Does taking chicory cause an increase or decrease in blood pressure?

The effect of chicory on blood pressure

Does chicory increase or decrease blood pressure and how to use it correctly?
The herbal component has a beneficial effect on the body, but in case of hypotension it is extremely dangerous to use. Low blood pressure begins to actively decline under the influence of the drink. Therefore, it is advisable to take the dry root for people with hypertension. With high blood pressure, it normalizes the general condition. The plant component has a strong effect on the body. Before you start using it, it is recommended to consult your doctor.

The root of the plant is a useful coffee substitute. If a person suffers from high blood pressure, he is strictly prohibited from drinking coffee. In this case, the dry root comes to the rescue. It lowers blood pressure and improves general condition. The root of the plant is a salvation for many lovers of coffee drinks who cannot afford to drink them.

Chicory and pressure are two interacting components. The root of the plant is a sure and effective remedy on the path to improved health. Experts recommend giving preference to this drink, but not abusing it.

It is important to choose the right dosage and not exceed it. The optimal dose is 1-2 cups per day

However, it is not recommended to use the drink together with medications. The dry root contains a lot of active substances, which, when interacting with certain medications, can harm the body.

You should not get carried away with the herbal component if you have a stomach or duodenal ulcer.

So does chicory lower or increase blood pressure? As mentioned several times above, it has a beneficial effect on people suffering from hypertension. The dry root helps to actively reduce blood pressure.

Methods of use

It is important for patients with hypertension to remember that self-prescription and use of both medications and herbal drinks can bring not only benefits, but also harm. Before you start drinking chicory tea or using it in any other way, you should consult your doctor.

Many patients are interested in the question of how to drink instant chicory correctly, whether it increases or decreases blood pressure, and whether it can replace morning coffee.

When taken correctly, chicory can not only stabilize blood pressure, but also significantly improve overall well-being.

For hypertension

Patients suffering from high blood pressure often ask their doctor if they can drink chicory if they have hypertension, and how consuming this plant will make them feel.

Chicory itself does not have pronounced hypotonic properties. It has a calming effect and has a beneficial effect on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels. By gently affecting the body, it improves the health of hypertensive patients, thereby helping to reduce blood pressure. Taking this plant has a beneficial effect on the functioning of certain systems and organs, including the intestines. Improving the microflora not only stabilizes the gastrointestinal tract, but also helps strengthen the immune system. It happens this way:

1. Thanks to its mild laxative effect, the plant helps remove decay products and other harmful substances (metabolic processes in the body return to normal).
2. The drink has an antioxidant effect.
3. Phenols have a beneficial effect on heart function.
4. The risk of gallstone formation is reduced.
5. Swelling decreases.

In mild cases of hypertension, chicory is prescribed by a doctor to stabilize blood pressure, and often only this plant is sufficient for treatment. No medications are required, and neither are herbs.

However, in this case, chicory is taken strictly according to the instructions. Untimely intake of chicory can again provoke a surge in blood pressure. In more severe cases, it is combined with medications.

If hypotension

If you have low blood pressure, it is recommended to drink chicory drink in limited quantities. A strong infusion is also not recommended - it is better to “stick” to a low concentration of the plant.

However, there are exceptions. For some people, chicory decoctions do not lower blood pressure, but rather increase it. This effect on the body depends on individual characteristics, and this cannot be predicted in advance. It can only be verified experimentally.

You can use either commercially produced chicory or self-harvested chicory. Different parts of the plant are suitable for brewing, but the root is still preferable. It is dried and ground to a powdery state.

The main thing for patients suffering from hypotension is not to overuse the drink. Otherwise, an uncontrolled loss of strength and blood pressure, dizziness (in general, a decrease in well-being) may occur.

Can I drink it if I have high blood pressure?

People with high blood pressure (hypertension) not only can, but also need to consume chicory

It acts carefully, reduces pressure carefully, without putting the body into a stressful state.

But hypotension (that is, low blood pressure) is a good reason for chicory not to be on your menu. Otherwise, the already low pressure may drop to such levels when the head begins to spin, weakness and nausea appear.

How can hypertensive patients use chicory so that the benefits for the body are noticeable? Experts recommend different options: preparing a medicinal drink and taking a bath.

Here's how the decoction is prepared: the dried roots of the plant are ground into powder (you can, for example, use a coffee grinder), and then, filled with water, put on fire.

Boil for about 20 minutes, and after removing from the stove, let it brew for a while, and then filter the solution using a strainer. Drink a tablespoon several times during the day.

If it is not possible to purchase natural dried root of the plant, buy ready-made instant powder in the store and brew it, as you usually do with instant coffee. Lemon and honey go well with the drink.

Another option for the drink: pour the powder into a thermos and pour boiling water over it. If it seems that the drink is too strong, you can dilute it with a small amount of boiled water or add, for example, soy milk. You will learn how to choose the right thermos for tea and coffee in this material.

