Chicory Health Benefits

Chicory is useful for diabetics, liver patients, indigestion and anxiety symptoms. Chicory is a perennial herb that has dark green leaves and pale blue flowers. It belongs to the family of Compositae asteraceae. The herb has a long white tap root and the plant grows to about 5 feet. The leaves can be used as a salad vegetable and the roots are extensively used in coffee. The key components of chicory are hydrooxycoumarins, flavonoids, inulin, sesquiterpene lactones, vitamins and minerals.

Chicory Home Remedies

It is used to treat the following conditions:

• Liver Diseases

  The root, leaf or flower extract of chicory has a stimulative effect on the liver and helps produce bile juice. It alleviates jaundice like symptoms and control the enlargement of the liver and spleen, removing any stones present in the liver or gall bladder.

• Diabetes

  Chicory is very beneficial to diabetics as it contains Inulin, a fiber that has a low glycemic index and controls blood sugar levels. It can be used as a sweetner and added to beverages. It not only helps with blood sugar, but also reduces the serum LDL cholesterol levels in the blood. . Read other Diabetes Home Remedies.

• Constipation

  Dried and fresh chicory leaves act as a natural laxative and is useful for chronic constipation. The presence of Inulin, a dietary fibre helps create bulk and pass stools easily. Read other Constipation Home Remedies.

• Digestive Health

  The compounds intybin and chicoriin present in chicory encourage the growth of the helpful lacto bicilli and bifido bacteria in the gut and help stimulate appetite and pave for a smooth digestion. In Ayurveda, it can pacify both kapha and pitta symptoms. It cleansens the colon and can eliminate toxins present in the circulatory system.

• Anxiety Issues

  Chicory consists of two active compounds called lactucoprin and lactucin, they are sedative in nature. A powder of chicory root in milk can treat insomnia and anxiety. .

Contra-Indications

Excess intake of chicory can cause issues with the retina leading to loss of eyesight, giddiness and sluggishness of the digestive organs.