John Myers
The chicory root, also known as chicory, is a real all-rounder when it comes to our health. People have sworn by its healing effect on the liver, stomach, and spleen for centuries. It is also probably the most popular decaffeinated coffee substitute and is in no way inferior in taste to the popular bean. We’ll show you everything you need to know about the healing effects of chicory root and its many uses here!
Medicinal Plant of the Year 2020
Although chicory has been known as a coffee substitute for centuries, it has countless other talents. The chicory itself grows up to 1.50 m high and stands out with its wonderful light blue flowers. Inulin is obtained from the roots of chicory – a dietary fiber that can permanently lower blood sugar levels. In addition, chicory is said to have a positive antihypertensive effect. But the bitter substances of the plant also contribute to our health: They stimulate appetite and bile flow and are used in numerous stomach teas. Above all, the root is characterized by the positive effects on our liver. Jaundice and other liver problems were successfully treated with it as early as the Middle Ages.
Health benefits of chicory root
- cleansing of the liver
- Relief of stomach and digestive problems
- Lowering blood pressure
- Lowering blood sugar levels
- Stimulates the appetite
- fighting inflammation
- Help with clotting problems
- lowering cholesterol levels
So you see – the chicory root is a real all-rounder. But it’s not just the healthy effect on our bodies that make chicory so popular: it also has a lot to offer in terms of taste!
Use
Do you love your morning coffee or tea, but would rather avoid caffeine? Then using chicory root might be your best bet! Its taste is very similar to that of real coffee, but the root does not contain caffeine but instead contains numerous important dietary fibers.
Possible uses:
Coffee substitute: If you want to use the chicory instead of your daily coffee, it must first be roasted in the pan. The heat causes the root to develop sweet flavors reminiscent of caramel. Then grind the sliced root and pour hot water on it.
Tip: You can also find chicory coffee already ground and roasted in the organic market or health food store.
Tea made from leaves: The leaves of the chicory root also have a lot to offer! Leave them in a dry place for a few days and then pour hot water on them. Let the tea steep for about 10 minutes, then remove the leaves.
Root tea: To enjoy the numerous benefits of the root in your tea, cut it into small squares and steep them in hot water with a dandelion root. The active ingredients of the root clean our blood and help blood clotting!
Fun facts
In Germany, the chicory root brew is also known as “Muckefuck”, which literally means “rotten brown earth”.
Grow chicory yourself
The chicory has to be sown in late spring and is ready for harvest in the summer of the following year. Since it is relatively weatherproof and cold-resistant, you can expect fresh chicory until late autumn. In addition to the chicory root, its green leaves and flowers can also be processed.
Tip: The beautiful purple-blue chicory flowers are perfect for decorating salads and other appetizers!