Video about chicory from the “Natural Selection” series:

For medicinal baths, which also have a beneficial effect on the body of hypertensive patients, first prepare a decoction (200 g of dry crushed root per 2 liters of water), filter it and add it to a bath filled with water. Don't make it too hot - 37 degrees will be enough.

is very useful to take a bath before bed for 20 minutes . Do this every other day, course – 10 baths. For the body, this will be a wonderful relaxing procedure after a hard day - the nerves will calm down, the blood pressure will normalize.

If you want to know who a barista is and what he does, and whether it is possible to learn this craft somewhere, read our publication.

What are the calories in coffee with milk and sugar? Find out more now!

How to use chicory correctly

The coffee substitute is in demand, popular and accessible to the average consumer. When used correctly, it has a beneficial effect on the general condition, invigorates and tones, and also normalizes changes in tonometer values. You can buy a ready-made composition in a chain of stores with additional sweeteners and flavorings that are not beneficial, or you can take a Sunday walk with your family and stock up on healing roots yourself. The washed, oven-dried and fried roots are crushed in a coffee grinder. The resulting fine fraction powder is poured into the cezve, topped up with cold water, and brought to the boiling stage.

If it is not possible to get a 100% natural substance, it is purchased from supermarket shelves. If there is an effect on increased or decreased tonometer readings, then there is a high probability that you are lucky with the purchase of a quality product.

The simplest and least tricky way is to drink it like instant coffee, with honey and lemon included. A delicious “coffee” composition will be obtained if you add milk or cream to a cup of chicory.

Hypertension and chicory can exist harmoniously, moreover, it can reduce high blood pressure. This universal substance can simultaneously increase and decrease blood pressure, as well as invigorate in the morning, calm and relax in the evening. Considering the mild effect of the plant on the human body, do not forget about the lightning-fast course of hypertension. Taking medications at the wrong time can lead to heart attack and stroke. The best solution would be to drink the drink as a preventive measure for blood pressure surges or in combination with medications; it would also be a good idea to consult your doctor.

How does chicory affect blood pressure?

Chicory root drink with milk

People suffering from cardiovascular diseases are concerned about whether chicory increases or decreases blood pressure. Therefore, let's dot the i's.

A drink made from the roots or when using the plant in traditional medicine recipes does not have pronounced hypotonic properties. When pressure is caused by stress, it is possible to decrease due to the fact that the nervous system calms down, because the level of steroid hormones in the blood decreases, which entails relaxation of the vascular walls and returns the heart rate to normal.

The root contains oxalic acid salts (oxalates). They stimulate a decrease in blood pressure, which is why products containing them are contraindicated for hypotensive patients. But their quantity in the tissues of the plant in question cannot cause such a therapeutic effect, so with low blood pressure you can drink several cups without harming your health.

In general, chicory is good for the heart and blood vessels. With regular use, a decrease in attacks of arrhythmia and tachycardia is recorded. In hypertensive patients with muscle injuries, the beneficial elements in the plant help reduce inflammation associated with tension in damaged muscle tissue.

Consumption and folk recipes

Today you can buy a package of instant concentrated drink in any grocery supermarket. The packaging always contains instructions for preparation and briefly outlines the benefits of this drink.

However, the concentrate purchased in the retail chain does not contain vitamins and other useful substances in the same quantities as the natural product, so to achieve the maximum positive effect you need to drink freshly brewed crushed dried roots (pre-roasted). To do this, you need to take dry, peeled roots, cut into small pieces and fry.

The higher the degree of roasting, the higher the bitterness, so it is important to decide according to your taste. Using a coffee grinder, grind to a powder and brew like regular Turkish coffee or simply pour boiling water over it.

If you drink the drink regularly, high blood pressure will decrease.

Advice. If you do not want to brew crushed chicory roots in a pot or coffee maker, but prefer to simply pour boiling water over a cup, then in this case it is very important that the powder is as fine in consistency as possible.

Below are selected popular and most useful traditional medicine recipes:

1. Chicory decoction. To lower blood pressure and prevent diseases, you can prepare a decoction from all parts of the plant. To do this, you need to grind the raw materials collected during flowering. Take a liter of boiling water per hundred grams and leave in a thermos for about an hour, then filter and take warm or cold 30 minutes before meals three times a day, 3 tablespoons. Typically, positive effects will begin to be felt within a week or two. The course of treatment should be at least several months.
2. Healing baths. Indications for use: high blood pressure and nervous tension. Grind 300 g of raw roots or 200 dry ones and boil over low heat for twenty minutes. Dissolve the resulting decoction in a warm bath, take for 15-20 minutes, then dry with a towel, but do not wash the body with soap or shampoo. It is better to take a bath every day an hour before bedtime. One treatment course is 10 days;
3. Foot baths with bee honey are good for those people whose feet hurt after a busy day. Pour three liters of water into 200 g of roots and leaves and place in a water bath. After half an hour, turn off the stove and let it cool to a warm temperature. Before taking baths, stir two tablespoons of honey into the prepared broth. Inexpensive crystallized sunflower honey is suitable for these purposes. It is recommended to take baths after showering immediately before bed.

