Chicory ordinary. About grass, root, flowers

Chicory ordinary

Cichorium intybus
Taxon: Aster family (Asteraceae)
Other names: wild chicory, petrovy batog, shcherbak, petrov knut, blue batogs, sickle, black companion, yellowberry, shkerda, endevy
English: Chicory, Wild Succory

The scientific name of plants of the genus chicory was first mentioned in the writings of the Greek philosophers Theophrastus and Dioscorides, who called this plant Kichore and Kichorion ("kio" - to go and "chorion" - untouched place, field). The plant mainly grows on the outskirts of fields. The specific Latin name intybus comes from the Greek word "entomos" - incised (in the form of a leaf) or from the Latin "tubus" - a tube (due to the hollow stem). The German name wegewarte - "road watchman", "plantain" - emphasizes that the plant grows along fields, near roads. Ukrainians call chicory "Petriv batig" for the woody strength of the shoot.

Botanical description of chicory

- perennial herbaceous plant with a fleshy spindle-shaped taproot up to 1.5 m long and milky juice. The stem is erect, ribbed, 30–120 cm in height, with branched rod-like branches. Basal leaves are pitted-pinnatipartite or weakly lobed, at the base narrowed into a stalk, collected in a rosette; stem leaves alternate, lanceolate, sharp-toothed, with a wide base, sessile; upper - lanceolate, whole. Flowers are bisexual, in baskets, located singly at the tops of the branches and 2–5 in the axils of the upper leaves. Corolla blue (rarely white or pink), reed, with five teeth. Blooms from June to September. The fruit is a seed. The plant is a valuable honey plant, gives a lot of nectar and pollen.

The spread of chicory

Common chicory grows throughout Europe, in Asia - to Baikal, India and East Asia, in South and North Africa, North, Central and South America, Australia and New Zealand. It occurs in meadows, along roads, along ditches, like a weed in weedy wastelands, in places it forms large thickets.

Collection and preparation of medicinal raw materials of chicory

For therapeutic purposes, the roots of wild and cultivated species of chicory (Radix Cichorii), in particular the roots of garden chicory varieties (Cichorium endivia L.) (which is now widely cultivated as an industrial crop), are used. Less often in scientific and practical medicine, wild chicory herb and tops of cultivated species and forms of wild chicory and garden chicory (Herba Cichorii) are used. The roots of well-developed plants are dug up in autumn, shaken off the ground, washed in cold water, freed from the stems, if necessary, cut along and across. dried on fresh air or in a dryer at temperatures up to 50°C. Ready raw materials are stored in dry, cool rooms with good ventilation. The grass is harvested during the flowering period of the plant, cutting off the tops of the stems 30 cm long. The collected raw materials are dried in the shade in the open air or in a well-ventilated area, spreading a thin layer, or in a dryer at temperatures up to 40 ° C.
Chicory is cultivated in Western Europe, Asia (India, Indonesia), America (USA, Brazil). The yield of cultivated varieties of chicory is not inferior to sugar beet, amounting to 15–17 tons per hectare. Wild chicory, planted from seeds or seedlings, on fertilized soil grows very quickly as an annual crop, requiring little care.
Chicory roots are included in the Pharmacopoeia of Russia, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Sweden, France, Hungary and some other countries. Cultivated varieties of common chicory are also used to obtain biologically active food supplements and dietary products.

Biologically active substances of chicory

Chicory roots are rich in carbohydrates, in particular fructosans (4.7–6.5%).
They contain up to 4.5–9.5% free fructose and its water-soluble polymer, inulin. The content of inulin in the roots of wild-growing chicory reaches 49%, and in cultivated varieties - up to 61%. The leaves and seeds of the plant are also rich in inulin. In addition to inulin, chicory also contains other, less polymerized fructosans (inulides), which consist of 10–12 fructose residues and are slightly soluble in water.
A characteristic component of the plant roots is the glycosidic substance intibin (0.032–0.2%). It is a colorless gelatinous substance with an indeterminate composition and a bitter taste. I. Schormuller et al. (1961) using the methods of gas chromatography and chromatography found organic acids in dry powdered extracts of chicory roots, the main part of which is acetic, malic, succinic and citric, as well as lactic and tartaric acids. Their total content in the roots of the first year reaches 11–12% in terms of dry weight. The presence of formic acid in the roots (507–584.2 mg%) was also established. During ontogenesis, the amount of organic acids decreases by 3.5–4 times. In the roots of chicory, phenolcarboxylic acids were also found - isomers of chlorogenic acid: neochlorogenic and isochlorogenic. The content of chlorogenic acid in fresh roots is up to 5.5%, and in fried - up to 2.2%.
In addition, the composition of the roots of the plant includes fatty acids (linoleic, palmitic, linolenic, stearic), sterols (α-amirin, taraxasterol, β-sitosterol), resins, choline. It has been established that chicory roots accumulate a number of trace elements - nickel, zirconium, vanadium, in large quantities - iron, chromium, zinc, copper (Yavorsky O. I. and Rogovskaya L. Ya., 1994).
In 1958 p. L. Doleys et al. isolated the sesquiterpene lactone lactucin from the juice of chicory roots and determined its structure on the basis of spectroscopic studies and chemical transformations. Other sesquiterpene lactones (8-deoxylactucin, lactucopicrin - monoester of paraoxyphenylacetic acid and lactucin, magnolialide, artesin), as well as oxycoumarins (esculetin, umbeliferon, esculin and chicoryin) and a number of flavonoids (Rees SB and Harborne JB, 1985). E. Leclerq and J. T. Netjes (1985) proposed a method for obtaining bitterness from chicory roots by enzymatic treatment with preparations that contain pecto- and cellolytic enzymes. Lactucine and 8-deoxylactucin were obtained from the chloroform extract, and lactucopicrin was obtained from its precipitate.
Using thin layer chromatography on silica gel G, color reactions and photocolorimetric method, S. I. Balbaa et al. (1973) identified classes of compounds found in 8 varieties of chicory. Flavonoids, catechin tannins, glycosides, carbohydrates, unsaturated sterols and triterpenoids were found in all varieties. At the same time, the absence of saponins and alkaloids in chicory roots was indicated.
When roasting chicory roots, chicoriol is obtained - a volatile substance with a characteristic odor, which contains acetic and valeric acids, acrolein, furfural and furfural alcohol.
The milky juice of chicory, in addition to sesquiterpene lactones, also contains triterpene taraxasterol, hydroxycinnamic acids (chicory, or 2,3-dicofeyltartaric acid), traces of essential oil, choline, rubber.
Oxycoumarins were found in the aerial part of chicory: esculetin and its 7-glucoside - chicoryin (chicorin), esculin, scopoletin, umbeliferon. It has been established that the relative content of esculetin and chicorin prevails over the content of other oxycoumarins (Demyanenko V. G. and Dranik L. I., 1971). The inflorescence with leaves is characterized by the highest content of esculetin and its glycosides - up to 0.96% of dry weight (G. F. Fedorin et al., 1974).
Wild chicory herb contains flavonoids: apigenin, luteolin-7-o-β-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin-3-o-β-L-rhamnoside, quercetin-3-o-β-D-galactoside, apigenin-7-o- L-arabinoside. Kaempferol-3-o-glucoside, kaempferol-3-o-glucuronide, and kaempferol-3-o- were found in the lettuce chicory herb.
It also contains hydroxycinnamic acids (chicory, caffeic, chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, 3-feruloylquinic, 3-n-coumaroylquinic), triterpenes, simple pyrone maltol, ascorbic acid (10 mg%), carotene (1.3 mg%), vitamins B1 (0.05 mg%), B2 (0.03 mg%), PP (0.24 mg%), trace elements - manganese (12 mg%), iron (0.7 mg%).
In the study of chicory inflorescences, it was found that anthocyanins, derivatives of delphinidin, in particular 3,5-di-o-(6-o-malonyl-β-D-glucoside) delphinidin, 3-o-(6 -o-malonyl-β-D-glucoside)-5-o-β-D-glucoside delphinidin, 3-o-(-D-glucoside-5-o-(6-o-malonyl-β-D-glucoside) delphinidin and delphinidin 3,5-di-o-β-D-glucoside (Norbaek R. et al., 2002).
In the leaves of chicory, acylated cyanidin glycoside was also found, and in the seeds - protocatechin aldehyde.

