Chicory root

The medicinal properties of chicory root have long been popularized by folk healers, and for some time now they have attracted the attention of pharmacists. Because:

• iron and potassium in the composition of zirconium root are useful for cardiac and vascular pathologies, atherosclerosis;
• B vitamins have a positive effect on nervous activity, increase endurance and mood;
• chicory stimulates appetite, eliminates heartburn, normalizes the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract;
• acts as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial agent;
• improves metabolism, restores liver cells, stimulates the secretion of bile, accelerates the dissolution of gallstones;
• reduces cholesterol levels;
• has antipyretic and diuretic effects;
• helps to lose excess weight, prevents the development of diabetes;
• has an anthelmintic effect.

Beneficial qualities are also manifested when applied externally. Recent studies have revealed an antitumor effect. Flowers, leaves and seeds also contain healing substances. Of particular interest to medicine is the substance intibin.

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Benefits of chicory root

The benefits of chicory root are determined by the richness and diversity of its components. Here they are:

• inulin (60 – 70%) – natural polysaccharide, the most valuable component;
• intibin;
• organic acids;
• tannins;
• vegetable oils;
• proteins;
• carotene;
• vitamins;
• macro- and microelements.

Chicory is very useful for excess weight and metabolic disorders. For diabetics, it replaces both sugar and starch, strengthens the immune system, and improves metabolism. In reasonable doses, the plant is beneficial for everyone, including children and pregnant women.

The plant gained worldwide fame due to its use in cooking as an additive in the form of a complete coffee substitute. In some countries, the root and stems are baked and boiled. Less popular are the leaves as an ingredient for salad, but in general, chicory is rightfully considered both a food product and a medicinal herb.

In addition, the miracle plant is used as a component of cosmetic products.

Decoction of chicory roots

Chicory Root Decoction Recipes

• for weight loss:

Boil a spoon of finely chopped raw material for 10 minutes in 0.5 l of water, let it brew, strain. Use one hundred grams each time, half an hour before meals. Some advise using a glass of a more concentrated product: this dulls the feeling of hunger. To do this, boil 150 g of chopped root for about twenty minutes in two cups of water.

• for problems with the liver, kidneys, pancreas:

Brew 2 tablespoons in half a liter of water, strain after 30 minutes and add a spoonful of vinegar (apple) and honey.

• to stimulate the secretion of bile

Boil 2 tbsp for half an hour in two glasses of water, leave for half an hour, strain and consume three or more times a day.

• to normalize digestion

2 tbsp. of the herbaceous part of the plant pour boiled water (0.5 l), bring to a boil, cool, strain. Drink one third of a glass several times a day. The proportions of medicinal raw materials from the root are 1 tsp. per glass of water, cook for 10 minutes, consume half a glass.

• for baby baths and rubdowns

4 tbsp. in a glass of water, simmer for half an hour (in a water bath), use externally.

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Tincture of chicory roots

Tincture of chicory roots is a 20% pharmaceutical preparation that has

• diuretic and choleretic;
• normalizing gastrointestinal processes;
• anti-inflammatory;
• astringent;
• antimicrobial effect.

It is used as an internal and external medicine:

Internal:

• for gastritis, hepatitis, gallstones, kidney problems, diabetes, neurasthenia, hysteria, asthenia, worms, dyspepsia, anemia;
• to stimulate appetite, strengthen immunity;
• from toothache.

External:

• for wiping - for eczema, furunculosis, wounds, ulcers, psoriasis, baldness, urticaria. Dries the skin, reducing inflammation.

Use (after shaking) by adding the tincture (1 teaspoon per third of a glass) to water. Drink a portion half an hour before meals. The course is from one to two months.

Contraindications concern:

• pregnant women;
• nursing mothers;
• people with intolerance to the components.

You can prepare chicory tincture at home using the following recipe:

• Pour 40 milliliters of alcohol over the mixture of roots and leaves (10 g). After a week, the preparation is ready for use.