Indications for use

Thus, the main indications for use include the following:

1. Hypertension or symptomatic arterial hypertension.
2. Diabetes mellitus type II.
3. Atherosclerosis and associated conditions (coronary heart disease, hypoxic brain damage, etc.).
4. Atonic constipation (lack of stool for more than 3 days).
5. Dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating). Chicory is indicated for a duration of more than 2 days.
6. Chronic inflammatory lesions of the joints (rheumatoid arthritis).
7. Edema syndrome of any origin, with the exception of renal.
8. Decreased immunity. Recommended for frequent acute respiratory viral infections, sore throats, stomatitis (more than 1-2 times a year).

Other properties can be found in this photo:

Expert commentary

Kardash Anton Borisovich

Therapist, cardiologist. Doctor of the highest category.

You should not take chicory as the only drug to treat any disease. Most of the supposed effects have not been proven by science. It is recommended to combine the plant with other medicinal products.

How it works

First, let's find out the most important thing - how chicory affects blood pressure. This plant is a kind of tonic for blood vessels. At the same time, chicory is considered one of the safest drugs, which can gently and effectively reduce blood pressure to a normal level; and even if the indicator is only slightly higher than normal, after taking chicory preparations the pressure will not drop too low.

This gentle effect is explained quite simply - the whole secret lies in the composition of chicory:

• B vitamins are sedatives that act as antidepressants; they have a beneficial effect on the central nervous system, heart and blood vessels;
• potassium promotes the dilation of blood vessels, since it is their narrowing that is the main cause of hypertension.

Chicory is an indispensable product for those who like to wake up in the morning with a cup of aromatic coffee, but for health reasons cannot do this. In this case, this drink becomes a real find, because there is no other plant that can replace coffee with its taste and aroma. Brewed chicory improves blood flow, normalizes blood pressure, calms the nervous system in the evening and perfectly invigorates in the morning.

Important! But remember that a drink prepared with the addition of chicory is strictly prohibited for use if you have hypotension! Otherwise, you risk lowering your blood pressure even more, which, in turn, will lead to dizziness and other unpleasant symptoms. .

So, we found that chicory does not increase blood pressure or disturb the heart rhythm, and, therefore, can be recommended for people with diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Why can blood pressure decrease when taking chicory?

Since hypertensive crises, as well as systematic increases in blood pressure, can occur for various reasons, different drugs are used for drug treatment. In some cases, this plant has effects similar to them.

• If the pressure rises due to the fact that a person reacts sharply to external stimuli, it means that he needs to calm the nervous system.
• Renal pressure, which is almost impossible to reduce with pills, will drop when the amount of fluid in the body decreases and inflammatory processes in the kidneys are relieved.
• Heart disease and vasoconstriction also contribute to increased blood pressure. When fighting this disease, it is necessary to relieve the symptoms of arrhythmia and improve oxygen supply to the brain.
• Spinal injuries can also lead to chronic hypertension. In the fight against an illness caused by an injury, spinal pain relief and stress relief will be required.

Useful properties of the product

This tall wild plant has a medicinal root and bright blue flowers. In Russia, such a popular coffee substitute appeared at the beginning of the 19th century. How does chicory coffee affect people's health?

This medicinal plant has many beneficial properties, but it is necessary to take into account the characteristics of its effect, whether it increases or decreases blood pressure.

1. There is a polysaccharide called inulin, which contains a lot of fructose. It is a natural anticoagulant and makes the blood more fluid. This is a substance that prevents blood from clotting. At peak season, the dried root contains 75% inulin. This is an extremely valuable product in the diet of diabetics. There is no inulin in coffee and tea. Only chicory contains a substance that prevents the formation of blood clots in blood vessels. If you consume this product regularly, blood clots will not form. In addition, inulin lowers cholesterol levels. The effect of this product on blood pressure is great.
2. The glycoside intibin, which is found in this beneficial root, is also widely used in pharmaceuticals. This healing substance is used as a sedative for nervous excitement, insomnia, and neuroses, since it reduces the excitability of the central nervous system without disturbing its basic functions.
3. The beneficial components of the popular coffee substitute relieve tachycardia and dilate blood vessels, but it is important to pay attention to whether such a product increases or decreases blood pressure.
4. In folk medicine, this coffee substitute is used for diseases of the kidneys, spleen, and liver; the astringent and antimicrobial properties of chicory are often used. Its healing components improve digestion, increase appetite, and affect blood pressure.
5. This healthy drink, which has a coffee flavor, removes radioactive and other harmful substances, reduces sweating, and has general strengthening properties. A morning cup of chicory coffee gives you energy. People can sometimes be afraid to try it, believing that the drink is too invigorating or increases blood pressure.
6. This medicinal plant is an excellent antipyretic. It stimulates the growth of bone tissue in joint diseases and strengthens the immune system.
7. Metabolic processes in the body return to normal if you systematically drink chicory coffee. This product is very useful for the hematopoietic system because it contains iron, so if necessary, the root is used to improve blood composition.
8. Elderly people successfully treat insomnia with a cup of chicory coffee at night. This product will increase the duration of healthy sleep.
9. This product helps well with cholelithiasis or kidney stones, since it has a choleretic effect and relieves heartburn and constipation.
10. Wash and wipe old wounds, tumors, and eczema wounds with a decoction of chicory root or alcohol tincture. For arrhythmia, tachycardia, and atherosclerosis, chicory is used as a vasodilator. For anemia, fresh plant juice is useful.
11. How are chicory and blood pressure related? The ratio of potassium and sodium in such a product is shifted towards the former. Due to this, the drink has a positive effect on the functioning of the heart muscle.

