home Folk remedies Chicory (drink) - benefits and harms (beneficial properties and contraindications). Chicory is a tasty and healthy storehouse of vitamins and minerals

Chicory (drink) - benefits and harms (beneficial properties and contraindications). Chicory is a tasty and healthy storehouse of vitamins and minerals

Chicory- this is the name of a drink prepared from the root of a plant of the same name. Many, after weighing the benefits and harms of coffee, decide to give up coffee and look for a replacement. Chicory is often such a substitute. Let's figure out what benefits and harms of chicory.

This information will help you get the maximum benefit from chicory and avoid possible harm to your health.

BENEFITS and HARMS OF CHICORY:

The benefits of chicory.

1. The benefits of chicory as a coffee substitute.

The mere fact that chicory helps you give up coffee already makes it useful.

Chicory(more precisely, a drink made from chicory roots) tastes like coffee. I drink it without milk and sugar, but many people prefer to drink the chicory drink the same way they are used to drinking coffee - with milk and sugar. Milk does not make this drink healthier (read more about the benefits and harms of milk). However, you can replace regular milk with soy, nut, coconut, rice... there are many possibilities. And sugar can be replaced with stevia, a natural sweetener (synthetic sweeteners can cause considerable harm to health).

In addition to its taste, chicory is reminiscent of coffee in that it gives energy and improves mood. Only chicory does this without harm to health! But about these beneficial properties of chicory - below...

2. The benefits of chicory for the nervous system.

Vitamins of group B (B1, B2, B3), which are part of chicory, have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. They improve your mood, give you strength, charge you with energy and vigor. Moreover, unlike coffee, chicory has a calming effect on the nervous system, not a stimulating one.

3. The benefits of chicory for weight loss.

Chicory contains inulin, which lowers blood sugar levels. If you cannot deny yourself sweets, pastries and other sweets, drink a drink made from chicory. Inulin will help neutralize the harm from these products.

4. The benefits of chicory for diabetes.

As mentioned above, inulin contained in chicory regulates blood sugar levels, which alleviates the condition of patients with diabetes. Chicory can also be used as an additional remedy in the treatment of diabetes.

5. Benefits of chicory for skin.

Chicory contains such important minerals for the skin as calcium, potassium and magnesium, as well as vitamins A, E, B1, B2, B3, C, PP. These vitamins and minerals accelerate the restoration of collagen fibers and tone the skin.

You can not only drink a drink made from chicory, but also use chicory tinctures for external use! Thanks to the same vitamins and minerals, as well as the bactericidal and anti-inflammatory properties of this plant, chicory accelerates wound healing, helps with eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis and other skin diseases. However, for psoriasis, I would recommend doing colon cleansing, ideally undergoing several sessions of colon hydrotherapy.

6. Benefits of chicory for hair.

Chicory is also good for hair (for the same reason as for skin). Both a chicory drink and an infusion of chicory root, used as a rinse after washing hair, improves the structure and promotes hair growth.

7. The benefits of chicory for intestinal microflora.

Let’s remember again about the main beneficial component of chicory - inulin. Inulin is especially beneficial for intestinal microflora. Bifidobacteria, which are important for our health, living in the gastrointestinal tract and feeding on fiber, take inulin very well, which is a special type of fiber. Thus, chicory helps prevent dysbiosis and related problems, such as constipation.

8. Benefits of chicory for immunity.

Improving immunity with regular consumption of chicory is associated not only with vitamins, but, above all, with the same inulin. Inulin in chicory improves metabolism, helps cleanse the body of toxins and, as a result, improves the absorption of vitamins and minerals. In addition, chicory contains chicoric acid, which directly improves immunity.

Strengthening the immune system will help not only in the fight against colds and viral infections, but also in the prevention of more serious diseases.

9. Benefits of chicory for the cardiovascular system.

A drink made from chicory root, as a caffeine-free coffee substitute, is beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Chicory is rich in potassium, which is essential for heart health, and magnesium helps fight tachycardia and other heart diseases. Chicory also helps to dilate blood vessels, increase the amplitude and normalize the rhythm of heart contractions. In addition, as we have already said, chicory helps reduce the level of “bad” cholesterol in the blood. This complex effect makes chicory extremely useful for diseases such as hypertension, tachycardia, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, etc.

10. The benefits of chicory for anemia.

11. The benefits of chicory for cleansing the liver and kidneys.

Chicory is good at cleansing the kidneys and liver of toxins and stimulating the excretion of bile.

Separate articles about various methods of cleansing these organs:

Harm of chicory.

1. Harm of chicory with milk.

We wrote above that chicory is good for the cardiovascular system. But in some cases, people who start drinking chicory drink regularly complain of pressure surges, arrhythmia... How is this possible? Why is chicory beneficial for some and harmful for others?

Coffee, like tea, in large quantities causes adverse effects: removal of iron, vitamins, microelements, which leads to anemia, deterioration of hair and nails.

How can you replace tea and coffee, drinks that are so familiar in everyday life? Such a substitute includes chicory. Chicory is a plant of the Asteraceae family. Especially common in Altai and Western Siberia.

Chicory root powder, which can be up to 15 meters long, is used as an alternative to coffee. A drink made from chicory root resembles natural coffee in taste; however, unlike it, it does not contain caffeine and is very healthy.

Beneficial properties of soluble chicory

Rich in B vitamins, vitamin C, pectin, carotene, organic acids, micro- and macroelements, tannins and protein substances, essential oils, mineral salts. It has a wide range of therapeutic effects on the body.

