SUCCORY
(Cichorium intybus)

Also known as : Succory, chicory, chicory plant. Achicoria (spanish)

Family : Asteraceae.

Genus : Cichorium.

Plant part used : Root, leaves, flowers.

Chicory is a heavily branched perennial herb, with an erect, angular stem, which reaches one meter high. Its flowers are hermaphroditic, blue, pink or white and appear in summer. The flower opens to the sun, and follow his trallectoria, as do sunflowers. The seed is a polygonal achene with a short crown of small scales. It basal, elongated and slightly spiny leaves semicarnosas, which come directly from the root, and other very small leaves that emerge directly from the stem. The conical root is fleshy and secretes latex; when dry has a pungent odor and a bitter taste. The leaves and flowers are used in both dry infusion, as fresh; and the root is usually taken in decoction or dry toast. The young leaves, are also taken into salad.

LOCATION:

Native to Europe plant found in northern Africa, western Asia and has also spread to parts of Latin. It grows on the edge of the fields, ditches and meadows. In ancient Egypt was already known as an important medicinal plant. Paracelsus recommended it in poultices for skin irritations and in infusion to treat diseases of the digestive system and liver. At the time of Napoleon, it was first used as a coffee substitute; then passing the custom to England and the rest of Europe.

FLOWERING AND HARVEST:

Flowering time: From July to September.

Harvest: Root - September, October. After removal of the land must be cleaned thoroughly. Wash it, cut it into slices, and dried at a maximum temperature of 50 ° C.

PICKING:

* Buds, Sap and rind: Spring.

* Leaves: They are harvested in the spring, and allowed to dry in the shade or drying at a temperature no greater than about 40 � C.

CONSTITUENTS:

Inulin hill lacturina, threonine, arginine, tryptophan, chicoric acid, ascorbic acid, linoleic acid, tannin, sugars, starch, vitamin A, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin P , calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium.

PROPERTIES:

» Diuretic, laxative, blood purifier, detoxifying, liver, bile, digestive, stimulant, astringent tonic, antiseptic, vermifuge, vulnerary, healing, cholagogue, choleretic.

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

May cause allergic skin reactions in particularly sensitive individuals.

USED TO:

� Recommended to treat liver problems, stimulating the secretion of the gall bladder and eliminating toxins from the liver. Root decoction.

� Treatment of abscesses, for their cleansing and disinfectant qualities.

� It purifies the blood.

� Very suitable to dissolve kidney stones or gallstones.

� Kidney problems and inflammation of the urinary tract.

� The decoction of the root is used as a diuretic.

� Your content ilurina, makes it suitable for treating hypertension.

� Helps balance disorders such as heart palpitations and arrhythmias.

� Rheumatic diseases such as arthritis and gout.

� By its slightly laxative qualities, helps combat constipation.

� The infusion of flowers and leaves, help to make a good digestion. And in general, alleviates any digestive problem.

� Excellent apetite and treatments for anorexia.

� Its high iron content helps treat people with anemia.

� Especially suitable for the cure of chronic skin diseases such as eczema.

� It has stimulant qualities of the nervous system and is especially suitable to combat sleepiness and asthenia.

� Helps maintain the concentration.

� It stimulates the pancreas, helping to secrete pancreatic juices.

� Its content in inulin, regulates blood sugar level; exerting positive action on the treatment of diabetes.

� Regulates cholesterol in blood, and prevents arterial sclerosis.

� It helps to expel intestinal worms.

� For a long time it was grown, to use your roasted and ground root as a coffee substitute.

� The young stems and leaves (which are less sour), are eaten as vegetables and salads.