The history of the use of chicory in medicine

Chicory has been used in folk medicine since ancient times. Chicory roots are mentioned in the writings of Pliny, Forekal, Theophrastus. An analysis of the recipes of ancient Arabic and Armenian medicine indicates that chicory was part of various medicines that were used to treat wounds, diseases of the digestive system and liver. Ibn Sina used chicory to treat diseases of the stomach and intestines, fever, inflammation of the eyes, and as a thirst quencher. He recommended applying dressings moistened with chicory decoction to the joints with gout and to the places of bites of scorpions, snakes and lizards.
Since ancient times, chicory has been considered food plant. It was known to the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, who used the leaves of the plant to make spicy salads. Interest in chicory in Europe resurfaced in the late Middle Ages, when ground and roasted chicory roots were used to make a coffee substitute. The use of the so-called “Prussian coffee” with chicory is evidenced by a manuscript with the corresponding recipe, which was found in the city of Padua and dates back to 1600. Having appreciated the taste qualities of a coffee drink made from chicory, the Dutch peasants began to cultivate this plant at the end of the 18th century. Beginning in 1770, the chicory drink made a real boom among coffee lovers in Paris, and eventually throughout France. Until now, there are disputes about the priority of chicory coffee between the inhabitants of the Harz and Paris. At the end of the XVIII century. in Germany, industrial plantations of chicory and factories for processing roots began to be created. However, regardless of the European origin of the coffee drink from chicory, in the nineteenth century. in France it was called "Indian coffee" (Caféaux Indiens) or "Chinese coffee" (Caféaux Chinois).
Cultivated varieties of wild chicory began to appear in Europe since 1850, thanks to the efforts of the botanist Bressiers, chief gardener and vegetable grower of the botanical garden in Brussels. Once, having planted wild chicory sprouts (in order to get the best seedlings and reject them), instead of ordinary plants the gardener received plants with leaves twisted at the head, like lettuce or cabbage. Later, this botanist bred varieties of chicory with a fleshy root, similar to beets. Over time, the methods for breeding new varieties of chicory were declassified, and they began to be cultivated not only in France, but also in Greece and Italy. Since the 70s of the XIX century. the cultivar of chicory "Witloof" spread throughout Europe (its name comes from the Flemish name for chicory "witloof" - a white leaf). In Greece, and eventually in the United States, cultivated chicory began to be called "endevia" - from the distorted Latin name "intybus".
The first scientific works on the study of the chemical composition of chicory date back to the beginning of the 19th century. However, systematic studies of the plant began at the beginning of the 20th century. It was during this period that chicory was recognized as a valuable technical sugar. Therefore, scientists were primarily interested in the content of polysaccharides, namely inulin, in the roots of this plant. In 1925, a chemical study of chicory roots was carried out at the Central Institute of the Sugar Industry (Moscow), which showed that the content of inulin is 18–20%. In addition, the possibility of obtaining fructose (levulose) by hydrolysis of inulin with weak acids was considered. Similar work was carried out at that time in Germany, but the yield of fructose was only 50% of the theoretical one, and production was discontinued.
In Ukraine, a chemical-technological study of the roots of cultivated varieties of chicory was carried out in 1928 at the Kharkov Institute of Technology. A method has been proposed for the isolation of fructose in the form of calcium fructose, but fructose in crystalline form has not been obtained. At the Kharkov Institute of Applied Chemistry, these studies were later continued, and as a result, 18–19.5% of sugars were obtained. Since then, chicory has been returned as a valuable sugar, from which inulin and fructose can be obtained.

Traditional medicine considers chicory an effective remedy for increasing appetite, normalizing digestion, treating acute and chronic hepatitis, enterocolitis, stomatitis, conjunctivitis, and poisoning. Its roots are used as a general tonic in case of exhaustion of the body and as a means of normalizing the composition of the blood. A decoction of chicory is also recommended for anemia, malaria, gastric ulcer, bronchial asthma, edema of cardiac origin, scurvy, hysteria, tuberculosis, gout, skin diseases, steamed aerial part - for radiculitis, myositis, lymphadenitis.

In French and Austrian folk medicine, chicory is used to increase appetite, with hypoacid gastritis, and also as a diuretic. In Bulgaria, infusions and decoctions of chicory roots are used for diseases of the liver (cirrhosis, hepatitis) and gallbladder (cholelithiasis), stomach ulcers, kidney diseases, as an emollient for tonsillitis and inflammation of the respiratory system, externally - for skin rashes, eczema, boils, carbuncles, neglected wounds, chronic ulcers in the form of porridge. Polish folk medicine recommends chicory juice against malignant tumors. Traditional medicine of European countries also uses chicory roots to treat nephritis, enuresis, spleen diseases, and hemorrhoids. In Azerbaijani folk medicine, chicory roots are popular for the treatment of the initial stage of diabetes. The ashes of the plant were used to treat leishmaniasis.
People believe that eating chicory grass by cows increases milk yield.

Pharmacological properties of chicory

Biologically active substances chicory (bitterness) reflexively increase the secretion of gastric and intestinal juice, peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract, regulate defecation, increase appetite.

Extracts of the aerial part of chicory, containing flavonoids, oxycoumarins and hydroxycinnamic acids, have choleretic activity (SM Drogovoz et al., 1975). A pronounced choleretic effect is manifested at a dose of 50 mg / kg intraduodenal, with its further increase, the degree of choleretic reaction does not change significantly. With the introduction of the total extract of the aerial part of chicory and its fraction containing phenolic compounds to experimental rats, an increase in bile secretion is noted already at the 1st hour (by 40% and 32%, respectively) and lasts 2–3 hours. At the same time, the concentration of cholates in bile increases sharply (mainly due to conjugates of taurocholic acid), the ratio between conjugated and free bile acids increases, and the cholesterol content decreases. The choleretic properties of chicory root extract are much weaker.

Chicory root extract shows a pronounced therapeutic effect in experimental hepatitis caused by carbon tetrachloride. Its use improves the protein-synthetic function of the liver, reduces the pathological manifestations of hepatitis (Yavorsky O. I., 1997; Gadgoli C., Mishra S. H., 1997; Zafar R. and Ali Mujahid S., 1998). The hepatoprotective activity of chicory root extract is due to phenolic compounds, in particular esculin (Gilani A. H. et al., 1998).

Inulin and less polymerized chicory fructosans, as well as products of their partial hydrolysis, are well fermented by intestinal microflora, in particular bifidobacteria (Roberfroid M. B. et al., 1998).

