What is chicory, what are its benefits?
Chicory is a plant species with a hard stem covered in fine hairs. The inulin it contains acts as a prebiotic by increasing the number of beneficial bacteria. Here are the lesser-known benefits of the chicory plant...
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Chicory, believed to be native to Egypt and Indonesia, has been cultivated in Europe since the 16th century.
Its height ranges between 50–100 cm; it has segmented leaves and light blue flowers. Its leaves are used in salads as well as in cooked dishes.
It is a close relative of white chicory (Cichorium intybus), another plant species of the chicory genus.
In Turkey, the leaves of wild chicory are commonly gathered in the spring and consumed as a medicinal herb and vegetable.
These leaves are known as 'Hindiba' and 'Radika'.
BENEFITS OF CHICORY
- It is beneficial for gallbladder and liver diseases.
- It is good for chronic liver inflammation.
- It heals skin itching, eczema, and ringworm.
- It regulates gastric fluids and cleanses substances accumulated in the stomach.
- It is an appetite stimulant.
- It cleanses the blood.
- It is a powerful tonic that strengthens the body.
- It acts as a diuretic.