Benefits and harms of the root

Chicory root is the main part of the plant and is included in many medicines.
The benefits of this healing plant are obvious, but there is also slight harm for some diseases. The fact is that chicory root contains oxalic acid, which poses a danger to patients with urolithiasis. Because an excess of this acid promotes the formation of oxalates. Therefore, people prone to stone formation in the kidneys and bladder should be careful in consuming it.

But chicory has much more beneficial effects. It has long been noted that it calms the nervous system, therefore, helps fight insomnia. In addition, chicory enhances intestinal motility, cleansing the body of harmful substances. Zinc, which is contained in chicory, helps men overcome sexual problems, and women - improve the condition of their skin and hair.

Iron, which is found in chicory root, improves blood composition and fights anemia. And calcium, which is also found in abundance in this plant, strengthens the bone apparatus. Magnesium and potassium found in chicory make the heart muscle stronger.

This healing plant also has a positive effect on the condition of muscles and joints. In addition, chicory contains a lot of tannins, which help with inflammation of the throat, intestines and other organs.

It is especially worth noting the benefits of chicory for diabetes. Since it has the property of lowering blood sugar, a drink made from it is simply irreplaceable for patients with diabetes.

The plant is used not only internally, but also as a decoction for rinsing for diseases of the gums and throat, and as lotions, compresses, rubdowns for skin problems and joint diseases. Chicory is also added to baths for skin diseases.

Contraindications

Even the most useful medicinal plant and blood pressure product can be harmful to health if used incorrectly. The main problems arise when using low-quality unnatural chicory

In this regard, when purchasing a product, you need to pay attention to the correct choice and quality. The composition should only contain the root

The compatibility of chicory and pressure when it increases is often of interest to patients. Before consumption, a person must definitely get an answer to the question of whether chicory increases blood pressure. Most often, blood pressure does not increase from drinking the drink; therefore, one of the contraindications of the plant is low blood pressure. Sugar can reduce the beneficial effects of chicory when added in large quantities. The powder does not mix with milk, so it is not recommended to add it to a drink like coffee. But you can replace it with an analogue based on vegetable fats.

Contraindications for use cannot be ignored. You should avoid eating the roots of this plant if you have the following pathologies:

• digestive problems, gastritis, ulcers;
• varicose veins or other vascular diseases;
• advanced liver pathologies;
• allergic reaction;
• bronchitis and bronchial asthma.

Side effects should not be ruled out if used too frequently. Symptoms of overdose include: increased appetite, abdominal pain, bloating and diarrhea; increased cough and sore throat due to a cold.

To avoid overdose, you must observe moderation - do not drink more than 5 cups of drink per day.

About contraindications

Drinks and decoctions from chicory can bring not only benefits, but also harm to the body.

• Dried rhizome, consumed in large quantities, causes excessive appetite, which eventually leads to obesity.
• People who have been diagnosed with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastritis) should not drink chicory.
• It is not recommended to drink antibiotics and chicory infusion at the same time; in this case, medicinal drugs are less easily absorbed by the body.
• Chicory should not be given to children before the age of three; it can cause excessive excitability or insomnia in the child.
• Allergy sufferers should take the drink with caution; the decoction can cause severe allergic reactions.
• People suffering from nosebleeds and hemorrhoids should drink the decoction in small quantities due to the special properties of the plant that lead to vasodilation.
• People with sleep disorders are not recommended to drink the aromatic drink in the afternoon, as this can cause insomnia.
• Chicory is also contraindicated for people with low blood pressure; its diuretic properties can further reduce it.

Beneficial effect for hypertension

Hypertension is a disease in which a person’s blood pressure rises, causing headaches, dizziness, memory impairment, tachycardia, etc. Lately there has been a lot of debate about whether chicory can be consumed with low blood pressure, whether it is useful for hypertension, or whether it is just a kind of coffee substitute, only less harmful.