What are the benefits of chicory for the body:

When used rationally, it is useful for adults. Pregnant women and children - at the discretion of the doctor.

Chicory inulin - what is it?

Chicory contains inulin (up to 60%)– a polymer of fructose, an organic substance, a natural antagonist of sugar. Reduces blood glucose. The properties of inulin (fructosan) promote the use of chicory in the treatment of diabetes mellitus as an adjuvant.

What is the benefit of inulin in chicory, besides its effect on sugar? Inulin is a type of fiber that serves as food for bifidobacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. This normalizes the intestinal microflora, eliminating problems associated with stool disorders (treatment of constipation).

Inulin stimulates the absorption of minerals and vitamins, improving metabolism.

To prepare a drink from instant chicory, add hot water to it and let it brew (200 ml of water per a couple of teaspoons of powder). Do not overdo it with sugar, since the drink that replaces coffee itself has a sweet taste.

Chicory drink as a coffee substitute

How much instant chicory can you drink per day?

There are no official recommendations regarding frequency or duration of use. Individual characteristics are taken into account here. Some say no more than 100 grams and no more than 2 cups per day. It is better to drink in the first half of the day.

Milk makes it difficult to absorb iron. Instead of cow's milk, vegetable milk is added. If, after all, “coffee lovers” cannot do without caffeine, then you can add a fifth of natural coffee to the instant drink. This measure will allow you to gradually get rid of addiction.

Varieties of chicory: ground (for making a drink, made from roasted root) and liquid chicory (concentrated extract).

Ground instant chicory

Instant chicory should not contain lumps. Must have a bitter taste and come in sealed packaging. Flavorings are not allowed in the composition, as they reduce the beneficial properties. Natural plant extracts (for example, ginger or rose hips) are allowed as additives. You can improve the taste by adding lemon or honey, however, this will affect the calorie content.

Liquid chicory extract is the highest concentration of beneficial substances. It is more difficult to counterfeit and easy to store. It is drunk diluted in cases of increased excitability, to combat anxiety, and is also added to confectionery products as a flavoring agent.

In terms of beneficial properties, soluble chicory is not inferior to decoction.

Who shouldn't drink chicory?

Despite the content of a lot of useful substances, the question arises: can chicory be harmful? Excessive consumption can be harmful to health. Consultation with your attending physician is necessary.

Contraindications for chicory:

Vascular diseases, varicose veins,... Contraindications also include gastritis and peptic ulcers. It is worth taking into account individual intolerance to components, especially vitamin C.
Too large amounts harm the liver. Sometimes it can increase appetite and lead to overstimulation. Not recommended for people prone to agitation.
Chicory should not be drunk if you have asthma, bronchitis, or cough, as it may make the cough worse. Avoid drinking if your blood pressure is low.
Large quantities are not allowed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Given the choleretic effect, use caution in the presence of gallstones.

How much instant chicory you can drink per day without harm depends on your initial state of health, individual characteristics and the presence of contraindications. Once considered a weed, chicory has now gained great popularity as a dietary supplement due to its numerous medicinal properties.

The beneficial properties and contraindications of chicory are a frequently discussed topic in healthy eating circles. Let us consider in detail the features of this product in order to accurately study the expected benefits and harm to human health.

This is a popular and affordable drink made from natural ingredients, the root of a plant of the perennial genus, the Asteraceae family. The material for it has been cultivated in ecologically clean areas since the late 1800s, and since then the drink, which resembles instant coffee in color and taste, has not lost popularity, but, on the contrary, is actively being introduced into the diet of people who care about their health.

Soluble chicory powder is a dark powder concentrate obtained from roasted and crushed plant roots. To prepare a tasty and healthy drink, you will need to dilute it with boiling water. It is often used as a coffee substitute because it does not contain caffeine and does not have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system. Reminiscent of a popular drink in taste.

Composition, calorie content

What is the secret of chicory? An unpretentious plant, which we generally consider to be a weed, is very rich in useful micro- and macroelements, vitamins, proteins, tannins and organic acids, resins.

The root contains:

B vitamins, vitamin C, carotene;
pectin;
micro- and macroelements - potassium, iron, calcium, sodium, magnesium;
polysaccharide - inulin (10-11%).

Each of the beneficial ingredients has a positive effect on a specific system of the body. The abundance of vitamins and other components provides a complex positive effect on the body of the person taking the drink.

Chicory contains few calories: 100 grams - 70 kcal and is recommended for those who are struggling with excess weight.

Medicinal properties of chicory

The healing properties of the drink lie in its rich composition.

Let's take a closer look at each of the elements in chicory root and its positive effect on the functioning of organs:

Inulin. Used as a sugar substitute in the food industry. Suitable for patients diagnosed with diabetes, it replenishes energy, but does not contribute to lipid deposition.
Squirrels. They have an invigorating effect and allow you to replenish energy without resorting to hearty snacks.
Thiamine. Vitamin B, which is required for the normal functioning of the heart muscle, nervous and digestive systems.
Riboflavin (B2). Ensures the functioning of the thyroid gland and reproductive system. Essential for healthy hair growth and strong nails. Its deficiency will be reflected on the skin - it will become vulnerable to infectious agents and external influences.
Ascorbic acid (C). Strengthens the walls of blood vessels, making them elastic. Takes part in supporting muscle tone and stimulates the body's defense system.
Carotene- a strong immunomodulator, antioxidant. Maintains skin condition and increases its elasticity.

