brain, improving cerebral blood flow.
• Riboflavin. The so-called vitamin B2. Participates in the normalization of the reproductive organs and the functioning of the thyroid gland. Keeps hair, nails and skin in good condition.
• Vitamins of groups PP, A, E.
• Trace elements: manganese, iron, potassium, sodium, phosphorus.
• Bitter and resinous substances.
• pectin. It has the ability to dull the feeling of hunger.
• Fats, salts, proteins.

Useful properties and application

Common chicory is widely used both in folk and traditional medicine, having a large number of properties:

• tonic;
• astringents;
• antimicrobial and antihelminthic;
• exciting;
• anti-inflammatory;
• sedatives;
• choleretic and diuretic.

Blue flower treatment with alternative methods should only be used as an additional therapy. Before independent use of common chicory as a medicine, you should consult with a specialist.

A decoction of the roots of the plant is used for:

• diseases of the liver, gallbladder, kidneys;
• constipation
• helminthic invasion;
• gastritis;
• cystitis;
• anemia;
• diabetes
• dermatosis, psoriasis and vitiligo (in the form of compresses);
• asthenia;
• furunculosis;
• to improve digestion;
• gout (in the form of baths or lotions)

Decoctions and infusions of flowers and stems of common chicory are used for:

• cholelithiasis;
• hepatitis;
• gastritis;
• scurvy;
• jade;
• insomnia;
• diabetes mellitus;
• hysteria and neurasthenia;
• boils and eczema (as lotions);
• wounds and ulcers (washing);
• pain in the abdomen and inflammation of the glands (compress).

Milky juice has also found its use:

• as a sedative;
• tones up the work of the heart;
• recommended for anemia;
• treatment of diathesis, acne, purulent wounds, eczema, boils (externally).

The roots of the plant have found the widest consumption, both in medicine and in cooking. Drinks made from dried roots have a pleasant aroma and taste, improve the functional state of the gastrointestinal tract, reduce sweating, and have antimicrobial and astringent effects. A very popular drink that replaces coffee. The crushed dried roots are added to natural coffee, thus obtaining a healthy and tasty drink. Ground chicory root is used in cooking as a seasoning to give the dish a special piquant taste.

People suffering from diabetes will benefit from using the medicinal root because of the polysaccharide, which fully replaces sugar.

This useful plant is approved for use by pregnant women. This is an excellent remedy for toxicosis and heartburn, tones up and removes excess fluid from the body, without removing calcium.

Contraindications

All parts of chicory do not contain toxic substances, therefore they do not cause poisoning. But people with the following diseases should refuse or take the plant with caution:

• individual intolerance and allergic reaction;
• depression and diseases of the central nervous system;
• joint diseases;
• stomach and duodenal ulcer;
• gastritis;
• phlebeurysm;
• haemorrhoids;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• bronchial asthma;
• Chronical bronchitis;
• obesity;
• children's age up to three years.

Healing recipes

Regular consumption of common chicory improves the general condition of the body.

A decoction from the root of the plant is the simplest form of medicine. To prepare it, grind 1 tbsp. l. roots, pour 0.5 l. hot water. Boil for an hour. Let cool and filter. Take 1 tbsp. l. 3 times a day before meals. The resulting drink has diuretic and choleretic properties, improves digestion and appetite.

Infusion. The cooking process is also simple. It is necessary to pour 0.5 liters of boiling water 1 tbsp. l. ground chicory root. Close the lid and insist for several hours. Then strain the resulting infusion, squeeze out the remnants of the root well. Drink 100 g of the drink 30 minutes before meals 3 times a day. Such a drug is used in the treatment of gallstone disease, gastrointestinal tract, skin diseases and inflammation of the bladder.

Juice. For cooking, it is necessary to use only fresh young shoots that are at the stage of budding. Rinse the prepared raw materials, pour over with boiling water, pass through a press or a meat grinder. The resulting mass is well squeezed through a bandage or gauze. Bring juice to a boil. You can add honey. Take 1 tsp. 4 times a day. Can be taken both internally and externally. It is used for anemia, neurosis, skin diseases (diathesis, acne, eczema and others).

