Guest guest Posted January 1, 2008 Report Share Posted January 1, 2008  Alternative medicine: Chicory Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:36:15 By Khashayar, MD., Press TV, Tehran Chicory, a natural decaffeinated alternative to coffee, lowers cholesterol, reduces pulse rate, and treats stomach and liver ailments. Botanical: Cichorium intybus (LINN.) Family: N.O. Compositae Synonym: Succory. Wild Succory. Hendibeh. Barbe de Capucin Habitat: Chicory, which originates from Europe and came to be used in North America, has now become a popular coffee substitute and additive especially in the Mediterranean region and South America. Description: Chicory is a bushy perennial herb with blue or lavender flowers. The stems are 60 to 90 cm high with numerous lateral branches. Part Used Medicinally: Root. stem. leaves Constituents: A special bitter principle, called intibin (lactucin and lactocopicrin), inulin and sugar. Medicinal Uses: Chicory is widely used as a tonic and appetite stimulant due to its bitter ingredient. The root is used to treat gastro-enteritis, dyspepsia, appetite loss, liver and gallbladder problems, and intestinal worms. Chicory extract is used to treat liver ailments including gallstones, hepatitis and liver cancer. Its roasted root has bacteriostatic effects. Chicory root tincture is good for treating cardiac diseases such as arrhythmia and palpitation. Chicory root has sedative and laxative effects. Chicory also lowers blood sugar and cholesterol. Because it contains a compound called insulin, chicory might be helpful in lowering the glucose rate in diabetics. It is also used to treat sore throats, sinus problems, hemorrhoids, tuberculosis, abdominal cramps, melancholy, deafness, cuts, bruises and rashes. Chicory promotes the body's ability to absorb calcium. Preparation: Chicory root is long and thick, like the dandelion tap-root. When dried, roasted and ground, it makes an excellent substitute for coffee. There is no caffeine in chicory, and it produces a more 'roasted' flavor than coffee does. To prepare the root as a tea, a table spoon of root for every cup of water should be simmered for 20 minutes. The dried root may be soaked for several hours to soften it prior to simmering. Drinking 2-4 cups of chicory tea per day is good for treating jaundice, spleen problems, gallstones, or gastritis. Caution: Chicory may cause contact dermatitis in some individuals. PKH/HGH Related News Alternative medicine: Barberry Alternative medicine: Turnip Alternative medicine: Celery Alternative medicine: Chamomile Alternative medicine: Ginger Alternative medicine: Garlic E-mail this Story | Print this Story | Post a comment Count of views : 666 Share: Del.icio.us Digg Facebook Newsvine Reddit Technorati Translate this page by Google to French - to German - to Spanish - to Italian Home | About Us | Feedback | Contact Us © Press TV 2007. All rights reserved. Our privacy Policy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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