What are the benefits of chicory besides the above list? It strengthens the fundus of the eye, increases appetite and restores vital energy, and helps cleanse the liver. As an energy drink, it is allowed to be drunk by children, pregnant and lactating women, and patients suffering from loss of strength and VVD (vegetative-vascular dystonia).

Chicory manufacturing technology

The concentrate for preparing the drink is produced in several ways.

In modern industry, they most often do this (production stages):

Collection and preparation of raw materials. The collected roots are cleaned, washed, and crushed. Sometimes raw roasted chicory is mixed with unroasted oat grains.
Extraction. Drying is carried out in special extraction devices or using simpler methods - drying on a warm surface. The process lasts until the raw material reaches the required parameters - the mass fraction of soluble substances should be 10-15%.
Mixing with special additives. The components contain baking soda (up to 0.3% of the total mass of the material), which is introduced, stirring continuously, for up to 20 minutes.
Concentration. The stage is carried out with strict adherence to temperature - up to 80 degrees, and vacuum - from 0.055 to 0.085 MPa until the raw material meets the following indicators: mass fraction of dry substances - 50-55%, mass fraction of total sugars (in terms of dry substance) - from 62% and above (with this indicator, the amount of inulin will reach a level of no less than 20%).

The finished product is packaged. The manufacturer, guided by the desire to improve the organoleptic characteristics of the concentrate, can add sugar, cinnamon, and citric acid to chicory. You can learn more about the product by carefully studying the packaging.

There is another chicory concentrate (less popular than that produced in powder form) - a paste-like instant drink. It is produced as follows: 60-80% dried roots are extracted and 20-40% fried. The resulting extracts are mixed, filtered, and then evaporated to a paste-like consistency. This drink is less popular due to its weak taste.

You can also prepare powder for the drink at home. To do this, you need to collect the chicory roots, wash, peel and dry (naturally or in the oven). Then the raw materials are crushed and fried in a dry frying pan until brown. The resulting material must be ground in a coffee grinder. Homemade powder can be stored for up to 6 months in a dry place in a closed container.

The methods used for preparing chicory are aimed at preserving the beneficial components in the plant and improving the taste.

Can chicory replace coffee?

Manufacturers of chicory concentrates make a lot of efforts to ensure that the drink is close in organoleptic characteristics to instant coffee. For this purpose, various production methods and flavoring additives are used. But can a plant from the Asteraceae family replace the favorite drink of coffee lovers?

The composition of coffee and chicory root drink is very different, but they are both energy drinks. Only the invigoration effect after coffee occurs due to the action of caffeine, and in another case, it is achieved due to the high concentration of vitamins, proteins and inulin.

Chicory can be drunk by people who suffer from high blood pressure, while natural coffee is strictly prohibited for them. The concentrate will also help to cheer up those who are prohibited from caffeine for other reasons - women during pregnancy, children.

Soluble chicory: beneficial properties

The drink was originally known as an integral part of the healthy diet of a person leading an active lifestyle. In addition to quenching thirst and giving energy without caffeine, this plant can affect various organ systems, improve their functioning, and speed up recovery from certain pathologies. Let's take a closer look at who and why this affordable and tasty drink is recommended for.

For weight loss

People suffering from excess weight should get a drink made from chicory.

The secret to losing weight lies in its composition:

A large amount of inulin in the concentrate affects the production of insulin, which controls the level of glucose in the blood. The substance, when it enters the stomach, is transformed into fructose, which is known as a reliable source of energy, but at the same time does not lead to the formation of fat accumulation.
In addition to a boost of energy without the risk of gaining weight, inulin improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and accelerates metabolic processes, which will also be reflected in body weight.
Soluble fiber - pectin, improves intestinal function, helps the body get rid of toxins faster.
The glycoside intibin in the drink accelerates metabolism, activates intestinal motility, and relieves constipation.
B vitamins will have a beneficial effect on the functioning of the nervous system. Thanks to their action, you can get rid of the bad habit of “stress eating,” which is guaranteed to lead to excess weight.

Chicory for weight loss is also suitable for women after childbirth. To quickly restore previous forms, it is enough to replace the drink with tea and coffee, which are not recommended during breastfeeding.

Chicory for children

Children's age is not a contraindication to the use of this product. The drink for children over 3 years old can be sweetened with sugar or honey, fructose in order to remove the characteristic bitterness.

Chicory will be especially useful for children:

During increasing load. With the beginning of the school year, the child needs strength, especially during the period of adaptation to school (as well as during exams).
After an illness - as an element for building immunity and rapid recovery.
As a prophylactic agent that helps stimulate the body's defense system.

Socialized children who spend a large amount of time in closed groups (kindergarten, school) require the formation of a strong immune system, otherwise it will not be easy to get out of the series of endless infectious diseases that are transmitted at lightning speed in a group. It is precisely for such situations that chicory is suitable - to quickly and without medication strengthen the body’s resistance to pathogenic bacteria.

Instant drink for women

It is difficult to overestimate the benefits of chicory for the female body, because its effect is reflected both in the functioning of internal organs and in appearance:

strengthens hair and nail plates;
rejuvenates the skin, makes it more elastic;
allows you to get rid of toxins;
improves metabolic processes;
helps in the fight against excess weight;
strengthens blood vessels, maintains their elasticity;
dilates blood vessels, helps in the fight against heart pathologies.

