Cooking for Healing: The Medicinal Magic of Chicory

[claireokc]

Herbs and spices were used by ancient cultures to heal the body, mind, and spirit. Roughly 80 percent of people worldwide still use traditional or ancient medicine, and more than 80 percent of pharmaceuticals are derived or developed from natural products, including plants. In this series, we’ll explore the healing power of herbs and spices while learning how to incorporate these ancient remedies into our daily diet.   Did you know that chicory was used by ancient cultures to treat malaria? Interestingly, scientists have recently confirmed that this herbaceous plant does, in fact, contain antimalarial compounds. Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a flowering plant from the dandelion family that usually has bright blue flowers. The medicinal use of chicory dates back to prehistoric times. Evidence suggests that it was grown by the ancient Egyptians as a medicinal plant to boost metabolism and promote digestion. Egyptians also consumed it as a vegetable and coffee substitute, and occasionally used it as animal forage. ...

Source: https://www.theepochtimes.com/cooking-f ... 99599.html