A decoction of chicory roots has a hypoglycemic effect. According to S. Arullani (1937), after taking 200–300 g of raw materials, the level of sugar in the blood decreases by 18–44%. These results were confirmed by H. Ploese (1940), who observed a 15–20% decrease in sugar levels after taking juice from chicory leaves. The pronounced hypoglycemic activity of a dry extract from chicory roots at a dose of 50 mg / kg with intragastric administration was confirmed by Tajik scientists on a model of aloxan diabetes (Nuraliev Yu. N. et al., 1984). OI Yavorsky (1997) found that the hypoglycemic effect of the total extract from chicory roots in conditions of aloxan diabetes is associated with its polysaccharide complex. An electron microscopic study of the ultrastructure of the pancreas of experimental animals made it possible to establish that the therapeutic effect occurs due to the protective effect of chicory preparations on the membrane structures of β-cells of the islets of Langerhans. In addition, the introduction of a polysaccharide complex into the body, the structural basis of which is the insulin-independent sugar fructose, normalizes the carbohydrate metabolism of the body. The absorption of fructose through the wall of the digestive tract is much slower than that of glucose and sucrose. This prevents a significant peak in blood fructose concentration. The conversion of adsorbed fructose to glycogen in the liver occurs independently of the hormone insulin. Experience has shown that fructose-sweetened foods produce a faster and longer-lasting satiety effect than foods containing other sweeteners.

The positive effect of chicory on the body is observed in diabetes mellitus. With this pathology, along with violations of all types of metabolism, the metabolism of microelements changes significantly. So, with the development of carbon imbalance, the processes of removing iron, copper, zinc, cobalt, and chromium from the body are activated. It has been proven that chromium atoms act as an activator of interaction between insulin molecules and cell surface membranes, and copper and manganese regulate glucose uptake, being direct or indirect activators of tissue respiration, therefore, a decrease in their content negatively affects the condition of patients with diabetes mellitus (G. O. Babenko , I. P. Reshetkina, 1971). When studying the microelement composition of chicory roots, it was found that the underground part of the plant contains, in particular, iron, copper, zinc and chromium. Therefore, it is obvious that the consumption of chicory is very useful for the prevention and complex treatment of diabetes.

R. Benigni et al. (1962) described the thyreostatic action of chicory.

Biologically active substances of chicory also have a positive effect on lipid metabolism. In rabbits that were on a high-carbohydrate diet, there is an increase in the level of total cholesterol up to severe hypercholesterolemia. This is prevented by the introduction of the total extract of chicory. In addition, the level of cholesterol atherogenicity decreased in animals. These data indicate a pronounced hypocholesterolemic and antiatherogenic effect of chicory and make it possible to recommend its preparations for clinical testing in order to prevent atherosclerosis.

On the model of stress damage to the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, modeled by intraperitoneal administration of a stress dose of adrenaline (50 μg / kg) to mice, it was experimentally established that lyophilized aqueous extracts of chicory root and herb have antioxidant properties (Yavorsky O.I., 1994). The previous intragastric administration of chicory root and herb lyophilizates at a dose of 100 mg/kg prevents an increase in the intensity of lipid peroxidation and a decrease in the activity of superoxide dismutase. Chicory root lyophilisate has a more pronounced antioxidant activity than the drug from the aerial part of the plant. Chicory lyophilizates prevented the occurrence of stress hemorrhages, ulcerative-erosive and inflammatory changes in the gastric mucosa. The gastroprotective activity of the aqueous extract of chicory root was 1.3–1.5 times greater than that of the same extracts of dandelion root, Potentilla yellow herb and wormwood administered in similar doses. It is believed that the anti-stress effect of chicory is based on its antioxidant effect. It is important that the chicory root extract not only inhibited the manifestations of ulcerative erosive and inflammatory processes, but also contributed to the rapid repair of morphological changes in the gastric mucosa and the restoration of its functional state.

Further biochemical studies confirmed the antioxidant activity of chicory extract in different systems in vitro: in the system linoleic acid - β-carotene, in tests of inhibition of the formation of 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (Papetti A. et al., 2002), xanthine oxidase activity (Pieroni A. et al., 2002) and the process of free-radical DNA damage (Sultana S. et al., 1995). It has been demonstrated by gel electrophoresis that an aqueous extract of chicory inhibits the oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (Kim T. W., Yang K. S., 2001). The antioxidant effect underlies the hepatoprotective properties of chicory.

It has been established that chicory juice contains both antioxidant and pro-oxidant compounds. Thermolabile prooxidants, obviously of a protein nature (mL 50 Kda), increase the peroxidation of linoleic acid in the cold, thus masking thermostable antioxidants. Antioxidants appear only after thermal inactivation of prooxidants or after their separation by dialysis (Papetti A. et al., 2002).

Interesting results were obtained by Egyptian scientists S. I. Balbaa et al. (1973) while studying the effect of an alcohol tincture of chicory roots on an isolated frog heart. The drug showed a pronounced quinidine-like activity, causing a clear decrease in the amplitude and slowing of the heart rate. The greatest activity was shown by preparations from large-root varieties of garden chicory "Magdeburg" and "Roness". The cardiological activity of the tincture of the cultivated variety "Magdeburg" reached 75% of the action of the standard digitalis tincture. Therefore, further study of the cardiological properties of chicory is promising in terms of developing new effective means for the treatment of tachycardia, arrhythmia and fibrillation.

Experimental studies indicate that a decoction of chicory inflorescences also exhibits cardiotropic properties. When it is added (at a concentration of 0.5–1%) to the perfusion solution that enters the isolated heart of a frog and a rabbit, in the first minutes there is an increase in the work of the heart, an improvement in diastolic relaxation, an increase in the amplitude of heart contractions with a slight decrease in their frequency (Power B I., 1948). The stimulating effect of the drug on the adynamic and hypodynamic heart (against the background of the action of chloral hydrate) was longer than on the isolated normal heart. The cardiotonic substances of the decoction of chicory inflorescences do not have the ability to accumulate in the heart muscle - after washing them, the performance of the isolated heart quickly (after 1-2 minutes) is restored to the initial values. At high concentrations (3–5%), a decoction of chicory inflorescences caused a slowing of the rhythm and rapid cardiac arrest. It can be assumed that the cardiotonic properties of a decoction of chicory inflorescences are due to the content of anthocyanins in them - delphinidin glycosides.

A decoction of chicory inflorescences in small concentrations (0.1–0.5%) dilates the vessels of the skin and kidneys, and in higher concentrations (1–2%) it causes their narrowing. With intravenous administration of 10% infusion (5 and 10 mg/kg) to rabbits, a short-term sharp decrease in blood pressure occurs, the hypotensive effect persists for 30-40 minutes. A weak hypotensive effect is also observed with intramuscular and intravenous administration of a decoction of chicory roots to anesthetized rats. On the isolated large intestine of a rabbit, a decoction of the roots exhibits weak antispasmodic activity.

A decoction of chicory herb has diuretic properties.

In animal experiments, it has been established that an infusion of chicory inflorescences has a sedative effect on the central nervous system, reduces the motor activity of experimental animals (Power V.I., 1948). This effect is associated with a depressant effect on the nerve centers of lactucopicrin.
The antimicrobial and astringent properties of the water extract of chicory have been established. From its roots, J. M. Deshusses (1961) isolated a substance that has a bacteriostatic effect on Bacillus anthracis and Bacillus subtilis. Methanol and petroleum ether extracts of chicory inhibit the germination of spores of phytopathogenic fungi by more than 95% (Abou-Jawdah Y. et al., 2002).

In accordance with empirical data, chicory root juice exhibits antitumor activity, however, specially conducted studies of such properties did not confirm: it did not affect either the growth of Guerin's carcinoma, or its histological structure, or the general condition of animals with implanted tumors. However, it has recently been reported that 1β-hydroxyeudesmanolide-magnolialide contained in chicory leaves inhibits the growth of cells of some tumor lines and induces the differentiation of human leukemic cells HL-60 and U-937 into monocyto-macrophage-like cells (Lee KT et al., 2000) .