For pregnant

Pregnancy is a special period that requires maintaining the female body in all available ways.

Chicory can be consumed by pregnant women as a coffee substitute and as an assistant in the fight against problems that are well known to pregnant women:

loss of strength and drowsiness;
constipation;
iron deficiency;
weak immunity;
rapid weight gain.

Chicory will not only help you feel better, but also avoid a threat to the baby’s life that occurs with anemia (possible fetal hypoxia), low mobility and obesity.

For men

Drink for the stronger sex:

Improves the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract and nervous system.
Helps prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Replacing coffee, it will relieve excess excitability and insomnia.

It will be especially useful for those who eat irregularly or fast food, lead a sedentary lifestyle and are prone to gaining excess weight.

For the nervous system

Chicory contains a large amount of B vitamins, which are necessary for the proper functioning of the brain and peripheral nervous system. The drink can be consumed as a decaffeinated coffee substitute for loss of strength, drowsiness, irritability, and frequent headaches.

For skin

The composition of the powder from the root of the plant helps restore collagen fibers, which are responsible for the elasticity and firmness of the skin and slow down the manifestation of age-related changes. In addition, the vitamin complex in the product has a tonic effect on the dermis.

For hair

Thanks to chicory, you can improve the condition of your hair.

How does the composition of the drink affect:

The nutrition of the bulbs improves due to the strengthening of blood vessels, blood flow is activated - the hair becomes stronger and grows more actively.
The vitamin complex makes hair shiny and visually more attractive.
The tonic effect of chicory is a wonderful prevention of diseases of the scalp - seborrhea, psoriasis.

In addition to oral administration, strengthening can be achieved using rinses based on chicory decoction.

For the cardiovascular system

Pathologies of the cardiovascular system are the leading causes of mortality in the population. To avoid the development of diseases, it is necessary to pay tribute to prevention.

Chicory is one of the ways to improve the condition of the heart and blood vessels:

dilates blood vessels;
strengthens the walls;
preserves and improves the elasticity of blood vessels;
improves the condition of muscle tissue due to increased metabolic processes.

By replacing coffee and tea with a healthy drink, you can minimize the risk of developing cardiac diseases.

A drink made from chicory cannot harm human health. But the beneficial effect can be destroyed by combining the plant concentrate with cow's milk, which inhibits the effect of the components and makes drinking useless. Therefore, it is better to combine chicory with soy, nut milk, cinnamon or fructose.

Consumption rates and method of preparation

Chicory is prepared according to the same principle as all other instant drinks - pour boiled water. The approximate proportion is 1.5-2 teaspoons per 150-200 ml of boiling water. You can add sugar, fructose, honey, soy milk, and cinnamon to taste.

To feel the positive effect, you need to drink at least 3 servings of the drink a day, but you shouldn’t abuse it.

How to choose and store instant chicory?

You can buy the drink in almost every food store and pharmacies. To choose the right product, give preference to a product in a transparent container - this way you can make sure that the powder is uniform and free of lumps and any additives.

The powder is stored in a tightly closed container in a dry place.

Contraindications

Despite its beneficial composition, the drink also has its contraindications:

To make sure the product is right for you, make yourself a small portion of the drink, drink it and observe your body's reaction for 24 hours. If you do not notice any manifestations of allergies or other discomfort, then the product can be introduced into your diet.

The beneficial properties of chicory are difficult to exaggerate, so a drink made from its roots is recommended for daily use as a drink that increases vitality and immunity.

Chicory grows in abundance in our country, often on roadsides, in fields or meadows. The most common chicory is in Altai and Western Siberia. Large plantations of it can be found in the Caucasus, India, USA, Indonesia, Western Europe, and Ukraine. For some reason, this perennial herbaceous plant of the Asteraceae family with bright blue flowers is most often mistaken for a weed. In fact, chicory is of great value - many medicines are produced on its basis (both in classical and folk medicine), it is excellent for feeding livestock and is a honey plant.

Russia discovered the wide range of beneficial properties of chicory around 1880. The most popular is chicory root, which sometimes reaches 1.5 m in length. It is used as a component for tinctures, fried and ground, as well as in soluble form.

Traditional healers find use for all parts of the plant - root, stem, leaves and flowers. Confectioners love to add chicory to baked goods, and coffee producers mix roasted chicory with coffee beans, grind it, and get a healthy coffee drink with a significantly improved taste. Instant chicory is often used as an alternative to coffee. Leaves of cultivated varieties of chicory are used in salads, to decorate dishes, and added instead of greens to meat and vegetable dishes.

Composition that determines the beneficial properties of chicory

The main component that provides chicory with such value is inulin, which belongs to the class of polysaccharides and is a polymer of fructose. Typically, chicory contains up to 60% inulin, but at the peak of the season you can find roots with an inulin concentration of up to 75%. That is why it is recommended to replace coffee and teas, which contain caffeine and lack inulin, with soluble chicory.

Because of the caffeine, not everyone can drink these drinks - coffee is contraindicated for people with high blood pressure and heart disease.

But instant chicory is no different in appearance from coffee, and in taste it is very superior to it. And besides, it has a natural sweetness, which eliminates the need to add sugar to the drink. It is because of this that chicory is recommended to replace coffee and tea, especially for patients with diabetes or those prone to obesity. Inulin does not lead to an increase in blood sugar, improves digestive processes, normalizes metabolism, serves as food for beneficial intestinal bacteria, maintaining the balance of microflora.

