|
Centuries ago, the ancient Romans used Chicory as a
blood purifier and for food, Chicory is so plentiful in North America
that you would believe it to be native to this part of the world. It
is in fact native to Europe and was imported to this country during
the eighteenth century by colonists. In recent times, herbalists have
recommended tonics made from the roots for laxatives and poultices
made from leaves to treat inflammations. It has also been discovered
that the juice made from the leaves and the flowering plant can be
taken as a tonic which works to stimulate the production of bile, the
release of gallstones and the elimination of excessive internal mucus.
Chicory taken as a tonic helps to eliminate phlegm from the stomach
and helps with stomach upsets. Chicory helps to reduce uric acid in
the body thereby, eliminating the conditions which contribute to gout.
It helps to treat rheumatics and works to bring relief for joint
stiffness. The sap of the Chicory stems is used to treat skin
irritations that are a result from poison ivy or sunburn. Chicory has
many of the constituents of Dandelion and they are often used
together.
Consider chicory if you have a liver or heart problem.
In one lab test, chicory extract prevented death in mice that were
loaded up with lethal doses of acetaminophen. (In high doses,
acetamiriophen is toxic to the liver.) Some 70% of the chicory eating
mice survived the deliberate overdose. All the mice that did not
ingest chicory died. Chicory also could be our best source of inulin,
a phytochemical that bucks up the immune system, leading it to speed
white blood cells to infectious sites. Its cichoric acid also
stimulates the immune system. Other compounds in the plant fight
inflammation and bacterial infections to a limited extent. In
addition, they deter water retention, counter constipation, and help
lower cholesterol and blood sugar.
Conventional cardiologists often prescribe digitalis to stimulate the
heart. You shouldn't medicate yourself if you have a heart problem,
but an experienced herbal physician might include chicory as part of a
natural complement of herbs to help treat heart disease and wean you
off pharmaceuticals.
Chicory is also known
as:
- Cichorium intybus,
- Blue-Sailors,
- Coffee weed
|