The immunomodulatory activity of the polysaccharide complex obtained from chicory roots has been established. Observations by OI Yavorsky and VV Chopyak (1995) showed that in in vitro experiments it enhances the migratory ability and stimulates the phagocytic activity of leukocytes (NBT-test) in patients with allergic dermatitis. The study of the effect of chicory on the function of the body's immune system was continued by Korean scientists. J. H. Kim et al. (2002) demonstrated that an alcoholic extract of chicory (300 mg/kg for 4 weeks) counteracts the suppression of the immunological reactivity of the body of ICR mice against the background of chronic alcohol intoxication. Compared to the control group, the animals that received the extract showed an increase in the number of leukocytes, relative mass thymus and spleen, increased the intensity of the humoral immune response to sheep erythrocytes (the number of plaque-forming spleen cells, hemagglutinin titers) and bovine serum albumin (secondary immune response - Ig titers), as well as the intensity of the development of a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction. In addition, against the background of the introduction of chicory extract, an increase in the phagocytic activity of leukocytes, the activity and proliferation of natural killers (NK cells), secretion of γ-interferon, as well as an insignificant induction of interleukin-4 was established. At the same time, the proliferative response of human peripheral blood lymphocytes to the mitogen phytohemagglutinin was completely inhibited by 70% ethanol extract of chicory (Z. Amirghofran et al., 2000). In the mixed culture, an increase in lymphocyte proliferation was observed in response to allogeneic cells in the presence of 10 μg/ml of the extract.

Biologically active substances of chicory in the experiment also exhibit anti-allergic properties. An aqueous extract of chicory (0.1–1000 mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibits the development of a systemic anaphylactic reaction and an increase in plasma histamine concentration in mice caused by the introduction of a mast cell destabilizer - compound 48/80 (Kim H. M. et al., 1999). When it was used at the maximum dose in animals, there was a complete absence of anaphylactic manifestations. Chicory extract also inhibits the development of a local anaphylactic reaction caused by the introduction of anti-dinitrophenyl-IgE. It has been proven that the blocking effect of chicory extract on the destabilization of mast cell membranes under the influence of Ig and compound 48/80 is based on an increase in the intracellular concentration of cAMP.

Of great practical interest are studies of the pharmacological activity of roasted chicory, which occupies a significant place in the diet of many people as a substitute or additive to coffee. In an experiment on 11 volunteers who drank coffee from 60 g of chicory for 6 months, it was found that such an additive does not cause unpleasant symptoms from the digestive system, with the exception of a slight increase in intestinal motility, does not affect diuresis, neuropsychic state and system blood circulation, heart rate and rhythm, ECG parameters (Leclerq E. and Netjes JT, 1985). Research shows that at heat treatment(roasting) the roots decompose and destroy the structure of most biologically active substances, which, on the one hand, leads to an improvement in the taste of the product, and, on the other hand, to a decrease in pharmacological activity.

Toxicology and side effects of chicory

Chicory roots do not show pronounced side effects and are not toxic. However, with prolonged use, they can significantly increase the secretion of gastric juice and bile. Therefore, patients with increased acidity of the gastric juice means of chicory should be used with caution.

Fried chicory roots, unlike dried ones, exhibit a more pronounced choleretic effect and can significantly increase diuresis. Therefore, long-term use of chicory coffee may be undesirable for patients with liver and gallbladder diseases.

Toxicological studies indicate that the crude total herbal preparations from the aerial part and roots of common chicory, as well as the purified fraction of phenolic compounds from the aerial part, are practically non-toxic: LD50 for mice when administered intraperitoneally is 5.0–7.6 g/kg (Drogovoz S M. et al., 1975).

Does not show toxicity also 10% decoction of chicory inflorescences. In doses of 10–15 ml/kg in laboratory animals, it caused only a short-term (for 3–4 hours) inhibition of motor activity (Sila V.I., 1948).

Cases of occupational allergy to chicory have been described among vegetable sellers (Friis B. et al., 1975; Krook G., 1977). With oral, cutaneous and inhalation contact, allergic reactions of immediate and delayed type developed with predominantly skin manifestations (urticaria, contact dermatitis). Patients typically experienced cross-sensitization also to lettuce. Protein ml was identified as an allergen. m. 48 KDa from plant roots (Cadot P. et al., 1996). It is suggested that the sensitizing properties of chicory may also be associated with sesquiterpene lactones.

Noteworthy are reports that an aqueous suspension of chicory roots inhibits spermatogenesis in mice (Roy-Choudhury A. and Venkatakrishna-Bhatt H., 1983). Chicory seed extract in an experiment on rats showed a pronounced contraceptive activity (Keshri G. et al., 1998). In our opinion, this information requires detailed study due to the possibility of undesirable side effects of chicory preparations on the human body.

Clinical use of chicory

In modern medicine, herbal and neogalenic preparations of chicory are used to stimulate appetite, improve the activity of the digestive organs, as a choleretic and laxative. They are prescribed for hyperacid gastritis, enteritis, colitis, chronic constipation, they are recommended for cirrhosis of the liver, stagnation of the portal circulation system. Chicory is one of the main components of the well-known effective Indian Ayurvedic hepatoprotective drug "Liv 52".

V. D. Kazarina et al. (1981) studied the effect of 10% decoction of chicory roots on the biochemical composition of bile and indicators of the inflammatory process in 30 patients with cholecystitis. As a result of its intake, 1 tablespoon 3 times a day before meals for two weeks, the intensity of the inflammatory process in the gallbladder and biliary tract decreased (diphenylamine and ninhydrin tests returned to normal), and the production of bile acids increased. At the same time, there was no effect on other biochemical characteristics of bile (the content of bilirubin, cholesterol, calcium). In most patients, indicators of non-specific anti-infective resistance of the body returned to normal, which had a positive effect on the general condition of patients. However, in about a quarter of patients with recurrent inflammatory processes in the gallbladder, immunological parameters remained unchanged after treatment.

Taking into account non-toxicity, mild action, ease of dosing and the absence of allergic reactions, N. V. Dmitrieva et al. (1987) used chicory roots in the complex treatment of newborns with pathology of the hepatobiliary system (cholecystitis, hypotonic biliary dyskinesia).
A 10% decoction was prepared from the crushed roots and used 1/2 teaspoon (starting with 3-5 drops) 4 times a day before feeding for 15-20 days. Due to bitterness, the use of decoction improved appetite, which had a positive effect on weight gain in infants. During 14 days of treatment, weight gain was 2 times greater than in the control group, and amounted to 300 ± 50 g. On days 6–8, the size of the liver decreased in infants and icterus of the skin decreased or disappeared altogether, stools returned to normal. According to fractional duodenal sounding, bile excretion by the liver increased, motor-evacuation function of the biliary tract returned to normal in 60% of patients. The most characteristic change in the composition of hepatic and cystic bile was an increase in the content of bile acids and a decrease in the concentration index of bilirubin. The results of the studies made it possible to conclude that it is expedient to use a decoction of chicory roots in the complex treatment of infants with anorexia, malnutrition, internal and subhepatic cholestasis, cholecystitis, and hepatitis.

Scientists of the Ivano-Frankivsk Medical Academy together with joint stock company"Galychpharm" has developed and patented a new hepatoprotective collection "Tricinol", which, in addition to chicory roots, includes a trifoliate leaf (Folium Menyanthidis) and calendula inflorescences (Anthodium Calendulae).
In an animal experiment, it has been proven that this remedy has pronounced hepatoprotective and choleretic properties, and even surpasses silibor in activity. This drug has passed the stage of preclinical pharmacological studies in the Pharmacological Committee of Ukraine, but has not been introduced into production.

Experimental data gave grounds to consider chicory roots as a promising remedy for mild and moderate forms of diabetes mellitus. In 1993, a collection of medicinal herbs for the treatment of diabetes "Lydia" was patented in Russia, which includes chicory roots. Chicory roots are a component of a hypoglycemic preparation patented in Croatia (Petlevski R. et al., 2001).