Gadgets. You will need a mixture of the above-ground part of the plant and its root in a 1: 1 ratio. Grind and 1 tbsp. boil in 200 g of water for half an hour. After the time has elapsed, allow to cool and squeeze out the resulting cake. It is used as a treatment for diathesis, including in children from two years of age.

A mixture of celery, parsley, carrot, chicory juices in equal proportions improves and restores various visual defects. Drink 200 g of juice for several days or weeks (depending on the degree of the disease).

For anemia, an effective remedy is prepared from 0.5 cups of milk and 1 tsp. ground chicory root. It is necessary to mix everything and take such a drink 3-4 times a day for a month. If necessary, repeat the course after a week break.

The root of the plant also helps with arrhythmia. For this, 1 tsp. crushed raw materials pour 0.5 liters of water and bring to a boil. Close the lid and let it brew. Strain and add 1 tbsp. honey. Drink 3 times a day for half a cup before meals.

Flowers and stems of a blue flower will help alleviate the condition with gastritis. Grind the prepared herb. Pour a liter of boiling water 2 tbsp. mixture and boil for 20-25 minutes. Strain when the drink has cooled and take 0.5 cup 3 times a day.

The crushed root, together with motherwort herb, can help in the fight against lung diseases and is a good remedy for the prevention of bronchitis and laryngitis. Mix the crushed ingredients in a 1:1 ratio. 3 tbsp pour 400 g of boiling water over the mixture and let it brew for 15 minutes. Drink several times a day as a regular tea drink.

Common chicory is a biennial or perennial tall herbaceous plant with straight branched stems and a fleshy spindle-shaped root up to 1.5 meters long. With large reed blue flowers, sometimes the flowers are white or light pink. All parts of the plant have a milky sap. Chicory blooms from June to September and is a good honey plant.

Chicory grows wild on roadsides, in wastelands and is specially grown in fields for human consumption. Chicory root is used as a coffee substitute.

Chemical composition

Chicory is one of the medicinal plants that is used in the fight against many diseases, thanks to the many useful components that are present in its composition. Chicory is rich in vitamins, polysaccharides, it contains tannins, organic and fatty acids, resinous and bitter substances, proteins, carbohydrates - fructose, inulin, glycoside, flavonoids, trace elements - iron, chromium, copper, zinc, nickel, zirconium and other substances beneficial to the human body.

Medicinal properties and uses of chicory

Chicory is widely used in medicine, both folk and official, as it has a calming and antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial, diuretic and choleretic, vasodilating and other useful properties.

It is part of various drugs that are used to treat the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, and helps in the fight against diseases of the liver, kidneys and spleen.

A decoction of chicory is used to treat diathesis in children, used in the form of lotions and rubbing, to relieve joint pain in gout.

Chicory also has a healing effect on chronic wounds, purulent boils, psoriasis, eczema, snake bites.

Chicory enhances the production of gastric juice, increases appetite, normalizes the digestive system and gastrointestinal tract, improves metabolic processes in the body, has a beneficial effect on the intestinal microflora, stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria.

It has a choleretic and diuretic effect, removes cholesterol, radioactive and other harmful substances, helps in the fight against atherosclerosis, as a diuretic is used to treat diseases of the bladder and kidneys.

Chicory lowers blood sugar levels, therefore it is indicated for the prevention and treatment of diabetes.

It has an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and astringent effect and is used as an antipyretic, has a calming effect on the nervous system and is used as a sleeping pill for insomnia, neurosis, hypertension.

This amazing plant is widely used in the food industry. Chicory is added to sweets, cakes, coffee and tea drinks. Chicory is an excellent coffee substitute.

Chicory is used in the cosmetic industry, added to shampoos and conditioners, hair care balms.

