Chicory represents a long-term herb which is easy to recognizing by the small lilac-blue florets located in short baskets. Long since it was used in traditional medicine for treatment of various illnesses. Today its root is also applied as the excellent strengthening means, and still – coffee substitute, chicory has the toning effect on an organism.
Useful properties of chicory
Thanks to a large amount of useful substances in the structure chicory has positive impact on a condition of an organism. So, it enriches it with vitamins of group B and ascorbic acid. In addition it contains calcium, iron, magnesium, sodium, potassium and other elements. There are at it also tannins, organic acids, pectin, pitches and inulin – substance which helps to normalize an alimentary system and to improve a metabolism.
It is no wonder that chicory promotes strengthening of immunity and has the mass of useful properties. In particular, the root of this plant renders febrifugal, anti-inflammatory, diuretic and bile-expelling action. It is possible to apply it and as antivermicular means.
Broth from a root of chicory helps to normalize work of a pancreas, to improve microflora in intestines and to help work of a liver. It can be accepted at diseases of a gall bladder, locks, dysbacteriosis. It improves exchange processes in an organism and promotes removal of toxins and other harmful compounds. Well chicory influences and on a condition of a cardiovascular system – it is useful at a hypertension, the increased level of cholesterol, coronary heart disease. Such plant helps also at nervous breakdowns, a depression and insomnia. And still chicory in medicine is appreciated as the excellent means preventing appearance of diabetes, this plant helps to reduce sugar level in blood. Thanks to anti-inflammatory and bactericidal properties, chicory is also often used in the presence of skin diseases. Compresses from a grated root of this plant help to get rid of allergic dermatitis, eczema, neurodermatitis, eels, seborrhea.
Harm of chicory and contraindication to its consumption
In the presence of some diseases chicory can have negative impact on an organism. So, it can't be accepted at a varicosity and thrombophlebitis, hemorrhoids. It isn't recommended to use it also in case of exacerbation of gastritis or an ulcer. During pregnancy chicory decoction can be drunk only after consultation with the observing doctor. Also it is necessary to arrive and in case there are any violations in work of an organism, chronic diseases. And during a lactation it is necessary to refuse it at all. It is the best of all to use chicory decoction in the first half of day as it has the toning effect. For this reason it is often used instead of coffee. Despite its positive properties, you shouldn't forget that chicory - a herb therefore it is necessary to drink it courses, periodically taking a break.