Chicory root drink

Invigorating drinks from chicory root are consumed hot, prepared to your taste from prepared or pharmacy raw materials:

• soluble powder is added to boiling water or milk with honey or sugar;
• the roasted ground root is boiled with water for three minutes, after a short infusion it is sweetened, cream or milk is added;
• liquid chicory based on the plant extract is diluted with boiling water, cream, milk;
• From independently collected and prepared roots, a pure drink is prepared or added to natural coffee.

The taste range and properties of industrial drinks are enriched with lingonberries, blueberries, sea buckthorn, and rose hips. Although these additives are not always truly natural.

Roasted chicory contains more useful substances than instant chicory, since it undergoes minimal heat treatment. It is an excellent raw material for the treatment and prevention of diseases.

Powdered chicory is a natural product made from extract using a special technology. It looks like natural instant coffee.

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Chicory Root Extract

The extract from chicory roots is obtained by the extraction method: the prepared raw material is boiled over low heat until a very concentrated product is obtained. It is dried in sublimators to a powder state - a soluble substance for internal use.

The extract retains the beneficial and harmful properties inherent in natural raw materials. When buying, you should pay attention to the following things:

• Fortified varieties may contain unnatural additives;
• quality and quantity of inulin (it is often replaced with pectin);
• The best powder is labeled “natural chicory extract.”

Liquid extract is also a useful remedy. It is recommended for anemia, ischemia, asthma, bronchitis, diabetes, stomatitis, dysbacteriosis and all intestinal infections, osteochondrosis, problems with the spleen. Regular use strengthens the immune system.

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Coffee from chicory roots

Coffee from chicory roots is a great way to replace caffeine for those who are contraindicated to drink it. The drink invigorates, but does not increase blood pressure, it is allowed to be drunk by hypertensive patients, diabetics and expectant mothers (for anemia, to improve immunity).

However, this drink cannot be consumed without restrictions. In some people, it causes increased appetite, nervous excitement, insomnia. The so-called vitamin enrichment, which is produced artificially, also raises doubts. To preserve vitamins, it is useful to pour not too steep boiling water over the chicory mass.

Chicory Root Uses

The use of chicory root in the form of infusions and decoctions is recommended:

• during recovery from viral hepatitis, excess weight and metabolic disorders, and diseases of the spleen;
• for external use - for skin pathologies;
• for lotions and other procedures - for children's diathesis;
• for cosmetic purposes – for coloring gray hair, strengthening and rinsing hair.

These products can be prepared independently. The extract is sold in pharmacies, the ground and soluble product is sold in supermarkets.

If chicory is added to the dough, the baked goods get an appetizing appearance and a pleasant smell of coffee and nuts.

For cosmetic purposes, a strong decoction is prepared.

Salad chicory is used in cooking.

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Use of chicory root in folk medicine

The use of chicory root in folk medicine is based on a whole range of its beneficial properties:

• diuretic, diaphoretic, choleretic;
• strengthening;
• stimulating;
• vasodilator;
• dietary;
• health;
• lowering sugar levels;
• lipolytic;
• analogue of coffee.

Traditional medicine recommends using tinctures, compresses, lotions and other forms. The root is used for anemia, colds, infections, cuts, wounds, allergies from insect bites, nervous disorders, insomnia, migraine pain, digestive problems and kidney disease.

Juice with milk is effective for anemia, scurvy, and mixtures with other medicinal plants are effective for gallstone disease.

Chicory roots for dysbacteriosis

Chicory roots are useful for dysbacteriosis due to the presence of inulin. This is a type of fiber that is a nutrient medium for beneficial bacteria in the digestive organs. It protects against dysbacteriosis and all the troubles associated with it, primarily constipation.

Nutritionists recommend introducing a coffee substitute made from chicory root into a diet for weight loss. Vegetables and fruits in such a menu serve as excellent food for microflora, while preventing diarrhea and bloating.

How to grind chicory roots for coffee?

The easiest way is to buy ready-made ground chicory. However, there is another option. You can find and dig up the root yourself or buy dry in pharmacies, stores, and diabetics departments. In any case, you should pay attention to the fact that it is strong, without rotten parts and small roots, well cleaned and washed. The color of a healthy plant is brownish.

How to Grind Chicory Roots for Coffee? Dried Roots:

• cut with a knife;
• fry;
• grind with a blender;
• Store in a tightly sealed glass jar.