An important food product for patients with diabetes is fructose, which is rich in chicory roots. The results of clinical studies indicate that inulin preparations from chicory roots exhibit a pronounced hypoglycemic effect in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type II), and also reduce daily fluctuations in blood glucose levels (Pavlyuk P. M., 1999; Kosykh O. Yu., 2000 ). Therefore, chicory inulin is considered today as the drug of choice in the treatment of patients with type II diabetes mellitus. It is recommended as monotherapy for newly diagnosed diabetes and mild disease, as well as for the primary prevention of diabetes in individuals with reduced glucose tolerance syndrome and metabolic syndrome (impaired carbohydrate metabolism, hypertension, hyperproteinemia). In moderate and severe forms of diabetes mellitus, inulin allows you to reduce the dose of the main hypoglycemic drugs, is a good remedy prevention of complications of the disease (diabetic angiopathy, peripheral neuropathy, retinopathy, nephropathies and encephalopathies). In addition, inulin has a positive effect on lipid metabolism, reducing elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood (Pavlyuk P. M., 1999). Due to the effect of saturation, inulin reduces the feeling of hunger without consuming additional calories.

Biologically active food supplements containing inulin and fructose are low-calorie and are recommended for athletes. Due to moderate fructose metabolism, they increase the body's endurance, in addition, they contribute to the restoration of fluid and electrolytes after a significant physical activity. Due to the effect of saturation, the use of fructose before meals reduces the feeling of hunger.

Maltol may have potential value in enhancing the sweet taste of sugar.

As a diuretic, chicory grass is used for diseases of the kidneys, bladder, and gout. Inulin is used in clinical and laboratory practice to assess kidney function, since it is filtered only in the renal glomeruli, and is not excreted or absorbed in the renal tubules.

Due to the sedative effect on the central nervous system, chicory preparations are recommended for neuroses, insomnia, and hypertension.

Water infusion of chicory is used externally in the form of washings and lotions for the treatment of furunculosis, eczema, purulent wounds, blepharitis.

Funds from the roots of chicory are promising as anticoagulant agents (Chiryatiev E. A. et al., 1989).

In Austria, preparations from chicory roots in the form of an extract, decoction and tablets are used in the absence of appetite, hypoacid gastritis and as a diuretic. Chicory is an ingredient in several homeopathic remedies.

In India, chicory is used to make toothpastes that have anti-inflammatory and anti-plaque properties (Patel V. K. and Venkatakrishna-Bhatt H., 1983).

Ground roasted chicory root is used as a natural coffee substitute and a valuable addition to barley coffee surrogates. The results of a study of the pharmacological activity of roasted chicory root confirm that drinking coffee from chicory, instead of natural, eliminates negative action caffeine and other compounds and is useful for "coffee lovers" with disorders nervous system, circulatory and intestinal systems. Young basal leaves of chicory are used in some foreign countries for making salads. The roots of the plant can be used to produce alcohol.

Medicines for chicory

Gastrovitol (Gastrovitol, OZ GNTsLS, Kharkiv, Ukraine) is an oral liquid containing aqueous-alcoholic extracts of 13.9 g of common chicory rhizome, 13.9 g of oregano herb and 2.5 g of fragrant chapoloch herb. Available in bottles of 200, 250 and 500 ml. The drug stimulates appetite, enhances the secretion of the digestive glands, intestinal motility, promotes bile secretion, exhibits anti-inflammatory, astringent and sedative effects. It is used to increase appetite in gastritis with reduced secretion of gastric juice, stimulate intestinal motility in hypotonic biliary dyskinesia, enterocolitis accompanied by constipation and flatulence, as well as increased nervous excitability and insomnia. Assign inside 1 teaspoon 3 times a day 30 minutes before meals. The duration of treatment is on average 3 weeks. The drug is contraindicated in hyperacid gastritis, it should be used with caution during pregnancy and lactation.
LIV 52 (Liv 52, Himalaya Drug, India) is a complex drug made from juices and decoctions of a number of medicinal plants. The tablets contain, on a dry matter basis, 16 mg of yarrow, 65 mg of chicory, 16 mg of oriental senna, 32 mg of black nightshade, 65 mg of Capparis spinosa L., 32 mg of Terminalia arjuna Terminalia arjuna, 16 mg of French tamarisk Tamarix gallica and 33 mg Mandur bhasma. Produced in India in packs of 50 and 100 tablets.

It is used to improve liver function and its regeneration processes in infectious and toxic hepatitis, chronic hepatitis. In precirotic conditions, the drug stops the development of cirrhosis and prevents further damage to the liver tissue. Prevents the development of alcoholic liver damage, protects against the effects of toxic substances and hepatotoxic drugs. The drug also increases appetite, improves bile secretion, digestion in general and absorption of food, helps to remove gases from the intestines. Assign inside adults 2 tablets, children 1-2 tablets 3-4 times a day.

Side effect. The literature describes single cases of the development of epidermal necrolysis (Lyell's syndrome) in patients with chronic and acute infectious hepatitis who took LIV 52. Therefore, the drug has rarely been used recently.
Urogranum (Urogranum, Herbapol, Poland) - granules containing biologically active substances of scrofula herb, horsetail herb, birch leaf, chicory root, lovage root and calamus rhizomes.
It exhibits a diuretic saluretic, antispasmodic effect, has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity. Assign for acute and chronic inflammatory processes of the urinary tract, with kidney stone disease, uric acid diathesis. Consume 1/2-2/3 teaspoon of granules 3 times a day between meals with 1/2 cup of sweetened water or tea.
Side effect: occasionally allergic reactions are possible.
Cholagogue collection (Species cholagogue, Herbapol, Poland) is a medicinal tea containing chicory roots, Bardanae root and Dracunculi herb. It is used for diseases of the liver and biliary tract, cholecystitis, nephrolithiasis, digestive disorders caused by insufficient secretion of bile.
Body Slim (Uncle Lee's Tea Inc., USA) - a medicinal tea containing senna leaf, blackberry leaf, orange peel, rice fiber, ginseng, chrysanthemum herb and chicory. It has a hypolipidemic and laxative effect, improves digestion. Application begins with small doses, gradually increasing them. Recommend 1 tea bag per 2 cups of boiling water, used warm or chilled after meals in the morning or evening. Can be diluted in more water. Starting from the 2nd week, 1 tea bag can be brewed with 1 cup of boiling water. It is advisable not to consume more than 3 cups of tea per day.
Hevert-Magen-Galle-Leber-Tee (Hevert, Germany) - tea, 100 g of which contains 2 g of calendula inflorescences, 20 g of fennel fruit, 10 g of wormwood herb, 5 g of centaury herb, 2 g of celandine herb, 38 g of chicory herb , 10 g of yarrow herb, 5 g of thyme herb and 8 g of calamus rhizomes. Consume 1 cup (per cup 2 teaspoons) of tea 3 times a day before meals for gastritis, cholecystitis, for adjuvant treatment of gastric ulcer.
St. Radegunder Abfürtee mild (Synpharma, Austria) - laxative tea, 100 g of which contains 60 g, 25 g of chicory root, 10 g of fennel and 5 g of mallow flowers. It is used for constipation and intestinal atony. Consume several times a day for 1 cup of fresh tea (2 teaspoons per cup). Contraindicated in case of allergy to components.

Few people know that the nondescript roadside blue flower is the famous chicory used to produce a coffee substitute. And many scientists and healers of antiquity knew about the magnificent healing properties of this plant.

Description of the species and distribution

Chicory ordinary refers to herbaceous perennial plants. Chicory root is spindle-shaped and very fleshy and large (up to one and a half meters), when cut, it releases milky juice.