Chicory contains a lot of macro- and microelements, among which the leading ones are potassium (290 mg), phosphorus (61 mg), manganese (0.23 mg), magnesium (22 mg), calcium (41 mg). There are also iron, zinc, selenium, and copper.

Chicory root contains a lot of tannins and protein substances, ascorbic, pantothenic and folic acid, organic acids, resin, riboflavin, thiamine, pyridoxine, vitamin PP, pectin, carotene.

What remains incredible is the fact that even after numerous treatments that
chicory passes through before it ends up on our table, all the beneficial substances and properties remain in it. It is recommended not only for diseases of the body, but also for absolutely healthy people for preventive purposes. Soluble chicory is especially useful for:

Nervous system. For stress, overwork, anxiety and insomnia, its calming effect will come in handy.
Vessels - promotes their expansion.
The circulatory system and the treatment of diseases associated with it.
Reproduction of beneficial microflora in the intestines.
Kidney and liver.
Spleens.
Patients with diabetes.
Normalization of metabolism, removal of excess fat and excess cholesterol.
Improved vision.
Strengthening the protective functions of the body, energizing and toning.
External use for skin diseases - burns, wounds, eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis, etc.
Hair strengthening.

Medicinal preparations based on chicory root are also common. Their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipyretic, antiviral and choleretic effects help with many diseases. Taking chicory also increases appetite.

For the female half, who cannot imagine their life without coffee, chicory will be a salvation during pregnancy. During this period, doctors insist on giving up coffee, but you are unlikely to be prohibited from drinking chicory. Instant chicory will not only be an excellent substitute for your favorite drink, but will also provide enormous health benefits to the expectant mother and her baby. Thanks to it, the elimination of toxins will increase, the functioning of the liver and heart will improve, and intestinal disorders and heartburn will go away.

Contraindications to taking soluble chicory

Speaking about the possible harm of chicory to humans, it should be noted that this plant is a medicinal plant, so its uncontrolled and excessive use increases the risk of negative consequences for your body. Research your condition before introducing it into your diet. If you do not have severe forms of chronic diseases, then there will definitely be no obstacles to consuming soluble chicory. Otherwise, you should consult with specialists before taking it.

Despite its abundance of beneficial properties, chicory is harmful and contraindicated in the following cases:

duodenal and gastric ulcer
gastritis (consume instant chicory in small quantities)
with increased excitability of the nervous system, it should also not be abused
it is not recommended for hemorrhoids, as it can cause bleeding due to its ability to dilate blood vessels
If you are predisposed to allergies, you should start taking chicory with a minimum dose
varicose veins and other vascular diseases
Chronical bronchitis

How is instant chicory produced?

After collecting the root, it must be finely chopped. After this, it undergoes a special procedure - extraction, at the end of which an extract or, as we are more familiar, chicory extract is obtained, which is sent to special spray dryers. They convert chicory extract into a soluble powder, which is packaged and delivered to stores.

There should be no other ingredients in natural soluble chicory powder, so before purchasing, read the composition and try to avoid buying chicory that contains dyes, substitutes, odor and taste enhancers, and other harmful chemical elements.

Tips for taking and storing instant chicory

If there are no individual restrictions on the use of this drink, you can safely go to the store to buy it. More often it is sold in departments for diabetics, pharmacies or tea shops. When choosing powdered chicory, pay attention to its appearance - there should be no lumps in it, the mass should be dry and easily poured without sticking to the bag.

You should drink no more than 3-5 cups a day. This is exactly the dosage at which you will benefit and avoid the possible harmful consequences of an overdose of chicory.

Preparing the drink is very simple - you need to pour boiling water over the chicory powder, mix well and leave for 3-4 minutes. Instead of water, you can add instant chicory and hot milk. And the drink is given a zest by adding honey or cream. If desired, you can sweeten the chicory with sugar.

After opening the package, the powder should be poured into a container with a sealed lid and protected from water and humidity. You also need to pour the powder with a dry spoon - due to excess moisture, the chicory is taken as “stones”.

How to make chicory powder at home?

There is no shortage of instant chicory in stores, but if you do not believe in the quality and usefulness of this drink, you can follow in the footsteps of our ancestors and try to prepare the powder yourself.

First you need to get chicory roots. Rinse and dry them. In this case, an oven or a canopy in the fresh air is better suited for drying. The roots must be protected from direct sunlight. After drying, chop the roots and fry them. And finally, you will need to grind the fried chicory and pour it into a dry and airtight container. The taste of homemade powder will differ from industrial powder, but you will know for sure that there will be nothing unnecessary in this drink!

Video on this topic:

Our distant ancestors did not drink handfuls of medicine in the form of tablets and powders. It was enough for them to visit a forest or clearing in order to find a high-quality and effective, natural healing remedy that saved them from many ailments.

The beneficial properties of Petrov batog or chicory have been known to traditional healers since ancient times. In our modern world of total chemistry and unnatural products, it’s time to again turn your attention to this wonderful plant.

Find out the benefits of chicory and the drink made from it, what diseases this plant can cure and who can use it. What medicinal properties does this roadside herb have and what diseases does it help cure?

Wonderful plant - Tatar color

Chicory occupied a rather significant and honorable place in the lives of our ancestors. According to ancient beliefs, the Apostle Peter himself used the twigs of this plant to drive his flock of sheep, which is why one of the names of chicory is Petrov batog. According to another version, the same saint, the Apostle Peter, gave chicory to people as a guardian of the fields and wheat harvest.

