What is the Chinese herbal medicine chicory

Lettuce is a vegetable that often appears on people's tables, but when it comes to chicory, many people may not know what kind of plant it is. Chicory is a plant grown in the southern region. Not only can it be eaten as a vegetable, its upper part can also be used as a Chinese medicinal material. The following article will explain to readers some important knowledge related to chicory.

Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), Asteraceae, is a perennial herb. The roots are fleshy, short and thick. The stem is erect, ribbed, hollow and much branched. The leaves are alternate, oblanceolate, with a capitate inflorescence, a ligulate corolla, and blue-green flowers.

Chicory is a plant that can be used as both medicine and food. Its leaves can be used to make lettuce, and its roots contain inulin and aromatic substances, which can be used to make coffee substitutes and promote the activity of the human digestive organs. The above-ground parts and roots of the plant can be used for medicinal purposes. Their Chinese names are chicory and chicory root. They have the effects of clearing away heat and detoxifying, diuresis and swelling, and stomachic strengthening. The plant is cold-resistant and drought-resistant, and prefers to grow on the edges of fields, hillsides and other places with plenty of sunlight. It is distributed in China and other countries.

The efficacy and function of chicory

1. Edible effects of chicory

Chicory is a nutritious wild plant that contains a variety of nutrients that are beneficial to the human body. Protein, fat, dietary fiber and amino acids are the most important in chicory. In addition, the calcium, vitamins and carotene content is also high. After people eat it, it can meet the body's organs' needs for a variety of nutrients. At the same time, it is also the favorite beverage of some livestock.

2. Medicinal effects of chicory

Chicory is a special plant that can be used as medicine. It tastes slightly bitter and salty, and is cold in nature. Clearing away heat and detoxifying, and acting as a diuretic and reducing swelling are its important effects. It can be used to treat human jaundice, damp-heat, nephritis edema and other adverse diseases. The dosage used during treatment is mostly between three and nine grams, and it is mainly taken in the form of decoction.

3. Chicory can clear away heat and relieve summer heat

Clearing heat and relieving summer heat is also an important function of chicory. This plant has a cold nature. After people eat it, it can eliminate the accumulated heat in the human body. It has a good preventive and eliminating effect on heatstroke in summer. In addition, it also has a good regulating effect on human loss of appetite and indigestion caused by heatstroke or accumulation of heat and toxins in the body.