The erect stem of chicory has a ribbed surface, sometimes reaches a height of 120 centimeters, and branches very strongly.
Chicory leaves are collected in rosettes, basal leaves have a notched, pinnatipartite or weakly lobed structure, tapering towards the base. The mid-stem leaves are sessile, lanceolate, alternate with sharp-toothed edges and a wide base, while the upper leaves are more entire and have a lanceolate shape.

Bisexual chicory flowers are located in baskets, always singly along the tops of the plant and in the axils of the upper leaves. Chicory flowers have a blue tint, although white and pinkish species are found, the petals are ligulate with 5 cloves. Period abundant flowering falls in June-September. After flowering, a fruit is formed - an achene, usually triangular or pentagonal. Its length is small, only two or three millimeters, slightly oblong and has a brown or lighter shade.

Chicory ordinary is an excellent honey plant. It also reacts very strongly to the presence of sunlight, so after five in the evening it is very difficult to find open chicory flowers. Common chicory grows almost everywhere: it can be found in the European, Asian part of the Eurasian continent, in Africa, New Zealand, Australia. Very often, chicory is found in meadows, along roads, ditches, and sometimes forms quite abundant thickets.

Collection and preparation

For medicinal purposes, chicory roots are mainly used, grass is less often used, namely flowers and tops of the plant. Harvesting of roots is made in the autumn period. They are dug up, washed with cold water, blotted with excess moisture. After the roots are cut into pieces, including along and laid to dry. Drying of the roots can be done both in the open air and using drying equipment.

Ready dried roots can be stored for up to two years.
Chicory grass is harvested during the flowering period of the plant. To do this, cut off the upper parts of the stems (approximately 30 cm in size). Chicory herb can also be dried outdoors or in dryers. The shelf life of chicory herb is less than the roots, only one year.

medicinal properties

Traditional medicine has found a fairly large number of applications for chicory. Thus, grass, roots and seeds are used to treat the stomach, liver, intestines, bladder, spleen, and chicory-based preparations are used as a sedative for hysteria and epilepsy, and they also treat hemoptysis and anemia.

A decoction of chicory seeds has an antipyretic, diaphoretic and even analgesic effect. Chicory flowers in the form of an infusion have a calming effect in case of increased excitability, reduce pain in the heart area. Fresh chicory juice was used to treat malaria and anemia. Chicory herb in the form of a decoction is added to baths for the treatment of eczema and diathesis, as well as for the treatment of joints. The same chicory herb is used as a poultice for the treatment of abscesses, and in the form of ash, in combination with sour cream, it is used for various skin lesions, including psoriasis and eczema.

In general, chicory has been familiar to folk healers since ancient times. There is evidence that in many scientific works of the most ancient healing scientists there is a mention of chicory.

Chicory is an excellent coffee substitute and, unlike the latter, it is much healthier. The use of chicory instead of coffee helps to cleanse the body, remove accumulated toxins and toxins, radioactive substances, improves digestion and even speeds up metabolism.

Chicory has a positive effect on gastric motility and the digestive process in general. So, common chicory helps to improve the functioning of the stomach when digesting hard-to-digest food.
The elimination of toxins is due to the fact that chicory has a beneficial effect on the liver, enhancing its functions.

Healing recipes

Chicory has incredible beneficial properties, so with daily use of chicory, the condition of the skin and the general condition of a person improves.
by the most in a simple way The use of chicory is the preparation of a decoction.

Root decoction: Thoroughly grind chicory roots in the volume of one tablespoon, pour half a liter of boiling water and boil for about half an hour. The resulting broth after cooling should be filtered and taken before meals in a tablespoon three times a day. Such a decoction perfectly helps to improve appetite and the digestion process in general, and is also an excellent choleretic and diuretic.
An infusion of chicory roots is used to treat the gastrointestinal tract, inflammation of the bladder, and skin diseases. Infusion: a full tablespoon of crushed root is poured with half a liter of boiling water and insisted in a closed container for several hours. After the infusion is filtered, the remnants of the steamed root are squeezed out and consumed half a glass half an hour before meals three times a day. The infusion is also recommended for the treatment of gallstone disease or an enlarged spleen.
Chicory juice also has a lot of useful properties, as it treats anemia and skin diseases (acne, diathesis, eczema, pustular skin diseases), and also serves as a sedative. Chicory juice: only young shoots at the budding stage are used for making juice, which are thoroughly washed, scalded with boiling water and passed through a meat grinder. The resulting gruel is squeezed through a rag or several layers of gauze and boiled for a couple of minutes. After that, honey is added to the boiled juice and taken one teaspoon up to four times a day.
Lotions from chicory roots help to cure diathesis, including in children older than two years. Lotion: prepare a mixture of roots and aerial parts of chicory, taken in equal parts. Boil four tablespoons of the resulting mixture in a glass of water for thirty minutes. After, as usual, cool and squeeze. Baths or douches taken at night. The duration of treatment is at least three days.
To improve or even restore vision, a mixture of chicory, parsley, carrot and celery juices is used. A glass of this juice mixture per day with constant use for several days (or weeks if serious problems with vision), gives excellent results with various visual defects.

For the treatment of anemia, the following recipe is used:
Add a teaspoon of chicory juice to half a glass of milk. This mixture must be taken at least three times a day for a month and a half. After taking a week break and repeat the course.

With arrhythmia, you can try this method:
Finely chop the chicory root and take one teaspoon, pour half a liter of water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, close the container with a lid and leave to infuse for a couple of hours. Then strain and add honey. Take before meals half a cup three times a day.

For gastritis:
Finely chop the flowers and stems of chicory and take a couple of tablespoons. Pour the indicated amount of the mixture with a liter of boiling water and boil for a quarter of an hour. Cool, strain and drink half a glass three times a day.

For the prevention of laryngitis, bronchitis and the treatment of lung diseases:
Grind chicory root in advance and add motherwort herb in a 1:1 ratio. A mixture of motherwort and chicory in the amount of three tablespoons (tablespoons) pour two glasses of hot water and set aside to infuse for fifteen minutes. Drink like regular tea throughout the day.

Contraindications

Chicory roots have no particular side effects and are not toxic.
Prolonged use of chicory preparations can cause increased secretion of gastric juice, as well as diuresis. The use of herbal preparations, including chicory, should not be used in the treatment of children under the age of two years. Individual intolerance may be present.

In the article we talk about the root of chicory. You will learn what this part of the plant looks like and what useful properties it has. You will receive recipes for preparing decoctions and infusions, and you will understand what contraindications chicory root has.

The root is the underground part of a plant (see photo) that grows in Eurasia and North Africa. Root crops are long, fleshy, tend to accumulate useful substances, which allows chicory to survive drought and bad weather. fresh chicory root Chicory root has found application in medicine and cooking due to its rich chemical composition.. The underground part of the plant contains:

inulin is a polysaccharide (20-60% depending on the method of preparation);
protein compounds;
B vitamins;
glycoside intibin (gives chicory a characteristic bitter taste);
carotene;
vitamin C;
tannins;
organic acids;
sodium and potassium salts.

