Cover Image: Bruce Marlin, CC BY-SA 2.5 , via Wikimedia Commons

Medicinal properties of chicory have been known to man since ancient times. In Egypt, its root was considered an antidote for tarantula and scorpion bites. The ancient Romans were well aware of the properties of chicory leaves to improve digestion. In the East, chicory is used for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, eyes, and gout.

That is why since ancient times it has been used to treat infectious and inflammatory diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Since ancient times, a stalk of chicory has been used to treat wounds - thanks to its astringent and hemostatic properties and strong pain-relieving effect. Chicory is also known for its beneficial effects on the stomach and intestines, and especially on the liver. It helps the secretion, strengthens the ability of the liver to remove toxic substances from the body.

For centuries, fever-reducing and diaphoretic remedies have been prepared from chicory, without realizing that it not only heals, but also perfectly stimulates the immune system.

Chicory well relieves vascular spasms, so it is also used in respiratory tract diseases as an expectorant. Chicory will help get rid of weakness and fatigue, increase the general tone of the body. It lowers blood pressure, steadily returning it to normal.

Chicory is a perennial plant with blue flowers and a branched root. You can meet this plant everywhere - in meadows, hills, along the road.

Chicory has been known for its medicinal properties since ancient times. It has been cultivated since 1600 for its roots, which are used as a substitute for coffee.

The flowers, leaves and roots of the plant have medicinal properties. The flowers and leaves are harvested from June to September, and the roots are harvested either in early spring or late autumn. The excavated roots are washed, dried and cut into pieces, after which they are dried.

Dry roots can be stored for three years, and flowers and leaves for 1 year.

Chicory coffee has a digestive and tonic effect on the nervous system. Drinking chicory coffee half an hour before meals prevents indigestion and bloating, relieves fatigue, helps concentration, reduces abdominal pain, relieves constipation, protects the liver and gallbladder, and helps detoxify the body.

Chicory decoction stimulates liver function.

1 cup of decoction of the blue flower before meals regulates the blood sugar level.

If you suffer from constipation - drink 1 cup of decoction every day before the main meals.

Also, chicory decoction helps expectoration, soothes dry coughs and strengthens the immune system.

Taken after a meal, a cup of chicory decoction helps to digest food faster.

Chicory fights cellulite well. Pour 2 tablespoons of the herb into a thermos, pour 250 ml of boiling water, let it stand for about 4-5 hours. Strain and add to the bath water. Take such a bath for 15 minutes. The effect occurs after the twentieth bath.

And to always keep in mind:

The use of chicory is NOT recommended for people with ulcers of the gastrointestinal tract; vascular pathologies; varicose veins; bronchial asthma; hemorrhoids; inflammation of the joints; individual intolerance.

It is also contraindicated in children under the age of three, women during breastfeeding, as well as when taking antibiotics.

The advice is always : consult with a specialist before you add it to your daily diet and be mindful of the doses that you make. Do not use without a need.

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A.A.

Stob, Bulgaria