Medicinal plants have long been used in alternative medicine to eliminate various diseases. One of the effective flowers is chicory. Healing decoctions, tinctures, and brewed in the form of tea or coffee are prepared from it. Not everyone knows about the beneficial properties of the chicory plant and its contraindications. This information should be read before using recipes based on it.
Description of the plant
Chicory is a perennial that has healing properties. It grows in meadows, along roadsides, is easy to care for and does not need special supervision.The plant has a straight stem and soft bluish flowers that resemble a small aster. It is used in cooking to make an invigorating drink similar to coffee. There are ordinary and salad types; the second type has juicier leaves. Salads and hot dishes are prepared from it.
The benefits and harms of chicory
The beneficial components of the plant have been used as a remedy for a long time; the Egyptians became its discoverers. Flowers, leaves and stems are effective for diseases of the gastrointestinal system, musculoskeletal system, cardiovascular dysfunction, and diabetes.
The healing properties of chicory, what diseases it helps with:
- Eliminates edema of cardiac etiology. Due to the presence of potassium in the grass, the functioning of the heart muscle is improved.
- Fresh juice lowers blood sugar levels.
- The plant destroys bacteria and restores tissue. Because of these properties, the tincture is used in the form of lotions for furunculosis, purulent wounds and eczema.
- The herb is suitable for improving blood composition.
- Helps cleanse the kidneys and normalize the health of diabetics.
- Normalizes metabolism and removes toxic elements from the body.
In alternative medicine, the upper part and flowers are used to make tinctures and decoctions. Juice is obtained from the stem and leaves, which is used not only for medicinal purposes, but also for weight loss. The product is suitable for creating masks and is widely used in cosmetology.
Important! The plant is dangerous for varicose veins, hemorrhoids and gastritis. Before using it, you should consult a doctor, he will assess the degree of expected harm to the body.
Ways to use chicory
The herb has a complex composition; there are many recipes for it.The manufactured products are effective for the treatment of specific pathologies.
What can be prepared from chicory:
- decoction;
- tincture;
- drink like coffee, tea;
- weightloss remedy.
You can purchase the product at a pharmacy, grocery store, or assemble it yourself.
How to brew chicory?
The root is suitable for making decoctions, tinctures, teas or coffee. For preparation you need:
- 1 dessert spoon of powder;
- water – 200 milliliters.
Boil the mixture until bubbles form for 15 minutes. Let cool and strain. Drink 250 milliliters per day, 4 doses.
Chicory in folk medicine
Alternative medicine is rich in various recipes from chicory, in the preparation of which it is important to follow the sequence and dosage.
- A decoction of dried roots. To prepare, pour 1 dessert spoon of raw material with 250 milliliters of boiling water and heat over low heat for 15 minutes. Strain the finished product and drink warm before meals.
- Tincture. Take 20 grams of dried leaves, add 2 cups of boiling water to a thermos, leave for 1-2 hours. Take as a liquid for washing, lotions to combat old wounds and ulcers.
- For rubbing, an alcohol tincture or a decoction of the roots is used for allergic skin manifestations, acne, furunculosis, and urinary incontinence. The product is prepared in the same way as the infusion, but 1 dessert spoon of alcohol or vodka is added.
Drinks have a calming effect on the nervous system; they are recommended for constipation and to eliminate gallstones. They are effective for insomnia and give energy in the morning.
Contraindications and side effects
Not everyone is allowed to use the herb for medicinal purposes; there are a number of contraindications:
- haemorrhoids;
- joint pathologies;
- individual intolerance to components;
- varicose veins;
- gastritis.
If you do not follow the recipe, side effects are possible. Among them are the following conditions:
- skin rash, redness;
- breathing problems;
- increased blood pressure;
- tachycardia;
- headache.
If the rules for taking medications are followed, no negative consequences are detected.