If we consider the effect on the body of each of these compounds, it becomes clear medicinal properties and contraindications of chicory root:

Reduces blood glucose levels. Inulin is a compound that affects glycemia. Taking a drink from chicory root can reduce sugar by 20-30%.
Increases appetite and improves digestion. The bitter substances in the composition of the root crop whet the appetite, and inulin promotes the reproduction of beneficial intestinal microflora. It is an excellent breeding ground for bacteria. Gradually growing colonies of microorganisms displace pathogenic microflora and replace harmful bacteria.
Has a choleretic and diuretic effect. Bitter substances in the composition of the root contribute to the outflow of bile, cleanse the liver and kidneys.
Normalizes the functioning of the nervous system. B vitamins have a positive effect on the nervous system. If you are interested in what chicory root is good for - improves mood, use it to combat depression. The drink from the root soothes and relaxes.
Regulates heart rate. The product contains potassium salts necessary for the work of the heart. With regular intake of a decoction or infusion of chicory, tachycardia disappears, and the risk of coronary heart disease decreases.
Dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. Glycoside intibin makes the walls of blood vessels more elastic, relaxes muscle tissue, due to which the vessels expand, blood pressure decreases.
Strengthens the immune system. Ascorbic acid in the composition of the root helps to fight viral and colds, strengthens the immune system.
Reduces blood cholesterol levels. Due to the high content of inulin, chicory removes bad cholesterol and helps to lose weight, which is very important for diabetes and obesity.

The benefits and harms of chicory root largely depend on the described qualities of the root crop. The underground part of the plant is used in folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus, obesity, heart and vascular diseases, the nervous system, hypertension and weakened immunity.

In cooking, the product is used to prepare a coffee drink with a characteristic taste.. Chicory root does not contain caffeine, therefore it is approved for use by hypertensive patients, people with heart disease, pregnant and lactating women. A side dish is prepared from the underground part of the plant, used in salads.

In industry, inulin is isolated from chicory root, starch and alcohol are made.

How to prepare chicory root

Many coffee lovers don't even know what chicory root looks like. In the store, raw materials from the plant are found in 3 types:

Liquid. This is a root extract. It is used to make a drink, added to dishes and confectionery.
Soluble. The easiest form for making a drink at home. But if you want to know how instant chicory is made from chicory root, then we will tell you. In industry, the manufacture of a product requires a lot of expense and effort. To produce an instant drink, the root extract is placed in special spray dryers and the finished powder is obtained as a result.
Ground. This form of the product is considered the most useful. For its manufacture, the roots are dried in an oven to a brown hue and ground into powder. An infusion or decoction is prepared from ground chicory, which retains a maximum of useful substances.

However, if you have the opportunity, and you know how to prepare chicory root yourself, you can provide yourself with a natural healthy product for the whole year. To harvest chicory root at home, find the area where this plant grows nearby. Root crops growing near the roadway, in the city, are not suitable for drying, as harmful compounds accumulate in them.

To get a useful product, it is important to be aware of when to collect chicory root for medicinal purposes. Harvest in early spring or late autumn. During these periods, the root contains maximum amount nutrients. If you have decided when and where to harvest chicory root, be careful about the technology. Consider how to collect and dry chicory root:

At the indicated time, dig up the roots of the plants. Do not try to pull them out: the roots are long and go deep into the soil.
Shake off the soil from the roots and rinse under cold running water.
Remove small roots and lay out the product for pre-drying.
Cut the roots crosswise into small pieces. If the root is thick, first divide it lengthwise into 2 parts.
Lay out the roots on the fabric. The best place for drying - under a canopy or in a ventilated room. You can use a dryer or oven, setting the temperature to no more than 60 degrees.
Ready roots break well. After drying, cut them into pieces 1 cm long. Put them on a baking sheet and dry in the oven for 12 hours at a temperature of 100C.
Grind the finished roots in a coffee grinder. Store raw materials for the drink in a glass jar in a dark place.

Since not only the root of the plant, but also its aerial part has useful properties, determine in advance what to collect from chicory - roots, flowers or leaves. Each part of the plant has its own harvesting technology and optimal time collection.

How to brew chicory root

Dried and crushed chicory root The most popular way to consume ground chicory roots is as a coffee drink. There are many ways to prepare chicory root at home. If you are using store-bought instant ingredients, simply put 1 tsp. powder into a cup and pour boiling water over it. The advantage of this method is the speed of preparation, but there is little benefit from such a product.

For medicinal purposes, make a decoction or infusion of ground root crops. Add honey, juices. The question of the benefits of chicory with milk or cream remains open.

Doctors believe that milk reduces the beneficial properties of the root crop, increases blood viscosity, and chicory prevents the body from absorbing calcium from milk. However, there is an opinion that dairy products are better absorbed if added to a coffee drink. Drinking chicory in its pure form or mixed with other ingredients is an individual choice.

Consider the recipes for the preparation of chicory root.

Decoction

Knowing how to brew chicory root, you can take a healing drink for weight loss, excretion of bile, and normalization of digestion.

Ingredients:

Ground chicory roots - 2 tbsp.
Boiling water - 0.5 l.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over raw materials and cook for half an hour. Strain.

How to use: Drink 0.5 cup three times a day. The course of therapy is 2 weeks.

Result: Normalizes stool, promotes weight loss.

Many are interested in how coffee is made from chicory root. The cooking technology differs little from the decoction, but use a Turk as a dish.

If you boil the ground root in a cezve, you will get a drink that looks like real coffee. For 1 glass of water, take 1 tbsp. raw materials.

Infusion

The infusion differs little from the decoction in its beneficial properties. The cooking technology is a little longer, but if you have nowhere to rush, try it.

Ingredients:

Ground root - 2 tbsp.
Boiling water - 500 ml.

How to cook: Pour boiling water over crushed chicory. Insist 2 hours. Boil the infusion and leave it for another half hour. Strain.

How to use: Drink 0.5 cup three times a day.

Result: Normalizes the rhythm of the heart, strengthens the immune system.

Contraindications and possible harm

In whatever form you take chicory, consider contraindications to the use of plant roots. Refuse the drink in the presence of conditions and diseases:

bleeding with hemorrhoids, varicose veins (chicory dilates blood vessels and aggravates the disease);
respiratory diseases, accompanied by a strong cough (the plant irritates the respiratory tract);
hypotension (root reduces pressure);
allergy;
kidney or liver failure (chicory contains oxalates, which adversely affect the functioning of the kidneys).

Drink no more than 1-2 cups per day. Do not abuse the drink: in large quantities, it disrupts the functioning of the nervous system, heart rate, provokes pain in the kidneys, removes nutrients from the body.

For more information about chicory, see the video:

What to remember

Chicory has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels, calms, normalizes the intestinal microflora.
Drink no more than 1-2 cups of "coffee" per day.
Prepare a decoction or infusion of ground roots: they are more beneficial than the extract.
Consider contraindications.

1 Useful, medicinal properties of chicory and its composition
2 Where does chicory grow
3 How and when to harvest flowers
4 How to dry chicory herb
5 How and when to harvest chicory roots
6 How to make chicory coffee

Despite the fact that chicory has been known since ancient times, in our time the attitude towards it is twofold. Some see it only as a weed, albeit gently blooming, while others treat it as a coffee surrogate. And people who are well versed in medicinal plants "take off their hats to him."

Useful, healing properties of chicory and its composition

Chicory roots contain inulin, which can be called a natural substitute for starch and sugar in diabetes.
Chicory also contains intibin glycoside, choline, gum, resin, tannins, chicoryne, essential oil, lactucin and lactucopyrin.
Chicory roots are used to improve digestion, increase appetite, with dyspepsia.
The roots have a choleretic effect, they are tried on for diseases of the liver and gallbladder, for cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, inflammation of the pancreas. No wonder chicory is popularly called "liver grass".
Chicory is used for gout, joint diseases, osteochondrosis, atherosclerosis, obesity, metabolic disorders.
Chicory has a positive effect on neurosis, asthenia and hysteria.
Externally, chicory is used for insect bites, as well as in the treatment of skin diseases. It helps a lot with diathesis in children.
Chicory juice together with juice of carrots, parsley and celery restores eyesight.

Contraindications: vascular diseases, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, as well as individual intolerance.

