Chickory for the liver........

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Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a herb and root that has been known for its

curative benefits since the first century A.D.. It is a member of the Asteraceae

family. A scraggly plant with blue flower heads, chicory flourishes in the wild,

as well as in gardens all over the world. It may be found in Europe, the Near

East, northern and southern Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and North and South

America.

The dried leaves and roots of the chicory plant are collected in autumn for

medicinal purposes. When flowering, the whole plant is collected and dried. With

a height that may reach up to 5 ft (1.5 m), chicory can be recognized by its

oblong leaves that resemble a crosscut saw or slit, with numerous stiff hairs on

the underside. Chicory, whose common names include succory, chicory root,

chicory herb, blue sailors, wild chicory, or hendibeh, is well known for its

bitter taste and use as a coffee substitute.

General use

The ancient Egyptians ate large amounts of chicory because it was believed that

the plant could purify the blood and liver, while others have relied on the herb

for its power to cure " passions of the heart. " Chicory continues to be a popular

herbal remedy due to its healing effects on several ailments.

Chicory is taken internally for the following disorders.

jaundice

spleen problems

gallstones

rheumatism

gout

loss of appetite

In addition, the leaves of chicory may also be used as compresses to be applied

externally to ease skin inflammations and swellings.

According to folklore, chicory was recommended as a laxative for children, and

it is also believed to increase the flow of bile. As a mild diuretic, it

increases the elimination of fluid from the body, leading to its use as a

treatment for rheumatism and gout.

Women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) may find that regular use of

chicory root as a bitter and a liver tonic may assist in maintaining hormone

balance and lessening the symptoms of PMS. In addition, altering the diet by

eating a " bitter " salad that includes fresh dandelion, chicory, and sorrel is

believed to strengthen the liver and discourage the growth of candida.

Chicory also supports the body's ability to absorb calcium, a nutrient that

helps build and maintain strong teeth and bones. Raftilin inulin and raftilose

oligofructose are fibers extracted from chicory root that cannot be digested by

the small intestine. Instead, they are fermented by bacteria in the large

intestine, leading to the increased absorption of calcium and other minerals.

Oligofructose is an example of a prebiotic, or nondigestible food ingredient

that benefits health by supporting the growth of one or several types of

bacteria in the colon.

A study published in 2002 indicates that inulin appears to lower the risk of

colon cancer. The precise nature of its protective effects is not yet known,

however.

In addition to enhancing digestive processes, chicory helps to keep the liver

healthy. The inclusion of chicory root supplements in the diet supports the

proper metabolism of cholesterol.

Preparations

While the medicinal uses of chicory are numerous, the plant is also often used

as a food additive, as a flavoring agent, and in meals. Inulin can be used to

improve the texture of processed foods as well as sweeten them. It can also be

used to make biodegradable nonfood substances with many industrial applications.

This versatility is important to environmentalists because chicory is a

renewable natural resource.

Wild and cultivated chicory leaves may be added to salads or sautéed and served

alone. Moreover, the roasted and ground root of the plant is a common addition

to coffee in Europe and in the United States.

Studies have shown that chicory complements coffee when it is used as a

supplement due to its lactucin and lactucopicrin. These two substances are

responsible for the bitter taste of chicory, and may serve to counteract the

stimulating effects of caffeine. Chicory by itself actually has a sedative

action on the central nervous system.

Chicory is available over the counter in bulk as green leaves and dried roots.

To prepare the herb as a tea, also known as an infusion, for home use: steep 1

tsp (5 ml) rootstock or dried herb with 0.5 cup (4 fl oz) water and strain after

10 minutes. To treat jaundice, spleen problems, gallstones, or gastritis, drink

8-12 oz (225-350 ml) of chicory tea per day.

As a dietary supplement, 1 tsp (5 ml) of juice from chicory stems may be

squeezed by hand and taken in milk or water three times a day.

Precautions

Chicory has shown to be safe for a variety of medicinal uses and as a food

source. There are no necessary precautions to observe when including the herb in

the diet.

Side effects

There are no known health hazards or side effects when chicory is added to the

diet. The only possible minor side effect is skin irritation. If the hands

become irritated after handling chicory, it is best to cover them with gloves

and treat the affected area as needed.