chicory

 chicory history

Cichorium comes from the Greek kikkorion who himself had borrowed its name from the Egyptian. One does not matter here in a little inexperienced youth, no sir! This plant accompanied humans since the dawn of time, actually probably since the first gargantuan meal that our caveman ancestors were sent, without thinking, behind the collar of aurochs teeth, and then discovered the wonderful benefits of plants bitter.

"Chicory", which comes without transition from Latin, appeared in the French language in the thirteenth century. It is not known what refers the expression "de Capuchin beard" that has been allocated. The monks of the same name or the little monkey with a long beard heck of America? The term has also been attributed to at least two other plants, the Usnea catfish (lichen) and cumin (an aromatic black seeds), which is not it ?, makes our job easier easier.
In the French countryside, it is called "ugly", the "Povre" because of her stunted look. But, okay, okay, because the herbalist Maurice Mességué, who never lacked seasoning his speech a bit of male chauvinism, wrote speaking of chicory that "like women, the humblest plants sometimes richer in hidden virtues. " And to think that I named my cat "chicory"! If I'd known, I would not!

chicory role in the ecological balance

Today, chicory is also little appreciated as dandelion by lovers of beautiful lawn, gender artificial carpet, frankly suspicious. Golfers wear her hatred at the height of their fame inexhaustible quest. Yet these two plants have always enjoyed great popularity in the old Europe, as we saw in them nothing less than life-saving angels arriving just in time with the first sunny days of the year. It is true that, as all members of the vast family of compound which, in the words of Brother Marie-Victorin, is a biological type still young and evolving, they are particularly aggressive and invasive, and deep taproot is virtually indestructible.
As a number of other plants, chicory is said clock plant. His beautiful blue flowers, which bloom from July to September, are only open from dawn until noon (when it's sunny), exactly the hours when pollinators interested in they activate more.

the benefit of chicory

Very close dandelion which it shares the bitterness, chicory has substantially the same properties. It is a "cleaner" plant and it is certainly no coincidence that it happens so early in the spring, after we spent a long winter to clog the body.

Tonic, aperitive, depurative, the root was used to treat jaundice, liver congestion, obstructions of the viscera, chest diseases and all diseases where it is necessary to purify the blood. Slightly laxative, it would also be effective in case of indigestion. Rich in inulin - a complex sugar that is not absorbed by the body - is useful for diabetics.
Good for the liver at reasonable doses it is harmful to him in high doses. It appears, moreover, that once, when we wanted to simulate jaundice, we took high doses. The white of the eye and skin, then took a yellowish tint most alarming, allowing you to get on the spot sick leave as desired.
Formerly, they were preparing a laxative syrup for children to chicory root base and rhubarb.
The juice was used instead of the leaves or root.
Leaves and roots are preparing a decoction at 1 or 2 tablespoons of chopped plant per cup of water. Bring to a boil, then let steep 15 minutes. Take 2 or 3 cups a day.
We take one tablespoon juice diluted in half a glass of water, morning and evening.
In externally, crushed leaves were applied on swellings, inflammations in general and eyes in particular. People with persistent tearing is greatly relieved in seeing.