This is the ninth chapter of 10 herbs from Graeco-Arabic Medicine series.
What is chicory?
Chicory is a plant of which the leaves and roots are used as a vegetable. Roasted roots can be made a hot beverage and dried roots can be made into medicine.
What is chicory used for?
People use chicory for different conditions including high blood pressure, heart failure, loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, liver and gallbladder disorders, cancer and rapid heartbeat. Some people also apply the leaves of chicory to the skin for swelling and inflammation.
Chicory is also a kind of food, and it can be made into chicory coffee, which can help reduce your caffeine intake.
Does chicory work?
Insufficient evidence has shown that chicory may improve digestive health, lower blood sugar, and help decease inflammation.
How do you take chicory?
People can take chicory orally or physically.
What are the side effects?
Chicory is likely safe to most people except those who have an allergic reaction to it.
People with pregnancy, breast-feeding, diabetes, gallstones and surgery need to consult the doctor before taking.