Contraindications to the use of chicory

This wonderful medicinal plant helps many patients to alleviate the condition, relieve pain and illness, but for many it can be a serious danger.

Any medicinal plant should be used only after consulting with your doctor and familiarizing yourself with the contraindications for use!

As with any medicinal plant, chicory also has contraindications.

Chicory is forbidden to be taken by people with varicose veins, with hemorrhoids, with diseases of the vessels and the cardiovascular system, since chicory has a vasodilating effect.

Do not use for food and for the treatment of chicory in bronchial asthma and chronic bronchitis.

With caution and only after consulting a doctor and strictly in the recommended doses, take people with high acidity of the stomach, with gastritis, with stomach and duodenal ulcers, patients with diseases of the kidneys, liver and gallbladder. As well as patients suffering from joint pain, gout, arthritis.

Obese people should not get carried away with chicory, as it increases appetite.

Take with caution in diseases of the nervous system, depression and insomnia.

A contraindication to the use of chicory preparations is individual intolerance, chicory can cause allergic reactions.

Overdose of chicory

Many people use chicory as a coffee substitute and drink this drink in large quantities. But an overdose and prolonged use of chicory can cause side effects in the form of insomnia, irritation, exacerbation of urolithiasis and gallbladder, gout and arthritis. Excessive consumption of chicory drink contributes to the formation of kidney stones.

Folk methods of treatment with chicory

All parts of the plant are used as medicinal raw materials in folk medicine, powder, decoctions, infusions are made from the roots, treated with fresh juice, added to medicinal collections. Use fresh, dried and roasted roots, as well as leaves, stems.

In this article, we have selected for you folk recipes for decoctions and infusions that will help you in the treatment of certain diseases.

The recipe for a decoction of the roots for diathesis

Finely chop the chicory roots, take 4 tablespoons, pour one glass of boiling water and cook for 30 minutes. Cool the broth, strain. This decoction is used externally for lotions, rubbing and bathing.

Decoction for diseases of the kidneys and liver, to improve digestion

Dry leaves and roots of chicory 15-30 grams pour 1 liter of hot water, boil for 5 minutes. Take a decoction of one cup before meals in the afternoon and evening.

Decoction for the treatment of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder and constipation

Pour 1 tablespoon of chopped root with three glasses of hot water. Boil over low heat for about ten minutes. Cool the broth, strain. Drink a third of a glass three times a day.

Decoction for hypertension, hepatitis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, cholelithiasis

Pour 2 teaspoons of dry chopped chicory herb with two glasses of hot water. Boil for 10 minutes on low heat, strain. Take half a glass of decoction three times a day.

A decoction of the roots for the treatment of joint pain

Pour 20 grams of crushed dry root with one glass of hot water, boil for 15 minutes over low heat, strain. Add boiled water to the original volume. In a decoction, moisten gauze and apply on sore joints.

Infusion of chicory herb for arrhythmia

Pour 20 grams of crushed dry raw materials with a glass of boiling water, insist for 30 minutes, strain. Take two tablespoons of infusion three times a day. This remedy stimulates cardiac activity and relieves edema of cardiac origin.

Infusion to increase appetite and improve digestion, for the treatment of acne, eczema and boils

Grind fresh or dry leaves and stems of chicory, take a tablespoon of herbs, pour two cups of boiling water, wrap. When the infusion has cooled, it must be filtered. Take before meals one quarter cup of infusion three times a day.

For the treatment of acne, boils, eczema and other skin problems, apply the infusion externally as lotions, for washing.

Infusion for the treatment of hemorrhoids

Pour 1 teaspoon of chopped chicory into a glass of hot water. Insist and strain. Take an infusion of half a glass 3 times a day before meals.

Juice from the leaves and stems of chicory for anemia

Fresh tops of the plant are suitable for making juice, they must be thoroughly washed, scalded with boiling water and twisted through a meat grinder. Squeeze the juice from the resulting mass and boil it over low heat for 2-3 minutes. Juice should be stored in the refrigerator. Dissolve one teaspoon of juice in half a glass of warm milk, add 1 teaspoon of honey. Consume three times a day for a month.