Let's consider the main points in which chicory has a beneficial effect on high blood pressure:

1. coffee substitute. Of course, this is the first reason why chicory became popular. Everyone knows how harmful everyone's favorite drink is for patients with hypertension. And chicory decoction does not contain caffeine, which is prohibited for patients;
2. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension often go hand in hand. Due to the high content of insulin in decoctions, any diabetic can enjoy the sweet taste without fear of increased blood sugar and, accordingly, attacks of hypertension;
3. One of the causes of the disease is a problem with human blood vessels. It is the organic acids contained in the plant that strengthen them and stop the development of pathology;
4. Stress is a constant companion of modern man and is especially dangerous for hypertensive patients, since it increases blood pressure or leads to insomnia. Chicory has proven itself to be a sedative for the nervous system. Taking decoctions makes sleep restful and significantly increases the body's resistance to stress;
5. substances found in chicory have a good effect on the dilation of blood vessels and reduce the likelihood of spasms. And this is a very important factor for patients with hypertension;
6. the drink increases human metabolism. A person who regularly takes a decoction from the plant normalizes metabolic processes and loses excess weight faster. And excess weight is one of the causes of hypertension;
7. strengthening the heart is a very important point for patients. Chicory contains potassium, which helps strengthen the heart muscle;
8. The huge amount of vitamins and microelements in the plant makes it an effective immunomodulator. It has a positive effect on the immune system of a sick person, accelerating recovery from hypertension.

What causes the properties of chicory to have a positive effect on the body?

Even after all stages of preparation: washing, drying, frying, chicory has a unique, rich composition:

• Vitamins A, C, E, K.
• B vitamins.
• A nicotinic acid.
• Binders (tannins).
• Ethers.
• Protein of plant origin.
• Inulin.
• Organic acids.

Microelements of chicory:

— Potassium and magnesium are important elements for maintaining the performance of the heart muscle.

- Gives strength to bone tissue - phosphorus and calcium.

- Enriches the composition of the blood and prevents the development of anemia - iron.

- Positively affects brain activity, restores damaged tissues, improves the appearance of the skin, gives elasticity - zinc.

— Sodium controls water balance and normalizes kidney function.

— Manganese will help to gently remove toxic compounds and toxins, as well as absorb beneficial nutrients.

— Copper will provide good support for liver function.

— An element that promotes the production of collagen, carefully cares for the condition of the skin, and imparts turgor — selenium.

Standards of use

You can buy ground chicory ready-made or make it yourself.

1. To prepare, you need to prepare the roots of the plant. They should be dried, cut into pieces, fried, and ground into powder.
2. Powder is poured into the Turk - you need about 1 - 2 teaspoons per full glass of cold water, no more.
3. The mixture is placed on low heat, brought to a boil, and cooked for another half hour.
4. The drink is left to infuse, after cooling, it is filtered and poured into a cup.

Chicory powder can be used as a tea for hypertension. In any case, blood pressure will decrease slowly; to have an effect, such treatment must be done regularly. It is permissible to drink an aromatic drink in the morning, replacing strong coffee. The first result will be noticeable only after a few days. Do not forget that a sense of proportion is needed in everything. Chicory is no exception. The safe amount of the plant is a maximum of 5 cups per day; no more should be consumed. Before using it before bed, you need to check what effect the plant will have on the body in the evening.

Chicory for hypertension: indications and methods of use

Many people are interested in the question: is it possible to drink chicory with high blood pressure? For maximum effect when preparing a medicinal product based on chicory, you need to take the root of this plant, chop it into small pieces and dry it. Next, this mass should be ground in a coffee grinder and used to prepare medicinal products.

Chicory and its methods of use are varied, but it is worth highlighting 3 main forms of medicines:

1. Decoction. To prepare it, you need to take 100 g of crushed root mass, add half a liter of water and cook until boiling. Next, you need to let this mixture stand and then strain well. You need to drink one tablespoon three times a day after meals. The effect of using the decoction will become noticeable after a few days.
2. Shape of coffee drink. This type of use of chicory is known to many, because it can be found freely sold in many supermarkets. He is very

   
   useful for patients who are prohibited from drinking natural coffee, since it causes irreparable harm to the body in such people. In this case, a drink made from chicory is used as a blood pressure lowerer, and it is important not to confuse the fact that it is not chicory that increases the indicators, but natural coffee. To prepare a coffee drink based on the root of this plant, you need to finely grind the raw materials in a coffee grinder, and fry the powder in a frying pan. Then it is poured with half a liter of water and brewed in the same way as natural coffee. To improve the taste, add nuts, honey or lemon.

3. In the form of a tincture. To prepare it, you need to take 100 grams of chicory powder, put it in a liter vessel and fill it with vodka. This mixture should be infused in a cold place for a month. If necessary, it must be shaken during this period of time. After the expiration date, the tincture is consumed 25-30 drops before meals three times a day, for several months.

The effect of chicory on the body

First of all, it is worth noting the popularity of chicory as a coffee substitute. It is coffee that is often prohibited for high blood pressure, since it increases heart rate and blood pressure. There is no caffeine in chicory, so you can drink the drink without fear for your health. The vitamin C content helps the body to be resistant to colds and viral diseases.

