Chicory: What is it, Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More

Reviewed by Experts



Chicory, also known as Kasni in Ayurveda, is a herbaceous plant belonging to the dandelion family. It is a perennial plant native to Europe and western Asia, and is now widely grown in North America and Australia. Chicory has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine for its numerous health benefits. ^{[1] [2]} In this article, we will explore the benefits, uses, side effects, and more about Chicory in Ayurveda.

Nutritional Benefits of Chicory

Chicory is a good source of nutrients and is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is a good source of vitamin C, which is essential for immune system function and skin health. It also contains vitamin A, which is important for eye health, and vitamin K, which plays a role in blood clotting and bone health. ^[3]

Chicory is also a good source of minerals such as potassium, which is important for heart health and blood pressure regulation, and calcium, which is essential for strong bones and teeth. It also contains magnesium, which is important for muscle and nerve function, and iron, which is important for the production of red blood cells. ^[1]

Chicory is also rich in antioxidants, which are compounds that protect the body against damage from free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can damage cells and contribute to the development of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and Alzheimer’s disease. Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. ^{[1] [4]}

Health Benefits of Chicory in Ayurveda

Chicory has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for its numerous health benefits. It is believed to have a cooling effect on the body and is used to treat a variety of health conditions. Here are some of the health benefits of Chicory in Ayurveda.

Digestive Health

Primary Benefit: Chicory is known for its digestive properties and is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat digestive disorders such as constipation, bloating, and indigestion. It is believed to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which helps to improve digestion and alleviate digestive symptoms. ^[1]

Secondary Benefit: Chicory is also rich in dietary fibre, which helps to promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. The fibre in Chicory also helps to promote the growth of healthy gut bacteria, which is important for overall digestive health. ^[1]

Liver Health

Primary Benefit: Chicory is believed to have a protective effect on the liver and is used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat liver disorders such as jaundice and liver inflammation. It is believed to stimulate the production of bile, which helps to improve liver function and promote the elimination of toxins from the body. ^{[5] [6]}

Secondary Benefit: Chicory is also rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the liver against damage from free radicals and promote liver health. ^{[5] [6]}

Blood Sugar Regulation

Primary Benefit: Chicory is believed to have a beneficial effect on blood sugar levels and is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes. It is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the production of insulin and improving insulin sensitivity. ^{[2] [3]}

Secondary Benefit: Chicory is also rich in inulin, a type of dietary fibre that has been shown to improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. Inulin helps to slow down the absorption of carbohydrates, which helps to prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. ^{[2] [3]}

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Primary Benefit: Chicory is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties and is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. It is believed to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which helps to reduce inflammation in the body. ^[1]

Secondary Benefit: Chicory is also rich in antioxidants, which help to reduce inflammation by neutralizing free radicals and preventing oxidative stress. ^[1]

Uses of Chicory in Ayurveda

Chicory is used in Ayurvedic medicine in a variety of forms, including tea, powder, or decoction. Here are some of the common uses of Chicory in Ayurveda.

Digestive Issues

Chicory tea or decoction is commonly used in Ayurveda to treat digestive issues such as constipation, bloating, and indigestion. It is believed to stimulate the production of digestive enzymes, which helps to improve digestion and alleviate digestive symptoms.^[1]

To make Chicory tea, simply steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Chicory root in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. Strain and drink the tea 2-3 times a day.

Liver Support

Chicory is used in Ayurvedic medicine to support liver health and treat liver disorders such as jaundice and liver inflammation. ^{[5] [6]} Chicory in the form of tea or a decoction can help support liver health.

Blood Sugar Regulation

Chicory is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to regulate blood sugar levels and treat diabetes. ^{[2] [3]} To regulate blood sugar levels, you can consume Chicory tea or decoction on a regular basis.

Inflammatory Conditions

Chicory is used in Ayurveda to treat inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Regular consumption of chicory tea or decoction can prove helpful in dealing with inflammatory symptoms. ^{[1] [7] [8]}

Side Effects of Chicory

While Chicory is generally safe to consume, it may cause side effects in some people. Here are some of the potential side effects of Chicory.

Allergic Reactions

Chicory may cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include itching, swelling, hives, and difficulty breathing. ^[9]

Digestive Issues

Chicory may cause digestive issues such as gas, bloating, and diarrhoea in some people. This is because Chicory is rich in dietary fibre, which can cause digestive discomfort in some people.^[10]

Interference with Medications

Chicory may interfere with certain medications, such as blood thinners and diabetes medications. If you are taking any medications, it is important to talk to your doctor before consuming Chicory.

FAQs

Conclusion

Chicory can be consumed in a variety of forms, including as a tea, powder, or decoction, and is generally safe to consume. However, it may cause side effects in some people, such as allergic reactions, digestive issues, and interference with medications. If you are interested in incorporating Chicory into your diet or using it for medicinal purposes, it is important to talk to your doctor first, especially if you are taking any medications or have any underlying health conditions.

Disclaimer:
This article is from a health and wellness perspective only and does not constitute medical advice. Kindly seek the help of a trained medical practitioner before initiating any treatment.

References:

1. A-review-article-of-Beekhe-Kasni-Cichorium-intybus-its-traditional-uses-and-pharmacological-actions.pdf (researchgate.net)
2. Kasni (Cichorium intybus): A Unani Hepatoprotective Drug | Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics (jddtonline.info)
3. Kasni (Cichorium Intybus L.) A Propitious Traditional Medicinal Herb (ijpjournal.com)
4. An Electrochemical Biosensor for Detection of Cichoric Acid as an Anti-Alzheimer’s Disease Agent in Chicory Samples Based on Setaria-Like Trimetallic Nanodendrites Decorated NH2-RGO Flakes (iop.org)
5. View of Hepatoprotective effect of Cichorium Intybus linn (Kasni) Extracts against Carbon Tetrachloride induced Liver Damage | Journal of Rawalpindi Medical College (journalrmc.com)
6. Effects of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(tmrjournals.cn)
7. Anti-inflammatory Effects of a Sesquiterpene Lactone Extract from Chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Roots (sagepub.com)
8. Role of inulin as prebiotics on inflammatory bowel disease (jst.go.jp)
9. Inhalative occupational and ingestive immediate-type allergy caused by chicory (Cichorium intybus) – PubMed (nih.gov)
10. Effects of dietary inulin on serum lipids in men and women with hypercholesterolemia – ScienceDirect