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Herbs > Ayurvedic Herbs and their Healing Power > Chicory
By Dr. Satish Kulkarni
The colloquial name for chicory is kasni
and its botanical name is chicorium intybus.
Chicory is known to the western world as a hot
beverage. The root of the plant is roasted, powdered
and added to coffee. When mixed with coffee it adds
to the taste and flavor of coffee in addition to its
stimulating effect. In combination, both of them give
instant energy and help in reducing fatigue. In
addition they help in maintaining body temperature in
cold weather or at high altitudes.
Chicory is a perennial herb with long
roots, which, along with the deep green leaves and
bluish flowers are the useful parts of this plant
having medicinal value as well. All these parts are
bitter but when this particular taste is cultivated,
chicory and coffee lead to addiction. This taste has
created a wave of coffee lovers in modern society. It
is known as a fantasizing drink to thinkers and
artists.
Chicory is considered a tonic when
consumed in moderate amounts. It is a proven
stimulant. It has laxative and diuretic effects.
Chicory has proved its merit in the treatment of
chronic constipation. In addition, it improves
functioning of the liver. A decoction of flowers,
seeds and/or roots can be tried in case of impaired
functioning of the liver. It has proven its merit in
liver as well as gall bladder dysfunction.
It increases basal metabolism, which
must be the reason why it is a favorite drink amongst
students and hard workers. It acts on the central
nervous system and heavy doses can generate
giddiness and sleep. It is proven to be an instant
energizer, which is why it is recommended in the
convalescence stage i.e. the period of recovery after
the termination of a disease or an operation.
Substances like chicory do not have any
food value but are helpful in the assimilation of
food material. They seem to stimulate the stomach and
intestines, perhaps by chemical action, although this
is often questioned. They irritate the digestive
tract if taken in large quantities. To some extent,
they are appetizers and through psychological
influences stimulate secretions in the digestive
tract.
A certain scientific research has also
explained its antiseptic property in addition to the
conditioning of the digestive tract when taken in
moderate doses. However, over consumption defeats
this purpose.
Chicory is a rich source of Vitamin A.
This vitamin plays a great role in vision. Added to
fresh carrot juice, tomato juice and a few other
substances like celery, etc., chicory is found useful
for the optic as well as muscular system. This
property is worth using for cases of night blindness
and more clinical trials are needed for achieving
full proof results. It is an effective hemoglobin
supporting tonic. When combined with celery and a few
other substances it makes an effective heart
stimulant which has nervine, carminative as well as
diuretic properties.
Chicory is recommended in chronic or
asthamatic bronchitis and here it is used as a cough
expectorant. A powdered form of medicine prepared
from the root of the plant is taken orally,
preferably with honey, which is to be followed by
plenty of hot beverages by mouth for effective and
productive expectoration.
In short, chicory is blended with coffee
to give instant energy and relaxation. It also has
very good effects on the digestive, nervous and optic
systems although overdose may harm the body system.
For further information on Ayurveda and/or questions
please
For further information on Ayurveda and/or questions
please Visit India Herbs For Genuine Ayurvedic Medicines and
Nutritional Supplements or contact Dr. Satish Kulkarni |
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