In hypertensive patients, the blood vessels become spasmodic, which leads to a narrowing of their bloodstream and an increase in blood pressure. Chicory contains substances that dilate blood vessels. This means that drinking the drink is not only not harmful, but also beneficial for those diagnosed with hypertension. In addition, blood pressure increases due to stress and insomnia. A drink made from chicory increases the nervous system's resistance to stress, normalizes sleep and prevents nervous breakdowns. This has a positive effect on blood pressure levels and the functioning of all organs.

For whom chicory is not recommended?

The plant has practically no contraindications, but in some conditions it can pose a health hazard. The product is not recommended for use in the following pathologies:

• ulcerative lesions of the digestive tract;
• varicose veins, thrombophlebitis;
• vascular disorders;
• haemorrhoids;
• chronic respiratory diseases.

Important information: Modern approaches to the treatment of prehypertension in young people

Chicory is useful for children and pregnant women, but due to its chemical composition it is a strong allergen. Accordingly, people with an increased tendency to allergies should drink it with caution.

The product can cause harm to a healthy body only if it is consumed excessively. The norm for drinking a medium-strength drink for adults is 3-4 glasses per day.

Contraindications to the use of Chicory

Tasty, healthy, effective, but, unfortunately, not everyone can use this unique remedy for blood pressure. This plant is widely used in alternative medicine.

It has a wide spectrum of action and, like any medicinal substance, not everyone is allowed to use:

• For ulcerative diseases, gastritis.
• With low tonometer readings (hypotension).
• For any form of hemorrhoids.
• For chronic pathologies of the liver and kidneys.
• For varicose veins.

Attention! During pregnancy, chicory consumption should be reduced to a minimum. Doctors do not prohibit the inclusion of medicinal roots in a pregnant woman’s diet

Excessive consumption can cause miscarriage and premature birth.

It is recommended to start enjoying the drink with small doses with careful monitoring of the effect on the body. Individual sensitivity and allergic reactions are possible.

• For cholelithiasis and cholecystitis, a doctor’s consultation is necessary.
• If your blood glucose level increases, you should talk to your endocrinologist about introducing a substance into your diet.

Important! The opinion that chicory is capable of increasing tonometer readings is erroneous. A slight increase in values ​​is explained by the use of an excessively hot drink

For hypertension, it is advisable to avoid only boiled liquid. You should start drinking coffee substitute in small portions, not too strong and not too hot.

Herbal teas, therapy with medicinal herbs and plant components, have been providing all possible assistance to people for many centuries. A greater effect can be achieved by simultaneously using traditional and non-traditional medicine. It is necessary to take into account that the root is rich in active components that can weaken or enhance the effect of medical and pharmacological agents; you cannot prescribe a course of treatment for yourself. Both abilities can cause harm to health. Having no idea how to harmoniously combine medicinal components, it is better to opt for a more effective drug until the intervention of a competent medical specialist.

Application

Chicory salad

Of the 10 species, only two are cultivated. Common and lettuce chicory are valuable. It is necessary to harvest raw materials during the flowering period. At this time, the roots contain the highest concentration of inulin.

Human enzymes are not capable of breaking down this substance, so it is classified as dietary fiber and probiotics. Also, during flowering, potassium is concentrated in the roots and shoots, a very useful trace element for people suffering from hypertension.

Beneficial substances are present in all parts of the plant. Chicory has gained the greatest popularity as a coffee substitute due to its similar aroma and affordable price. Green leaves can be added to salads and even used as a side dish.

Note. The roots of the plant are of greatest value, but the stems, leaves and flowers are also widely used in folk medicine.

Beneficial features

Chicory drink prepared from easily soluble concentrate

Before discussing in more detail the effect of chicory on blood pressure, let us dwell on the general effect of the plant on the human body. The plant is used in folk medicine or as an aromatic drink from its roots.

With regular use you can achieve the following results:

• decreased blood glucose levels;
• improving the functioning of the pancreas and increasing the secretion of bile;
• has a positive effect on kidney function and prevents the formation of stones;
• strengthens the body's protective functions, helps develop resistance to respiratory viruses;
• has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system and is indicated in stressful situations;
• activates metabolic processes;
• at large doses exhibits a mild laxative effect;
• does not have a harmful effect on the functioning of the stomach;
• thanks to inulin, it has a probiotic effect - it stimulates the growth and development of populations of beneficial bacteria in the intestines;
• the oncoprotective effect is achieved due to the antioxidant effect;
• indirectly affects the reduction of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels.

The note. Not many people know that ground, fried dry chicory root can be added to coffee, thereby reducing the concentration of caffeine in it and making the drink more varied in taste.

You can consume chicory without a doctor's recommendation, because there is absolutely no danger or doses at which you can get poisoned. It is recommended for diabetics, overweight people and people with impaired lipid metabolism.

The plant has a slight tonic effect for the heart muscles, while reducing nervous excitement. Some authors note that brewed roots help the body remove toxins.

The above-ground part of the plant is used as a mild sedative. Brewed stems and leaves enhance kidney function, which helps remove excess fluid and salts.