Fresh juice for scurvy and anemia

Squeeze juice from fresh stems and leaves of chicory, add 1 tablespoon of juice to a cup of milk. Drink this remedy 3-4 times a day for 4-6 weeks.

Fresh juice for swelling

Dilute 20 drops of fresh herb juice in half a glass of milk, drink 3 times a day.

Chicory for beauty and hair strengthening

Chicory is used in folk medicine to improve the structure and growth of hair, against hair loss. A decoction of the roots and stems will help restore vitality and natural shine to your hair. Decoctions are also used to treat acne, with purulent acne.

Few people know that the nondescript roadside blue flower is the famous chicory used to produce a coffee substitute. And many scientists and healers of antiquity knew about the magnificent healing properties of this plant.

Description of the species and distribution

Chicory ordinary refers to herbaceous perennial plants. Chicory root is spindle-shaped and very fleshy and large (up to one and a half meters), when cut, it releases milky juice.

The erect stem of chicory has a ribbed surface, sometimes reaches a height of 120 centimeters, and branches very strongly.
Chicory leaves are collected in rosettes, basal leaves have a notched, pinnatipartite or weakly lobed structure, tapering towards the base. The mid-stem leaves are sessile, lanceolate, alternate with sharp-toothed edges and a wide base, while the upper leaves are more entire and have a lanceolate shape.

Bisexual chicory flowers are located in baskets, always singly along the tops of the plant and in the axils of the upper leaves. Chicory flowers have a blue tint, although white and pinkish species are found, the petals are ligulate with 5 cloves. The period of abundant flowering falls on June-September. After flowering, a fruit is formed - an achene, usually triangular or pentagonal. Its length is small, only two or three millimeters, slightly oblong and has a brown or lighter shade.

Chicory ordinary is an excellent honey plant. It also reacts very strongly to the presence of sunlight, so after five in the evening it is very difficult to find open chicory flowers. Common chicory grows almost everywhere: it can be found in the European, Asian part of the Eurasian continent, in Africa, New Zealand, Australia. Very often, chicory is found in meadows, along roads, ditches, and sometimes forms quite abundant thickets.

Collection and preparation

For medicinal purposes, chicory roots are mainly used, grass is less often used, namely flowers and tops of the plant. Harvesting of roots is made in the autumn period. They are dug up, washed with cold water, blotted with excess moisture. After the roots are cut into pieces, including along and laid to dry. Drying of the roots can be done both in the open air and using drying equipment.

Ready dried roots can be stored for up to two years.
Chicory grass is harvested during the flowering period of the plant. To do this, cut off the upper parts of the stems (approximately 30 cm in size). Chicory herb can also be dried outdoors or in dryers. The shelf life of chicory herb is less than the roots, only one year.

medicinal properties

Traditional medicine has found a fairly large number of applications for chicory. Thus, grass, roots and seeds are used to treat the stomach, liver, intestines, bladder, spleen, and chicory-based preparations are used as a sedative for hysteria and epilepsy, and they also treat hemoptysis and anemia.

A decoction of chicory seeds has an antipyretic, diaphoretic and even analgesic effect. Chicory flowers in the form of an infusion have a calming effect in case of increased excitability, reduce pain in the heart area. Fresh chicory juice was used to treat malaria and anemia. Chicory herb in the form of a decoction is added to baths for the treatment of eczema and diathesis, as well as for the treatment of joints. The same chicory herb is used as a poultice for the treatment of abscesses, and in the form of ash, in combination with sour cream, it is used for various skin lesions, including psoriasis and eczema.

In general, chicory has been familiar to folk healers since ancient times. There is evidence that in many scientific works of the most ancient healing scientists there is a mention of chicory.

Chicory is an excellent coffee substitute and, unlike the latter, it is much healthier. The use of chicory instead of coffee helps to cleanse the body, remove accumulated toxins and toxins, radioactive substances, improves digestion and even speeds up metabolism.

