SMALL SPINDLE (achicoria cichorium intybus)

	S
	SMALL SPINDLE
	*achicoria cichorium intybus*

Name
SMALL SPINDLE

Scientific Name
achicoria cichorium intybus

SMALL SPINDLE

Other Names:

Amargón, Small spindle, Radicha

The chicory is one of the most beneficial plants, since to its extraordinary medicinal properties the one is united to provide an pleasant substitute of the coffee. In the times of shortage, to lack of the expensive coffee, this humble plant, had in not much esteem was used, perhaps being so abundant and cheap.

Habitat: Very common in the edges of the ways, dry ribazos and lands. Own of the tempered zones of Europe and America.

Description: it plants herbaceous and vivaz of the family of the compound ones, of straight stems, that usually it reaches of 50 to 60 cm of height. The flowers are of a beautiful blue color, and their petals finish in five fine ends; they are closed at night, or when is bad weather. All the parts of the plant, even his látex, taste bitter.

Used parts: the tender leaves and the root.

Properties and indications: well-known from times of the Egyptians, and applied by its Pharaohs, this plant was described by insigne Soft of "friend of the liver". As much the roots as the leaves contain inulina and levulosa, glúcidos that favor the functions of the liver. But most of their medicinal properties must to the bitter principles that contain, which act stimulating all the digestive processes.

In the stomach the secretion of gastric juice acts like eupéptica, increasing. For that reason for the heavy digestions a tisane is more effective from chicory after eating that a bicarbonate teaspoon. In addition, taken before the meals, it is a powerful appetizer, that opens to the appetite of children and adults.

In the liver it favors the bile secretion (colerética action), necessary for the digestion of fats. In addition, it activates the circulation vestibule and it clears the liver.

In the intestine, it activates its movements (laxative action). A cup of chicory in uninformed in the morning, aid to overcome the intestinal laziness and the constipation. Also it offers a certain vermifugal action that it helps to expel the intestinal worms.

Therefore the indications of the chicory are: lack of appetite, gastric atony, heavy digestions, dispepsia biliary due to a deficient operation of the biliary vesicle, with hepática management, hypertension vestibule, constipation, intestinal parasites. The chicory also has a smooth diurético and purifying effect, reason why it is indicated in cases of drop and arthritism

Use: it is possible to be taken in salad the cut crude leaves before the flowering, that taste pleasant bitter. With them attractive wild salads that open a ferocious appetite, in that can be prepared can include tooth of lion and garlic, flavoring them with lemon and olive oil. Those that wish a drastic action but, can take the fresh juice from the leaves, that is obtained pressing them on a cloth, or with the mixer. He is very bitter, but there is no lack of appetite that resists to him. For the lack of appetite it is recommended to take means glass before each food. In infusion of fresh or dry leaves and root, at the rate of 30 grs. by liter of water. They are taken from 2 to 3 daily cups; like appetizer, before the meals; like digestive, later. This tisane is necessary to sweeten it less possible, with the purpose of obtaining the greater benefit of its stimulating bitter flavor.

The root of the chicory, that takes itself in autumn, dried, toasted and crushed, serves to prepare the "coffee of chicory". It is possible to be mixed with barley Malta, which still confers a more pleasant flavor to him.

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