Where does chicory grow

Chicory grows almost everywhere where there is a lot of sun: in glades, wastelands, hills, along roads and fields, in vegetable gardens.

There are wild varieties of chicory and those that are cultivated.

Medicinal properties have flowering parts of the plant and roots.

The peculiarity of chicory is such that it begins to bloom after a few years, and at first - in the first year - it develops only a basal rosette of leaves. The root eventually becomes so long that sometimes it goes deep into the soil by one and a half meters.

How and when to harvest flowers

Chicory flowers are harvested at the time of mass flowering June to September.
Chicory grass is harvested away from highways, factories, garbage dumps.
For collection choose dry settled weather.
Harvesting flowers is carried out when the dew dries on the plants.
For drying, only the apical flowering parts of the plant are cut off without coarse stems.

How to dry chicory herb

Cut stems are dried in the shade, under a canopy or in attics under an iron roof, laying out a thin layer on fabric.

The raw material is periodically mixed so that it dries evenly. Drying is considered complete if the stems break well.

Store raw materials in canvas bags or paper bags in a dry, dark, cool place. Shelf life is one year.

How and when to harvest chicory roots

Chicory roots are harvested either early spring or late fall when the above-ground part of the plant begins to die. It is at this time that the maximum amount of useful substances accumulates in the roots, because the plant is preparing for wintering.

Since the roots of chicory are long, they are not pulled out, but dig out. Then the roots are cleaned from the ground, quickly washed in cold water, thin lateral roots are removed and laid out on the grass for initial drying.

Then the roots are cut across into small pieces, and thick roots are cut before that also along.

The roots are laid out on cloth and dried in a ventilated room or under a canopy.

But still it is better to dry the roots in a dryer or oven at a temperature not exceeding 60 °. The oven door must be kept half open so that the raw materials do not steam. When the roots break with a bang, the drying is stopped.

keep the roots in cardboard boxes, boxes or paper bags in a dry place for three years.

Dried chicory roots are an excellent coffee substitute. The fact is that ordinary coffee is contraindicated for many due to the presence of caffeine in it. And there is no caffeine in the chicorn drink, but there are a lot of other useful substances, the properties of which were mentioned above. In addition, the chicory drink does not irritate the stomach, does not stimulate the heart and nervous system, but stimulates the appetite.

To obtain a chicory drink, prepared fresh chicory roots are cut into pieces 1 cm thick and dried at a temperature of 100 ° for about 12 hours.

The dried roots are then roasted in a dry frying pan until coffee-colored. When roasting chicory roots, chicoreol essential oil is formed, which gives a peculiar aroma to the drink.

After cooling, the roots are ground in a coffee grinder, in a blender or ground in a mortar.

Chicory coffee can be prepared both without additives and with grain components, adding barley, soybeans, mountain ash, oats, rye, dried carrots, roasted almond kernels, roasted acorn kernels to chicory. The percentage of additives and their amount may be different.

How to make chicory coffee

Ground chicory or the prepared mixture is poured into hot water, brought to a boil. The drink is allowed to brew and poured into cups, adding milk and sugar to taste. For one glass of water, take 1 teaspoon of the prepared mixture.

Chicory is a common plant with blue flowers that can be found in the expanses of the European territory of Russia, Western Siberia and the Caucasus. As a seed crop, it is grown in the USA, countries Western Europe. For all its nondescriptness, the button (another name for chicory) brings undeniable benefits to the human body. The use of chicory root, its benefits and methods of preparation is the topic of our article.

The benefits and harvesting of chicory root

Composition of chicory root

Button roots are 60% composed of inulin, a polysaccharide, which is a powerful bifidostimulator, that is, a substance that catalyzes metabolism and has a beneficial effect on the state of the body as a whole. The grass contains up to 15% of various sugars, as well as tannins, B vitamins, resins, trace elements (potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, selenium and others). The composition includes intibin - a substance used in pharmaceuticals. Chicory root has an average calorie content of 380 kcal.

How to cook chicory?

A ready-made solution or powder from the roots of the button can be found on the shelves of pharmacies or in the grocery store, but it is not difficult to prepare it yourself. It is worth collecting a medicinal plant away from busy roads and highways, in environmentally friendly areas. The roots are removed from the ground in late autumn, they must be carefully rinsed and dried in the sun or in the oven. Then chop and fry in a pan. Do not worry, all useful substances will be preserved during heat treatment, and the mixture will acquire beautiful colour and characteristic aroma. The roots are then ground into powder.

Chicory root: medicinal product, on the basis of which tasty and healthy drinks are prepared

How to use chicory root?

The use of chicory root is quite diverse. Wide use he received thanks to his rich and complex composition, as well as a small list of contraindications.

Benefits of chicory root

Button root is a truly unique remedy; there are many recipes based on it in folk medicine.

Normalization of the gastrointestinal tract

The brewed powder of chicory roots has long been used to stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, increase appetite, and improve digestion.

Improving the microflora and the condition of the pancreas

Due to the high content of inulin, the button is able to improve the intestinal microflora, reduce inflammation, and normalize the functioning of the pancreas.

Decrease in excitability and improvement of cardiac activity

The benefits for the nervous system are obvious - the B vitamins contained in chicory provide healthy sound sleep, eliminate insomnia, apathy. Chicory, unlike coffee, has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system, as it does not provoke an accelerated heartbeat, tachycardia. Potassium, contained in this medicinal plant in large quantities, normalizes the rhythm of heart contractions.

Normalization of sugar levels and weight loss

The root of this plant is also effective in complex therapy for the treatment and prevention of diseases such as diabetes and obesity. Inulin normalizes blood sugar and supports metabolic processes.

Treatment of dermatological diseases

Buttonhole helps to cope with dermatological diseases, products based on the roots of this herb have a wound healing property.

Chicory root in cooking

Chicory roots are also used for food purposes, it is part of confectionery, cakes and pastries, as a flavoring agent that gives baked goods a delicate nutty flavor, pleasant color and aroma. The button is the safest alternative to coffee, close to the latter in terms of taste, but not harmful to the body. Unlike coffee, this medicinal plant does not contain a dangerous alkaloid - caffeine, which adversely affects a person when taken in large doses. Alcohol obtained from the roots of this medicinal plant, in quality and output volume, surpasses potato. Successfully selected edible leaf varieties chicory such as witloof, escariole. Young shoots and leaves, rich in ascorbic acid, are good fresh in salads and soups. When fried, the product is served as a side dish for fish. Chicory is indicated for dietary nutrition.

What can be prepared from chicory root?

Chicory root is good both on its own and as part of phytotherapeutic fees. It is compatible with yarrow, corn silk, oregano, milk thistle. From the root of chicory, you can prepare a decoction, infusion, coffee and tea.

Decoction

You will need:

a teaspoon of chicory powder;
water - 200 ml.

Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Cool and strain. Take this decoction should be one glass a day, divided into 4 doses.

Tea with chicory root

Components:

a teaspoon of chicory powder;
water - 250 ml;
sugar or honey - 1 teaspoon.

Mix the powder with water and cook over moderate heat for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and strain. Sweeten warm tea with sugar or honey.

Imitation coffee

Components:

a teaspoon of chicory powder;
water - 200 ml;
milk - 50 ml.

The cooking method is similar to the previous one. Add milk to the finished coffee if desired. This will positively affect its taste properties.

Contraindications to the use of chicory

In some cases, the use of button root is contraindicated. It should be abandoned in case of ulcerative pathology, heart disease, varicose veins, hemorrhoids.

Now you also know about the use of chicory root and what unique properties it has. This product will help you get rid of all kinds of ailments, provide a good mood and healthy sleep and you can buy it at a reasonable price. If you have a serious medical condition, please consult a healthcare professional before drinking if possible.