Chicory has a positive effect on gastric motility and the digestive process in general. So, common chicory helps to improve the functioning of the stomach when digesting hard-to-digest food.
The elimination of toxins is due to the fact that chicory has a beneficial effect on the liver, enhancing its functions.

Healing recipes

Chicory has incredible beneficial properties, so with daily use of chicory, the condition of the skin and the general condition of a person improves.
The easiest way to consume chicory is to make a decoction.

• Root decoction: Thoroughly grind chicory roots in the volume of one tablespoon, pour half a liter of boiling water and boil for about half an hour. The resulting broth after cooling should be filtered and taken before meals in a tablespoon three times a day. Such a decoction perfectly helps to improve appetite and the digestion process in general, and is also an excellent choleretic and diuretic.
• An infusion of chicory roots is used to treat the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation of the bladder, and skin diseases. Infusion: a full tablespoon of crushed root is poured with half a liter of boiling water and insisted in a closed container for several hours. After the infusion is filtered, the remnants of the steamed root are squeezed out and consumed half a glass half an hour before meals three times a day. The infusion is also recommended for the treatment of gallstone disease or an enlarged spleen.
• Chicory juice also has a lot of useful properties, as it treats anemia and skin diseases (acne, diathesis, eczema, pustular skin diseases), and also serves as a sedative. Chicory juice: for the preparation of juice, only young shoots at the budding stage are used, which are thoroughly washed, scalded with boiling water and passed through a meat grinder. The resulting gruel is squeezed through a rag or several layers of gauze and boiled for a couple of minutes. After that, honey is added to the boiled juice and taken one teaspoon up to four times a day.
• Lotions from chicory roots help to cure diathesis, including in children older than two years. Lotion: prepare a mixture of roots and aerial parts of chicory, taken in equal parts. Boil four tablespoons of the resulting mixture in a glass of water for thirty minutes. After, as usual, cool and squeeze. Baths or douches taken at night. The duration of treatment is at least three days.
• To improve or even restore vision, a mixture of chicory, parsley, carrot and celery juices is used. A glass of this juice mixture per day, when used continuously for several days (or weeks for severe vision problems), gives excellent results for various visual defects.

For the treatment of anemia, the following recipe is used:
Add a teaspoon of chicory juice to half a glass of milk. This mixture must be taken at least three times a day for a month and a half. After taking a week break and repeat the course.

With arrhythmia, you can try this method:
Finely chop the chicory root and take one teaspoon, pour half a liter of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, close the container with a lid and leave to infuse for a couple of hours. Then strain and add honey. Take before meals half a cup three times a day.

For gastritis:
Finely chop the flowers and stems of chicory and take a couple of tablespoons. Pour the indicated amount of the mixture with a liter of boiling water and boil for a quarter of an hour. Cool, strain and drink half a glass three times a day.

For the prevention of laryngitis, bronchitis and the treatment of lung diseases:
Grind chicory root in advance and add motherwort herb in a 1:1 ratio. A mixture of motherwort and chicory in the amount of three tablespoons (tablespoons) pour two glasses of hot water and set aside to infuse for fifteen minutes. Drink like regular tea throughout the day.

Contraindications

Chicory roots have no particular side effects and are not toxic.
Prolonged use of chicory preparations can cause increased secretion of gastric juice, as well as diuresis. The use of herbal preparations, including chicory, should not be used in the treatment of children under the age of two years. Individual intolerance may be present.

- Compositae perennial plant with a spindle-shaped and thick root. The whole plant contains milky sap. On a tall straight stem, covered with hairs, the next leaves are located. Chicory flowers are blue, but there are both pink and white colors, they are located in inflorescences or are on short baskets. The fruit of chicory is a prismatic achene, which has a tuft of films. On one chicory bush, you can collect 3-25 thousand seeds. Chicory blooms in summer, and the fruits ripen from late summer to mid-autumn.