When pests appeared on thin spikes of wheat that had not yet matured, it was Peter who tore off the stems of this plant and shook off the insects from the golden ears. The fact that this plant was well known even to our distant ancestors is evidenced by its multiple names:

Many, passing by chicory, do not pay attention to it, do not attach much importance to the plant, considering it a weed. However, for our ancestors, Petrov batog served as a talisman: on the way from the evil eye, damage and bad people.

He was tied to a cart or staff during a long journey or journey. Our ancestors believed that daily consumption of chicory flowers would make a person invisible. Mothers put chicory in brides' dowries and hoped that it could prolong youth and give beauty to the girls.

In Ancient Egypt, the juice of the plant was used as an antidote to the bites of deadly insects and scorpions. Even in the medical treatises of Avicena, the ancient healer of the East, recommendations are mentioned and various recipes are given for the use and preparation of chicory root for various ailments.

The benefits and harms of chicory roots directly depend on how correctly you will use this natural raw material, whether you will be able to prepare it correctly and use the wonderful gift of Mother Nature with proper understanding and gratitude.

Let's take a closer look at the properties and various ways to use this wonderful plant so that it brings only benefits to your health.

The habitual habitat of king root growth is along roads, in open fields and forest edges. The homeland where this miracle plant came to us is the Mediterranean. Over time, the plant moved to North Africa, South and North America, Eurasia, and Australia.

Botanists classify chicory as belonging to the Asteraceae order; it reaches a height of up to 75 cm and has a dense, erect, rough stem. The inflorescences are bright blue, flowering begins in early summer and continues until autumn. Seeds are formed only in the second year of life of a young plant.

It is noteworthy that the number of seeds in one plant can reach up to 30 thousand! Only two types of plants have been isolated for cultivation. They are grown on an industrial scale for the production of medicines and the food industry. More than four more species remain wild.

Chicory is not picky about the quality of the soil, but a large amount of sun is important for it. It can reproduce either simply by seeds or by dividing the root system. For its best growth, it is necessary to add fertilizers to the soil. Petrov batog is resistant to drought and other weather disturbances.

Traditionally, two types are used for the preparation of medicines:

salad;
ordinary.

The root, of course, is more popular, since a healthy coffee drink is prepared from the chicory root, but the above-ground part of the plant is no less useful and in demand. The root is harvested in early spring, when the first leaves barely appear, or in late autumn, mainly after rain.

This is due to the fact that it is during this period that the most useful substances accumulate in the roots. The roots are dried outdoors under the sun or in a special dryer.

The upper parts of the plant are harvested during flowering, while completely cutting off the stem at a height of up to 40 cm. The plant materials are dried and stored in ventilated areas.

All its beneficial properties and positive effects on human health are manifested thanks to the unique chemical composition that nature itself endowed the miracle root with:

proteins;
levulosis (10-20%);
tannins;
fructose(10%);
inulin(20 -60%)
choline;
microelements;
ascorbic acid;
organic acids;
essential oils;
resins;
vitamins;
lactucin and lactucopicrin;
B vitamins;
pentosans;
triterpenes;
coumarin glycoside chicorein, which is found in cells.

Inulin, which is found in chicory in such quantities, namely up to 60 percent of the dry matter, is extremely useful for people suffering from diabetes.

The vitamin composition of this plant is simply unique:

The leaves contain vitamin B4 or choline, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the liver, kidneys, and brain.
Carotene and ascorbic acid, thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid, folic acid: all these substances help strengthen the immune system and restore nerve cells.
People with neuropathies of various origins should pay special attention to this plant.
Microelements, which are mandatory for the functioning of any body system, are also the basis of the chemical composition of chicory: potassium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, manganese.
Water-soluble coarse fiber removes metabolic products from the body, preventing them from poisoning cells. This promotes detoxification and improves the overall health of the body.
Chicory helps the intestines work better due to the irritating effect of fiber and promotes the growth of beneficial bifidobacteria, normalizes cholesterol metabolism, preventing it from accumulating and depositing on blood vessels.

The medicinal properties of chicory are widely used in folk medicine for various diseases, as additional methods, as part of treatment, and as preventive measures.

Medicinal properties of king root

Let's talk about the benefits of chicory for human health; this wonderful plant has a positive effect on almost all systems and organs.

Even despite its rich beneficial properties, this plant can cause harm to the body, like any medicine, it should not be used without proper control, so it is important to know in what cases the use of chicory is contraindicated:

Taking the infusion is contraindicated during exacerbations of duodenal and gastric ulcers.
The infusion should not be taken simultaneously with antibiotics, as this can lead to impaired absorption of the drugs.
Excessive consumption of chicory can cause a strong appetite, which can lead to obesity.
Drinks and dishes containing chicory should not be consumed by children under three years of age, since their nervous system is not yet fully developed.
You should avoid taking it if you are allergic to ascorbic acid.
Excessive consumption of chicory can cause hypervitaminosis of vitamin C.
Petrov batog dilates blood vessels, and this beneficial property can cause harm in case of hemorrhoids and varicose veins.
For bronchitis and bronchial asthma, chicory drinks can, in some cases, cause an exacerbation of these diseases.
Chicory is contraindicated for certain types of gastritis and can cause harm.
It has a diuretic effect, and if a person has low blood pressure, then in this case it will drop even more.
Long-term consumption of chicory drink in large quantities can cause insomnia, arthritis, gout, exacerbation of gallbladder diseases, digestive disorders and the formation of kidney stones, since the plant contains oxalates.