Folk recipes, which contain vegetative parts of the plant, are prescribed for diseases of the digestive and excretory systems, inflammatory processes on the skin in the treatment of non-healing wounds and ulcers. Due to its high inulin content, the plant is classified as a dietary product.

When exposed to high temperatures, the plant does not lose its positive properties due to the content of microelements, the list of which is indicated in the table.

Table. Useful microelements in chicory.

In addition to these elements, it is important to note that chicory contains vitamins (C and E), organic acids, polysaccharides, essential oils and many other substances useful for the human body.

The note. Despite the abundance of useful components in chicory, a drink made from its roots cannot be considered as a medicine that can help get rid of some diseases. The remedy is more of a preventive remedy and cannot be an alternative to medical treatment.

Possible contraindications

Homeopathy is the safest form of therapy for hypertension and other ailments. The basis of this healthy drink is medicinal herbs. Like most similar drugs, chicory may not be suitable for everyone.

There are several categories of diseases, in the presence of which the drink should be used with caution or completely abandoned.

Namely:

1. Chicory can be dangerous for a person with an individual intolerance to any ingredient that is in the composition.
2. If you have allergic reactions to flowers of the aster family, you should use the medicinal drink with extreme caution.
3. The root is strictly contraindicated for people with cholelithiasis. A medicinal drug can easily force stones to come out of the depths of the human body, and then there is a high probability of stones building up in the duct.
4. Gastritis, ulcers and problems with the rectum (hemorrhoids), varicose veins and atherosclerosis of the veins are also an obstacle to the use of chicory in food as a base for other drinks or as a pure option.
5. If you have problems with glucose absorption, it is better to consult a doctor before taking chicory.
6. If you have vascular diseases, you should monitor your condition and, if necessary, it is better to limit treatment with chicory.
7. Pathologies of the kidneys and liver are a serious limitation to taking the medicinal root.
8. In case of nervous system disorders, medicinal drinks should be consumed with caution.
9. Diseases of the respiratory tract and organs are a serious reason for abandoning this plant.
10. It is better not to give the drink to children under 2 years of age.

What is it and what does it look like

Chicory is a herb from the Asteraceae family, with tall stems with blue inflorescences slightly reminiscent of cornflowers. It is distributed on almost all continents, with the exception of Antarctica, and is widely used in cooking. There are several varieties of chicory. One of them is used for preparing salads, the other is added to sauces, seasonings and tonic drinks.

The raw materials are collected in the autumn, when the flowers and leaves have completely withered. The roots are dug up, damaged or rotten parts are removed, washed and dried in the sun for about a week.

For reference! The variety of chicory used in salads is known to foodies as endive. It comes in round heads, a bit like Chinese cabbage, with dense leaves and a piquant, bitter taste.

How to choose and store correctly

Like other medicinal plants, it is important to know how to properly prepare chicory. The leaves should be collected when the plant is flowering, and the roots should be dug up in the fall, when the rainy season begins.

Then the rhizome is washed, cut and processed at a temperature of 70 degrees. Then the root cools - if it is dried correctly, the root will crumble easily in your hand.

Chicory must be stored in a dry place for 2-5 years.

If you decide to buy a rhizome yourself, it must be uniform in color, dry and without pits. The inside of the root is usually white or slightly yellowish, and the outside is a standard brown color.

Natural chicory powder contains up to 30% inulin. If this indicator differs significantly from the stated information on the label, it can be assumed that part of the powder was “diluted” with other lower-quality raw materials, for example, roasted cereal grains. Unscrupulous manufacturers usually do not mark this ingredient in the product.

You can independently check the quality of store-bought powder as follows:

• Pour warm water into a glass and dilute a spoonful of powder in it.
• A few drops of iodine are added to the mixture.
• As a result, a low-quality product will turn dark blue, which is due to the content of starch particles in it. In a good drink, iodine will dissolve immediately without changing the color of the liquid.

Proper use of chicory for hypertension will ensure a quick recovery for the patient, and will not harm the body, as many medicinal drugs do. It is necessary to take the medicine strictly according to the instructions in order to avoid unpleasant consequences.

How to store

In addition to preparing chicory, you need to know how to store it properly. This is the only way the plant will benefit. Dry roots or soluble powder must be placed in a container with an airtight glass lid and placed in a dry place with a low temperature. Can be used for 6 months.

If stored incorrectly, the usefulness of chicory is lost. You should only take the powder with a dry spoon, because even a minimum of moisture will cause the powder to harden and deteriorate its quality.

How not to cause harm

Like any medicinal plant, chicory has its advantages, but also contraindications. The most important thing is to follow the dosage. Any abuse will not only be of no benefit, but can also lead to new diseases.

Chicory is contraindicated in the following cases:

• due to its vasodilating effect on varicose veins;
• for peptic ulcers and gastritis, the primary source of which is increased stomach acidity;
• for diseases of the liver, kidneys and bile ducts;
• people suffering from joint diseases;
• arthritis and gout;
• excessive use of the decoction can lead to the formation of kidney stones;
• individual intolerance.