Chicory is found in Ukraine and Russia. It grows on borders, hills and along roads. For medicinal purposes, the plant is grown in many countries.

Useful properties of chicory

Chicory normalizes the metabolism in the body, is able to remove all toxins from the body. Chicory cleanses the kidneys, helps to improve the condition of patients. In addition, it is used to improve blood composition. Chicory stimulates appetite, improves bowel activity, and is also an excellent remedy for heartburn. Due to the ability of chicory to increase the overall tone of the body, it is used instead of coffee beans. A drink made from chicory cleanses blood vessels and relieves fatigue and fatigue.

Chicory has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It is used as an antipyretic for colds and other diseases.

The benefits of chicory

Such a wonderful plant as chicory is widely used to treat many diseases. Its benefits are due to the high content of various trace elements that have immunostimulating properties. In addition, regular use of chicory prevents the growth of pathogens and enhances the metabolism in the human body. Due to its unique chemical composition, this wonderful plant boasts a choleretic, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, mild soothing and wound healing effect.

What is useful chicory? It has a beneficial effect on lowering blood glucose levels, normalizes the function of the pancreas, and also enhances cardiac activity. Quite often, chicory is used as an antimicrobial and astringent. Along with this, it is endowed with anti-inflammatory, soothing, antipyretic and vasodilating properties. There is no better drink for diabetics, since chicory can replace both sugar and starch. Chicory is most often indicated for many gastrointestinal problems. It also has a general strengthening effect on the immune mechanisms of a person. Such a medicinal plant promotes the healing of wounds and eczema, and also has a weak antitumor effect.

Harm of chicory

Chicory can also cause harm - for example, for people suffering from hemorrhoids and gastritis, chicory can be dangerous. Before using it, be sure to consult a doctor who will determine the degree of possible harm. As a rule, up to three years, such a plant is not recommended to use.

Chicory during pregnancy

Due to the fact that this plant contains a significant amount of useful trace elements and various components, chicory during pregnancy is prescribed as an effective tonic. Healthy drinks based on such a plant are able to gently remove toxins, excess fluid from the body, preventing swelling, and nausea. In addition, it has an excellent effect on the intestines, being an excellent stimulant for regular bowel movements. Regular intake of a small amount of chicory will increase appetite.

Such an amazing plant will allow you to easily give birth to a healthy child, since it effectively cleanses the blood of harmful impurities that can be extremely dangerous during such an important period.

Is it possible to drink chicory for nursing mothers?

Doctors still do not recommend taking such a common drug as chicory, which has a high content of nutrients and vitamins, to nursing mothers. It has been proven that some components have a strong stimulating effect on babies. In addition, in some cases, significant Despite the fact that chicory has a tonic and immunological effect on the mother's body, it can cause the strongest through breast milk.

Chicory has long been deservedly famous for its unique healing properties. As one of the main effects on the body, the effect of easy weight loss can be noted. The roots of the plant help cleanse the blood of harmful impurities, remove toxins, which leads to weight loss.

To combat extra pounds, we recommend preparing a special remedy. We take 1 teaspoon of crushed chicory roots, pour 500 grams of water and boil over medium heat for 10 minutes. After that, the resulting healing broth should be filtered and set aside to cool. For a quick result, the drink is taken 100 grams up to three times a day. The main thing - do not forget that it should be drunk 30 minutes before meals. In addition to a noticeable loss of excess weight, chicory has a healing effect on the whole body. In addition, it is able to cope with severe sweating and restore liver function.

Instant drink from chicory

The most delicious instant drink made from chicory is distinguished by wonderful useful microelements that have a positive effect on all internal organs of a person. Its specific taste is somewhat reminiscent of the taste of coffee, but chicory is not so harmful. Of course, an instant drink contains fewer trace elements, but they are enough for a slight tonic and healing effect. Regular consumption of such a drink perfectly stimulates the work of the cardiovascular system, the gastrointestinal tract, and also normalizes the functioning of the liver, kidneys and spleen. Instant chicory can be called one of the best substitutes for tea and coffee.