How to brew chicory root?

• Method 1 – for internal use:

The peeled roots are dried, then fried in a frying pan until the moisture evaporates and a rather unpleasant smell appears. The mass, ground with a coffee grinder, is brewed with boiling water, boiled for five minutes, and infused.

• Method 2 – for external use:

Pour 20 g of dried grass and root with 2 tbsp. boiled water, leave for 10 minutes. Use for conjunctivitis, for poultices on sore joints, treat skin pathologies.

• Method 3 – for an anti-cellulite bath:

Two tablespoons of grass and root per glass of boiled water are kept in a thermos for an hour, the contents are poured into the bath; take for 15 minutes, every other day, 21 times.

• Method 4 – to stimulate hair growth:

30 g of the plant is brewed for half an hour in a liter of water. After six hours, apply to the hair roots for 10 minutes, wash and dry the head.

• Method 5 – for hair care:

Boil 3 spoons of raw material for 20 minutes in a cup of water, rub into the scalp after 6 hours. You can rinse your hair with a less strong decoction.

Chicory, burdock and dandelion root

Regular use of infusion of chicory, burdock and dandelion roots guarantees weight loss in a month. Losing weight is not too burdensome and almost stress-free. Recipe:

• Mix all ingredients in a ratio of 3:1:1 (burdock, chicory, dandelion), pour boiling water, cover, leave for an hour. Take 50 ml three times 20 minutes before meals. A 300-milliliter portion of water is enough for two days, after which you need to prepare a fresh remedy.

In parallel with the weight loss effect, such a collection, taken over a long period of time, enriches the body with vitamins and increases the body's defenses.

These same roots, in combination with other medicinal plants, are often used in healing practices (pulmonary, kidney, diabetes, and cancer infusions).

Contraindications to the use of chicory root

Contraindications to the use of chicory root:

• gastritis, erosions and ulcers;
• vascular diseases;
• varicose veins;
• haemorrhoids;
• chronic cough;
• bronchitis, asthma;
• gout, rheumatoid arthritis;
• individual intolerance;
• age up to three years;
• breastfeeding (may cause severe allergies in the child).

In some cases, chicory is allowed for consumption if the attending physician considers it useful. When breastfeeding, mothers are advised to observe how the baby reacts to the invigorating drink.

However, you should know that an excess of any substances, even very useful ones, leads to imbalance and undesirable effects, such as allergies (from vitamin C). Especially when it comes to children.

Individual intolerance is extremely rare.

The substance is not compatible with antibiotics.

Considering the invigorating and diuretic properties, drinks from chicory herb should be drunk in the morning or at another convenient time.

The dose that will not cause harm is a purely individual matter. But several cups a day, in the absence of contraindications, will definitely not cause an overdose. However, you should take breaks between courses of treatment.

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How to prepare chicory root?

Chicory root is sold in every pharmacy, markets, and stores. You can also prepare it yourself. How to prepare chicory root and other herbs so that they do not lose their benefits?

Herbalists advise collecting medicinal potions at the time when they contain the most useful substances:

• herbs - in bloom, preferably on a dry sunny day.
• leaves - from early spring until flowering.
• Many roots are especially valuable in spring.

In two-year-old plants, one-year-old roots are dug up, their quality is determined by the leaves: if they are young and juicy, then the roots are strong.

• Chicory root is harvested in the fall, when the flowers and leaves have dried up.

Having found a strong root, it is cleaned of clay, small and rotten roots, thoroughly washed and dried.

How to dry chicory root?

Chicory is a herbaceous plant of the family Compositae, blooming all summer long, has a powerful spindle-shaped root. It grows in gardens, vegetable gardens, roadsides, and wastelands.

The collected roots that meet the standard are dried in the sun. To speed up the process, it is advisable to cut them into pieces. Five sunny days are usually enough for the medicinal raw material to dry completely. The root is stored in a dry, cool place, in paper bags, fabric bags, glass jars (but not in polyethylene); the beneficial properties are preserved for up to three years.

Proper use of chicory guarantees a positive effect. However, when adding the plant to your diet, it is advisable to check what effect it will have on your body.