Chicory is a perennial medicinal plant that is easily recognizable by its small lilac-blue flowers, located in short baskets. It has long been used in folk medicine to treat a wide variety of ailments. Today, its root is also used as an excellent tonic, and also a substitute for coffee, because chicory has a tonic effect on the body.
Useful properties of chicory
Due to the large amount of nutrients in its composition, chicory has a positive effect on the state of the body. So, it enriches it with B vitamins and ascorbic acid. In addition, it contains calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium and other elements. It also contains tannins, organic acids, pectin, resins and inulin - a substance that helps to normalize the digestive system and improve metabolism.
It is not surprising that chicory helps to strengthen the immune system and has a lot of beneficial properties. In particular, the root of this plant has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and choleretic effects. It can also be used as an antihelminthic agent.
A decoction of chicory root helps to normalize the functioning of the pancreas, improve the microflora in the intestines and help the liver. It can be taken for diseases of the gallbladder, constipation, dysbiosis. It improves metabolic processes in the body and helps to eliminate toxins and other harmful compounds.
Chicory also has a beneficial effect on the state of the cardiovascular system - it is useful for hypertension, high cholesterol levels, and coronary heart disease. This plant also helps with nervous disorders, depression and insomnia. And chicory is also valued in medicine as an excellent means of preventing the onset of diabetes, because this plant helps to reduce blood sugar levels.
Due to its anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, chicory is also often used in the presence of skin diseases. Compresses from the grated root of this plant help get rid of allergic dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis, acne, seborrhea.
Harm of chicory and contraindications to its consumption
In the presence of certain diseases, chicory can have a negative effect on the body. So, it cannot be taken with varicose veins and thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids. It is also not recommended to use it in case of exacerbation of gastritis or ulcers.
During pregnancy, chicory decoction can only be drunk after consulting a doctor. You should also do the same if there are any disturbances in the work of the body, chronic diseases. And during lactation, it should be abandoned altogether.
The chicory decoction is best consumed in the morning, as it has a tonic effect. For this reason, it is often used in place of coffee. Despite its positive properties, do not forget that chicory is a medicinal plant, therefore it should be drunk in courses, periodically taking breaks.