There are a huge number of recipes that are used both in folk medicine and simple cooking:

• decoction _ 2 teaspoons of chopped chicory are poured into two glasses of boiling water. The whole mixture is boiled for about 10 minutes. Then the broth needs to be filtered. Take half a glass three times a day;
• medicinal bath . For hypertension, a bath based on chicory decoction is useful. 200 grams are poured into a container on the stove. chicory. Everything is poured with two liters of water and cooked for about 15 minutes. The broth is filtered and added to the bath. The duration of administration is half an hour before bedtime. The procedure must be taken every other day, for 10 days. The temperature of the bath used should not exceed +37°C.

Like any medicinal plant, it must be prepared correctly.
All chicory is a medicinal raw material. The leaves are collected during flowering, and the roots are dug in the fall, during the rainy season.

They are washed, cut and heat treated at a temperature of 65-70 degrees. After this, they are pulled out and allowed to cool.

Properly processed roots crumble easily and give the drink or decoction a dark color. This occurs due to the caramelization reaction of sugars within the plant. Everything is stored in a dry place for several years.

How to properly prepare and take?

Instant chicory can completely replace coffee.

To prepare a classic drink you will need 1 tbsp. l. herbs of the plant, which is poured with 100 ml of boiling water and infused for 30 to 60 minutes. You should take 100 ml 2-3 times a day.

To increase the taste and beneficial properties, you can add lemon zest, mint or lemon balm leaves. Such ingredients will enhance the hypotensive effect and have a beneficial effect on lipid and glycemic levels.

The maximum daily dose is 4 tbsp. l. dry ground chicory. The drink can be taken both in the morning and in the evening. In the first half of the day, the decoction helps to increase muscle tone and overall performance, in the second half it helps to calm you down and promote sleep.

Instant chicory should not be drunk on an empty stomach. The drink goes well with vegetables and meat.

How chicory works, causing pressure changes

We tell you how chicory affects blood pressure. It does not significantly lower or increase blood pressure, but only normalizes it. This effect occurs due to the complex healing effects of the drink on the body:

• Intestinal microflora and its balance are an indicator of overall health. To maintain the digestive system in good condition, the body requires inulin, which is found in large quantities in the root of the plant in question. There is a direct correlation: a healthy intestine means an excellent immune system.
• To maintain a normal balance of microflora, good metabolism is necessary. Constipation can cause stool poisoning in the body. The laxative effect of chicory allows you to set up the intestines for regular cleansing.
• Protection against cancer and benign tumors is provided by phenolic resins, which actively remove free radicals from the body. Phenols are also necessary for normalizing heart function; they reduce arrhythmia.
• The complex of substances contained in the drink reduces the content of lipoproteins in the body, which improves the condition of the cardiovascular system.
• Chicory has an analgesic effect on muscles and joints. It relieves inflammation and is recommended for arthritis and muscle tissue damage.
• The initial stage of cholelithiasis with regular use of chicory may go unnoticed, since this herbal remedy dissolves small stones and does not allow bile to stagnate.
• The drink has a diuretic property and prevents the formation of edema. Excess water is eliminated from the body naturally.
• People who drink chicory drink are less likely to suffer from gum inflammation. Tannins contained in the root of this plant have an antiseptic effect on the oral cavity. Sore throat and other inflammations of the larynx and digestive tract also recede.

Attention! For people suffering from type 2 diabetes, chicory will be the best substitute for morning coffee. This drink doesn't even require sweeteners.

The natural ingredient of natural raw materials, inulin, has a sweetish taste, which makes the drink pleasant to the taste.

Eating chicory instead of natural instant or brewed coffee is the first point of a therapeutic diet that promotes weight loss. Inulin in combination with oligofructose reduces the feeling of hunger.

In addition to ingestion, traditional healers recommend using brewed chicory as a healing component for baths, rubdowns, and compresses. As an analgesic and wound-healing agent, chicory is used in medicine as part of tinctures and rubbing liquids.

Chicory lowers or increases blood pressure

Many hypertensive patients, knowing about the beneficial properties of the plant, are still afraid to drink it. They are afraid that chicory increases blood pressure. And for them it can be dangerous. However, these fears are wrong.

Chicory is effectively used as a preventive and therapeutic agent for high blood pressure.

It is especially effective in the early stages of the disease.

The high potassium content has a beneficial effect on the walls of blood vessels, relieving their spasms, and B vitamins have a sedative effect. The human body is rebuilt due to the fact that the plant effectively reduces blood pressure.

Chicory is an excellent substitute for a cup of strong coffee in the morning. It gently invigorates, energizes you for the whole day, improves blood circulation and relieves stress.

When taking chicory, you don’t have to worry about your blood pressure dropping to dangerously low levels. The gentle influence of the plant brings the hypertensive patient’s condition back to normal, maintaining it that way for a relatively long time.