Wild chicory (also called dandelion or lion’s tooth) is appreciated for its versatility as it is compatible with many recipes. The plant can be foraged and harvested in the wild or grown in a garden. Wild chicory is a perennial flowering plant with a dense, long root and a very short stem with smooth leaves with serrated edges (hence the name lion’s tooth). The flowers are golden yellow and the entire plant is edible. The leaves can be used raw in salads or included in recipes, just like spinach.
Wild chicory is valued as a medicinal plant and the roots can be dried and used as a coffee substitute. The plant grows in meadows and pastures and the leaves are harvested when the plant is flowering.
Properties and benefits of wild chicory
- It is full of vitamins and minerals. Rich in nutrients, wild chicory has been used for millennia as a medicinal herb. Rich in vitamins A, K, and E; it also contains vitamin C and folates. Its mineral content includes potassium, calcium, and iron. Other healing substances found in wild chicory include carotenoids such as lutein and zeaxanthin.
- It is easy to grow. Wild chicory is a substantial addition to a backyard garden for those who wish to use the leaves in recipes. It grows from sprout to seed in a few days, but can live for years thanks to its deep root system. New plants can be grown by dividing the root system, and strong leaves will emerge through gravel and concrete.
- It fights diabetes. Wild chicory added to the diet will reduce the risk of developing diabetes. The squeezed leaves act as a catalyst in the production of insulin, helping to maintain low blood sugar levels. The juice is also a diuretic that helps remove sugar from the blood by increasing urination.
- Promotes healthy bones, fights cancer, and more. For a strong skeletal system, wild chicory reduces the risk of age-related diseases due to its high calcium content and presence of vitamin C. It also reduces tumor development by detoxifying and protects the body from toxins such as luteolin, which is an essential component of cancer cells. Its rich iron content helps reduce developing anemia and regulates blood pressure.
- Keeps the liver healthy. Wild chicory reduces the risk of liver diseases due to its high antioxidant content. It helps maintain balance in bile flow (reducing the risk of liver diseases such as jaundice) and stimulates the liver to aid digestion (reducing the risk of constipation). It also helps maintain a healthy gallbladder.
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