Uses of chicory in folk medicine

Here is an incomplete list of diseases and conditions for which traditional healers recommend using Petrov batog; its use will help with:

Chicory for digestive diseases

Long-term observations have shown that chicory is extremely beneficial for the liver and other organs of the digestive tract.

Gallbladder treatment

Take 15 grams of finely chopped chicory root and fill it with three glasses of water. Bring the solution to a boil over low heat and keep it there for at least 13 minutes.

Drink the cooled decoction for gallbladder diseases without the formation of stones. Drink three times a day, one third of a glass.

Treatment of liver inflammation

The crushed root and herb are poured with water and boiled for approximately 12 minutes, then left for about an hour. To improve the therapeutic effect, add honey and apple cider vinegar, but not more than three tablespoons each. Take 125 ml. with liver inflammation.

Infusion for liver cirrhosis

A good old recipe for the treatment of liver cirrhosis, which was used by our grandmothers. Take equal parts of chicory leaves, plantain root, corn silk, chamomile, rose hips, immortelle flowers, and St. John's wort.

Mix all ingredients thoroughly. Pour approximately 40 grams of the composition into a 500 ml saucepan. boiling water, cover, wrap and leave for 12 hours. Drink 30 minutes before meals, every three hours.

For diseases of the pancreas, it is useful to drink instant chicory drink every day.

Treatment of diarrhea

For diarrhea associated with a functional disorder, a simple recipe helps well: 20 grams of chicory powder pour into 300 ml. boiling water and take twenty minutes before meals. In addition, it helps increase appetite.

Chicory for skin diseases

Chicory will be an invaluable remedy for skin diseases. The most dangerous and painful pathologies are distinguished: boils, carbuncles, hidradenitis, diathesis in young children, eczema and neurodermatitis.

We make a complex multi-component infusion:

25 grams each of chicory and lungwort roots;
50 grams each of thyme, burnet roots, gravilate roots;
15 grams each of sage and calendula leaves, oak and rose hips.

All ingredients must be dried and crushed. Mix everything and brew with one liter of boiled water. Pour the broth into the bath.

It takes about 20 minutes to take such a bath. Of course, it is necessary to take into account the presence of allergies and any contraindications.

Bath for skin diseases

Pour five tablespoons of finely chopped chicory leaves and stems with water, brought to a boil and leave on fire for 10 minutes.

This remedy perfectly helps children get rid of itching during diathesis. You can simply wash the child and dry him with a soft cloth, or you can pour a glass of this solution into the bath and take a full bath.

Treatment of eczema

Take an equal amount of chicory root, wheatgrass, white mistletoe, black poplar buds, blue cyanosis roots, mother grass, rose hips, mint leaves, plantain, etc. You should get a total of 250 grams of this mixture, pour 4 liters of boiling water over the composition and leave for seven hours. Pour the resulting infusion into the bath. Water procedures should be taken according to general rules, no more than half an hour. To obtain an effect, the course must be at least 10 procedures. This recipe relieves eczema and neurodermatitis.

Chicory for heart and vascular diseases

When heart disease occurs, it usually does not have enough strength to fully expel blood from the cavities, which leads to overfilling of the chambers and a decrease in blood supply to other organs.

Chronic heart disease occurs for many reasons, and increased cholesterol levels are one of them.

Improved heart function

A simple and very effective recipe, if taken regularly, will help cope with arrhythmia.

Mix one tablespoon of chicory root powder. You can take ready-made chicory powder from the store. Add the same amount of dried calendula flowers. Pour 100 grams of vodka into the resulting mixture. Place in a cool, dark place and leave for 25 days.

It is important to shake the solution once a day. At the end of the period, strain. Take 30 drops on a piece of sugar, under the tongue after meals.

Decoction for edema in heart failure

Here is another good recipe for relieving swelling in heart failure. Brew 30 grams of chicory with a small amount of boiling water and leave for 45 minutes. Take two tablespoons three times a day.

Treatment of tachycardia

With tachycardia or increased heart rate. Take thyme and chicory herbs and brew a spoonful of the mixture with half a liter of boiling water. Wrap the pan with the broth well and let stand for 35 minutes. Divide the resulting mixture four times and drink throughout the day.

Chicory infusion for blood pressure

Hypertonicity of arterial vessels with increased pressure, at which irreversible changes occur in the vessels and heart, use the following decoction. Pour 800 ml. cold water, a tablespoon of chopped Petrov's batog root, bring to a boil over very low heat and boil for five minutes. Then cover under a blanket and leave for 4 hours. You need to drink about a glass of infusion, add honey and lemon for taste.

Benefits for the thyroid gland

Petrov batog for diabetes mellitus

The beneficial properties of chicory are irreplaceable for diabetes mellitus; the plant has active anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This stabilizes membrane structures and relieves inflammation, thereby reducing blood glucose levels. Folk recipes based on chicory can reduce the risk of developing complications of diabetes.

Recipe for diabetes No. 1

Pour 20 grams of a mixture of Tatar flowers and roots into more than 300 ml. boiling water and keep in a water bath for 35 minutes. Take half an hour before meals, a quarter glass at a time.

