Chicory is a perennial plant with a powerful root system. This herbaceous plant grows in Russia, Ukraine, as well as in other countries with a temperate climate. Chicory is very beneficial for the human body, which is why it is used to treat many chronic diseases. It is also a popular coffee substitute.
Description
This plant has a strong taproot that penetrates very deeply into the soil. Chicory leaves are bright, oblong, with a distinct main vein, rounded or narrowed at the end. The flowers are pale blue, less often white or pinkish, located on a short individual stem that extends from the top of the leaf. The chicory fruit is indistinctly pentahedral, usually with a tuft of short scales.
Beneficial features
The plant rhizome contains about 60% inulin, up to 20% fructose, intibin glycoside, vitamins B1, B2, B3, C, beta-carotene, as well as various macro- and microelements. For the treatment of various diseases, roots, flowers, fruits, as well as chicory tops are used. The use of chicory normalizes the metabolism, stabilizes the level of cholesterol in the blood, removes toxins and toxins from the body. The plant helps to relieve fever and soothe allergic reactions, relieves bile stagnation and normalizes heart rate, increases appetite, but at the same time normalizes intestinal microflora and stimulates digestion. Its mild diuretic effect makes chicory an excellent helper for people who are losing weight.
The use of chicory in traditional medicine
Grind the roots and grass of the plant, pour 250 ml of boiling water with 2 tbsp. herbal mixture and bring to a boil. Leave to infuse for 3-4 hours, wrapped in a towel or shawl. The ready-made infusion is recommended to be taken in case of gallstone and urolithiasis, 100 ml 3 times a day, 20-30 minutes before meals.
For diseases of the spleen, it is also useful to take an infusion of chicory root. To do this, pour 20 g of crushed root with 250 ml and leave to infuse for 40-60 minutes. Then strain and drink 1 tablespoon each. after every meal.
Chicory is used in the treatment of cirrhosis, as well as for other liver diseases. Pour in 4 tablespoons. chopped roots, stems and leaves of the plant with a liter of boiling water and put on low heat for 15 minutes. Then add 3 tbsp. honey, 2 tsp. apple cider vinegar and mix thoroughly. Drink the ready-made broth hot 3 times a day, 250 ml.
An infusion of chicory is great for getting rid of eczema. Pour 250 ml boiling water over 3 tsp. chopped herbs and flowers of the plant, leave to infuse and strain after 20 minutes. Apply the squeezed mixture of herbs and flowers to the damaged areas of the skin until the eczema disappears.
Sinusitis can also be treated with this plant. Pour 5 g of crushed root in 100 ml of water and bring to a boil. Insist for 2 days, then strain and instill 4-5 times a day in each nostril, 2 drops. It is necessary to bury the infusion within 12 days.
