❶ Chicory: Composition And Useful Properties

Chicory is a perennial herb, reaching a height of 1 m 20 cm. This unpretentious flower can often be seen along roadsides, steep banks of rivers, wastelands and embankments. The people called him "Petrov's batogi", "golden root". Chicory has a number of useful properties and is cultivated in many countries as a delicious seasoning and healing plant. Location: Location:

The chicory stem is ribbed and hard. The leaves on the stem of the plant differ: the lower and upper ones are lanceolate, and on the middle part of the stem they are obovate, whole. Chicory root thickened tap root. The flowering of the plant lasts from July to September. Flowers are sessile, rather large, blue, although sometimes species with a pink or white corolla are found. Flowers open at 4-5 am, ahead of dawn.

Chicory roots contain inulin (up to 40%), tannins, vitamin C (15.8 mg%), sugar, choline. The glycoside chicorine was found in the flowers. Inulin was found in the leaves and seeds, and in the milky juice there are bitter substances.

For medicinal purposes, people have been using chicory for a very long time. All parts of the plant are harvested: roots, inflorescences and grass. The procurement of raw materials is carried out in two terms. The grass is mowed during flowering (July-August) and dried in the sun. The roots are dug up in the fall. Store the roots in a dry place for a year. The dried raw material tastes bitter.

Petrov's batogs are famous for their antimicrobial and astringent properties. From the inflorescences and the aerial part of the plant, a decoction or alcohol tincture is prepared for the treatment of eczema, furunculosis, acne and non-healing wounds and ulcers. Wipe or wash the skin with a cooled broth. Preparation of the infusion: 2 teaspoons of raw materials need to be poured with a glass of boiling water and left for 1 hour.

A decoction is prepared from the roots of chicory. It has astringent and diuretic properties. A decoction is also used to improve appetite, enhance the function of the gastrointestinal tract. It is used in the treatment of ulcers and duodenal ulcers, gastritis and diseases of the gallbladder, liver.

Treat insomnia and heart disease with chicory. Drink his broth and from exhaustion. To do this, pour 1 teaspoon of crushed raw materials with a glass of boiling water and boil for 15-30 minutes. The cooled broth is taken in 1 tbsp. l. before eating.

In addition, chicory is used as a coffee substitute. Roast the crushed roots and mix them with coffee beans or cereals. A coffee drink based on chicory, of course, cannot compete in taste with coffee, but it significantly surpasses it in healing properties. This drink can be safely consumed by children and the elderly.

It is not recommended only to take chicory for people suffering from vascular diseases (varicose veins or hemorrhoids).

Petrov's batogs can become not only a source of medicinal raw materials, but also simply delight the eye with their flowering in the garden. The plant propagates by segments of rhizomes and seeds. Grows in one place up to 15 years.