The use of chicory

Traditional medicine has long used chicory as a diaphoretic, choleretic and diuretic. This plant has a wide range of useful substances used in the treatment of various diseases and ailments. Chicory has general tonic properties, due to which it is recommended in the treatment of anemia, infectious and colds. An alcohol tincture of chicory helps to treat cuts, wounds, allergies to insect bites.

The use of chicory is recommended for people with constant nervous breakdowns, and. Chicory is used to dilate blood vessels. The plant contains a large amount of inulin, a substance that lowers blood sugar. Chicory also improves the digestion process.

Chicory has a positive effect during the treatment of diseases of the kidneys and spleen. This plant has anticancer properties. From chicory prepare infusions, decoctions, teas, fees, lotions and compresses for external use.

How to brew chicory?

We buy chicory roots, wash them and dry them. Next, fry them in a pan. We fry the roots until all the moisture from the roots has evaporated. Do not be alarmed when a very unpleasant smell appears when frying the roots. Roasted chicory roots are ground in a coffee grinder and poured with boiling water.

For 1 teaspoon of chicory take 1 cup of boiling water. Boil the drink on low heat for 5 minutes, after which it is removed from the heat and left to brew for a few minutes. You can drink chicory with milk, lemon and sugar.

Decoction for external use. To prepare it, take 20 grams of dry grass and chicory roots and pour two cups of boiling water over it. Leave for 10 minutes to brew. This decoction is used to wash the eyes with conjunctivitis and for poultices with.

Tincture of chicory for rubbing wounds. We take 10 grams of roots along with chicory grass and pour 40 ml of alcohol. We leave it to brew for a week and use it for rubdowns in the treatment of skin diseases.

Chicory juice for scurvy and anemia. Take the fresh leaves of the plant and squeeze the juice from them. Mix juice with milk and take 15 ml three times a day. Such treatment lasts 1–1.5 months.

Collection with chicory for cholelithiasis. We take the roots of dandelion and chicory - 50 grams each. To them we add 50 grams of mint leaves, tripoli and agrimony. Now 2 tablespoons of this collection and pour 500 ml of boiling water, leave to infuse for several hours. We drink the whole broth in 2 days.

Anti-cellulite chicory bath

Take 2 tablespoons of chopped chicory herb and pour 1 cup of boiling water. Leave in a thermos for 1 hour. We pour everything into the bath and take a bath for a quarter of an hour. Baths are taken every other day until the number of procedures reaches 21.

A decoction of chicory for hair growth. To prepare it, we take grass and chicory roots in the amount of 30 grams and pour four cups of boiling water. We put on fire for 30 minutes. After removing from the heat, leave to brew for half a day (6 hours). After straining the finished broth, rub it into the hair roots. Then you should wait 10 minutes, after which we wash off the chicory decoction from the hair under running water and let the hair dry.

Growing chicory

In the first year, a basal rosette of leaves is formed in the plant, while a root crop with a thickened top is already beginning to form in the soil. In the second year of life, seeds are formed. You can grow chicory by seeds and by dividing the roots. Absolutely any soil is suitable for growing, the main thing is that the site is well lit. Chicory tolerates frosts well, but short-term. Seeds are sown 3 cm into the soil. Before sowing seeds, the soil must be loosened and compacted after sowing. When 2-3 leaves appear on the seedlings, the plants are thinned out. At the same time, fertilizers are applied to the soil, consisting of superphosphate, potassium sulfate and ammonium nitrate.

Chicory is drought tolerant, but if watered regularly, it will produce more crops. Only acidic marshy soil is not suitable for growing chicory. From the day of emergence of seedlings to the formation of fruits, 4 months pass.

Where does chicory grow?