Recipe for diabetes No. 2

Take a heaped teaspoon of chicory roots, which must first be chopped, pour boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. Or, as an option, you can use the flowers of the plant, infused with 300 ml of boiling water and leave for 15 minutes. Drink 50 ml infusion. during the day.

Recipe for diabetes No. 3

To effectively lower blood sugar levels, take one tablespoon each of: chicory root and bean leaf, wormwood and mantle, pour 600 ml of everything. water. Place the solution on low heat and cook for about 10 minutes. Drink 40 ml, preferably before meals.

Traditional medicine recipes

Benefits for weight loss

The benefits of chicory for weight loss will be appreciated by every person who wants to lose extra pounds. The miracle root is perfect for these purposes, thanks to its natural composition. And again, inulin, which has been mentioned more than once, will help you.

This special substance helps the body break down fats into simple components. Regular consumption of chicory removes extra pounds. In addition to this, the body is cleansed of toxins and excess fluid, metabolism and the functioning of many organs are improved, this also helps to normalize weight and achieve a beautiful, slender figure.

Tatar color for weight loss

For a faster effect, use the following recipe:

Grind dry chicory roots.
Take one teaspoon of crushed raw materials and pour half a liter of water into this substance.
Boil over low heat for about 10 minutes.
Strain the resulting broth and cool.
Take 100 milliliters a quarter of an hour before meals, three times a day.

The cleansing course lasts one week.

Of course, in addition to eating chicory, those who want to lose weight will have to change their eating habits and limit themselves to eating unhealthy foods. Fatty, high-calorie foods should be completely excluded, and vegetables and fruits should make up the bulk of the diet.

Follow the water-salt regime, and drink plenty of clean water and other liquids. Play some kind of sport every day and be active and positive. And then there will certainly be a positive result.

Soluble chicory - benefits of the drink and contraindications

In any grocery store you can buy Tatar-colored powder: soluble chicory, which many call a coffee substitute. Let's look in more detail at how the chicory drink is useful, and who can drink it, are there any contraindications?

This drink has a calming, positive effect on the nervous system and at the same time tones the body. Therefore, it can be drunk by people who want to get a boost of vivacity and energy for the whole day in the morning, and by people who suffer from insomnia (at night).

As mentioned above, you can buy ready-made natural powder in the store, or you can prepare it at home with your own hands. To do this, chicory roots need to be washed, peeled, dried and ground in a coffee grinder. The resulting powder will need to be lightly fried; it will look similar to regular instant coffee.

What are the benefits of the miracle root drink?

The drink made from chicory has a specific taste with subtle notes of bread. It has a positive effect on all internal organs in the human body, as it contains many vitamins and microelements necessary for humans.

Regular consumption of this drink will normalize the functioning of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, spleen, and heart. Since chicory does not contain a single gram of caffeine, it is possible and even beneficial to drink for people suffering from high blood pressure (hypertension).

The drink from Petrov batog is taken as an antipyretic for colds. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic and astringent properties.

How much Petrov Batoga drink can you drink per day?

It's simple to explain - to replace 3 cups of coffee with a natural substitute, you only need 1-2 cups of soluble root powder.

Contraindications

In addition to its beneficial properties, the plant has some contraindications that you must be aware of!

Both dried and instant chicory are not recommended for use in the following cases:

It is worth paying attention to the fact that chicory has obvious benefits during breastfeeding, but it is harmful for children, so its use is not recommended for children under three years of age.

To make the prepared drink especially tasty, aromatic and invigorating, you need to learn the little secrets and rules for brewing it.

If you purchased ready-made chicory powder, which is usually sold in bagged packaging, then in this case you just need to pour boiling water over the bag.

If you have chopped root, then you need to first grind it in a coffee grinder, and only then start preparing the drink.

How to brew ground chicory:

Pour one teaspoon of the mixture into one glass of cold water.
Place everything on low heat and bring to a boil.
After the mixture boils, simmer for 2-3 minutes and then remove from the stove.
When the drink has cooled, you need to strain it and add a little honey, sugar, cream or milk to your taste.

How to prepare a drink from the whole root:

Finely chop the chicory roots and fry in a frying pan until dark.
Grind the fried roots in a coffee grinder, and then prepare the drink as described above.
Then dilute the liquid extract with warm boiled water (a teaspoon per glass of water). You can also add this extract to regular tea in the same proportions - a teaspoon per glass of tea.
You can add honey or milk and cream to taste.

For women who are accustomed to drinking coffee, this is a good alternative to give it up during a crucial period of their lives. Nutritionists have found that chicory drink can be drunk while breastfeeding.

But there is no consensus on exactly how much you can drink; doctors’ opinions on this matter may differ: some say that you can drink one small cup, others that more will not harm the baby and mother.

However, it is worth considering that Tatar flower is a medicinal plant, and therefore should not be abused. Nursing mothers are advised to introduce it into their diet with caution, starting with a couple of sips, and monitor the baby’s condition and reaction.

At the slightest negative sign: allergies or malaise, stop taking it immediately. It should be noted that for some mothers, the drink can reduce lactation, although, in general, chicory has a tonic effect and strengthens the immune system weakened during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Wise Mother Nature has decreed that the most healing herbs, which have enormous potential for treating various diseases, grow in large quantities in our regions. Petrov batog is one of these plants.

There is practically no organ on which this plant does not have a positive effect. Now you know about the benefits of chicory for the human body, use this wonderful plant for your health and the health of your family.