Chicory Root Tea

Chicory root tea is free from caffeine and so, can be a good substitute for coffee. This article will provide you with some information about this herbal tea.

Chicory is a herb that has long been associated with mankind. It is said that ancient Egyptians had cultivated and used chicory plants for both culinary and medicinal purposes. Even the ancient Greeks and the Romans have used this herb as a vegetable. Even today, chicory is cultivated in many parts of the world. Some varieties like, radicchio, are used as vegetables, whereas others are cultivated exclusively for their roots, that are used for various purposes.

Nowadays, chicory root extract is also produced through filtration of dried and ground chicory root powder, dissolved in water. Some people use chicory root for brewing beer, while others use it as an additive in coffee to make chicory coffee. The roots are dried, roasted and ground, before adding to the coffee powder. Chicory root tea is also prepared from the dried chicory roots. Read on for some information about chicory root tea.

How to Make Chicory Root Tea

As mentioned above, chicory root tea is prepared from the dried roots of the plant. It is one of the popular herbal teas and is very easy to prepare. In order to make an infusion, all you have to do is add a cup of boiling water over a teaspoon of dried chicory roots and simmer it for around fifteen minutes. Some people soak the roots overnight and then use that water to prepare chicory root tea. Those who use chicory root tea regularly, adopt a different method for brewing it. They prepare an infusion with around forty grams of chicory roots in one liter of water. The resultant infusion is consumed within three days. Such regular consumption of chicory root tea is recommended for those with gallstones, spleen problems, etc.

Chicory Root Tea Benefits

Chicory is one of those herbs that has been used by humans for both culinary and medicinal purposes. While the leaves are used as vegetables, it is the roots of the chicory plant that has been attributed with therapeutic properties. Chicory contains considerable amounts of vitamin C and many other nutrients. Studies show that it is a very rich source of inulin, a polysaccharide that is one of the naturally occurring plant fibers. Inulin is used as an alternative for sugar and is used by diabetics. It is also said to be useful in lowering high blood sugar levels. Apart from that, inulin is very widely used as a dietary fiber and is said to aid digestion. Chicory root fiber or inulin is good for the intestinal flora, and at the same time, fights parasites and worms in the gut. Chicory root tea is also used for controlling the symptoms of PMS or premenstrual syndrome. Some people use it for normalizing rapid heart beat. It is also claimed to have cholesterol lowering properties and is also said to be helpful in losing weight. It is also used as a tonic to cleanse the inner organs and blood. In some regions, chicory root tea is used for treating sore throat, sinus infections, gastroenteritis, gallstones, cuts, bruises, etc.

In short, chicory root tea is used as a herbal tea for treating various conditions. Even though, people are using this herb for a very long time, very little research has been done about its efficacy in treating ailments. Even chicory root side effects may occur in some users. These side effects include drug interactions, eye problems, abortion, etc. So, seek the opinion of your doctor, before using chicory root tea for treating any medical condition.