Chicory grows in the Mediterranean. Most scientists consider the Mediterranean as the home of this plant, although some florists and botanists point to Northern India, and others to Northern China. Despite the fact that the plant does not like high humidity, it can be found in the tropics. A temperate climate is optimal for chicory. You can find a plant in Australia, New Zealand, on the Eurasian continent, in North and South America. In Russia, chicory is found in the European part of the country, in Altai, in the Caucasus, in Western Siberia.

Wild chicory settles in meadows, wastelands, forest edges, along roads passing by villages, as well as near other settlements. Chicory does not like mountains and will never rise above the middle lane.

The plant is actively cultivated, for which people allocate huge fields for planting it. You can cultivate a culture in your own garden.

How and when to harvest chicory flowers?

The flowers of the plant must be collected from June to September. It was at this time that mass flowering of chicory was observed.

Grass must be collected in ecologically clean areas. It is important that busy roads do not pass nearby, factories and garbage dumps are not located.

The best time to pick flowers is in the morning, after the dew has dried on the plant.

To prepare flowers for drying, you need to collect only the flowering part of chicory. Stems are not suitable for this purpose.

How to dry chicory herb?

To get high-quality raw materials, you need to know how to dry chicory grass correctly. So, cut stems are placed in the shade. This is what attics are for. The surface on which the stems will be located should be covered with a cloth. You can dry the grass outside, under a canopy.

Periodically drying the plant must be turned over to allow it to dry evenly. The fact that the drying process is completed will be indicated by dry stems that will break easily.

Harvesting of chicory roots begins in March, or at the end of October, beginning of November. This should be done at a time when the ground part of the plant dies off, so the maximum of useful substances is concentrated in the roots. This is due to the preparation of the plant for a dormant period.

The root of the plant is long, so it will not be possible to pull it out whole. A shovel is required to extract the root from the ground. After digging, the raw material must be cleaned of soil, washed in cold water and cut off thin lateral roots. Then the roots are laid out on the grass so that they dry out a little.

Before the final drying, the roots must be cut across to make small pieces. If the root has a large thickness, then it should be cut further along.

To dry the roots, like the grass, you need either in the attic on the fabric, or under a canopy. Although the best drying method is considered to be drying in the oven, or in special drying chambers. The temperature should be at the level of 60 °C. If you cannot adjust it, then you should simply open the oven door. The fact that the drying process is completed will be indicated by the crackling of the root when trying to break it.

Chicory root is an excellent substitute for coffee, but it does not contain caffeine. But there are a lot of other useful substances. Chicory, unlike coffee, does not irritate the walls of the stomach, does not excite the nervous and cardiac systems, but at the same time increases appetite.

To obtain high-quality raw materials for making chicory coffee, it is necessary to cut the roots into small pieces, dry for at least 12 hours in an oven at a temperature of 100 ° C. Then the dried raw materials are fried in a pan until dark and ground in any way possible.

Chicory coffee can be drunk as an independent drink, or with the addition of barley, soy, oats, dried carrots, blueberries, roasted almonds, etc. As for the amount of additives, it depends on the preferences of a particular person.

How to store chicory?

Store dried chicory herb in breathable packaging, such as cloth bags or paper bags. The place should be chosen dark and cool. It is impossible to store chicory grass for more than a year.

The shelf life of dried roots is three years. To do this, they are laid out in bags of paper or cloth and cleaned in a dry place.

As for the fried raw materials, it must be placed in a hermetically sealed container and put away in a dry place. Apply ground chicory only with a dry spoon, as it absorbs moisture very quickly and crumple. This affects both the taste of the finished drink and its benefits.

Contraindications to the use of chicory

Despite the fact that chicory is a very useful plant, there are contraindications to its use. People with varicose veins and other problems with blood vessels should not use chicory. Gently and carefully, chicory should be used by people with.

Expert editor: Kuzmina Vera Valerievna | Endocrinologist, nutritionist

Education: Diploma of the Russian State Medical University N. I. Pirogov, specialty "Medicine" (2004). Residency at the Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry, diploma in Endocrinology (2006).