Latin name: Cichorium intybus (Linn.) (Asteraceae)
Common names: Kasani, Hinduba, Kasni, Chicory, कासनी, चिकोरी,
Ayurvadic Properties:
·
Rasa: Tikta
·
Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
·
Virya: Sheeta, (hence useful in
disorders induced by kafa and pitta)
General information:
Historically, chicory was grown by the
ancient Egyptians as a medicinal plant and it has had a long history of
therapeutic use both in areas where it is indigenous and in areas where it has
been introduced. The ancient Egyptians ate large
amounts of chicory because it was believed that the plant could purify the
blood and liver, while others have relied on the herb for its power to cure
“passions of the heart.” The
juice is said to be a folk remedy for cancer of the uterus and for tumors. In
South Africa, although it is considered a widespread weed, leaves, stems, and
roots are made into a tea for jaundice and chicory syrup is used as a tonic and
purifying medicine for infants. In Turkey, an ointment is made from the leaves
for wound healing. According to the European monograph, traditional use of
chicory roots includes the relief of symptoms related to mild digestive
disorders (such as feeling of abdominal fullness, flatulence, and slow
digestion) and temporary loss of appetite. Prior to the wars in Afghanistan,
folkloric reports described the use of aqueous root extracts as a
light-sensitive plant remedy for malaria. The flowers of the chicory plant are
used as a herbal treatment of everyday ailments such as a tonic and appetite
stimulant and as a treatment of gallstones, gastroenteritis, sinus problems,
cuts, and bruises. In Italy, the whorls are made into a decoction and used as a
depurative. Chicory seeds are one of the main ingredients of Jigrine and Liv52, a commercial product of India used for
the treatment of various diseases of the liver. Other plant parts are also used
for liver disorders, namely, aerial parts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and roots
in Serbia and India. Chicory continues to be
a popular herbal remedy due to its healing effects on several ailments. Chicory
is a Mediterranean herb that has been used as a coffee filler or substitute. It
contains no caffeine and has a chocolate-like flavor. Added to coffee, Chicory
root counteracts the effects of caffeine and helps digestion.
Health Benefits of Kasani/Chicory:
·
Best Recommended Uses: Kasani is
recommended as a therapeutic as well as preventive supplement for liver
diseases. It nourishes the liver in all aspects.
·
Most Effective: Indigestion, Jaundice, Liver Diseases
·
Highly Effective: Anaemia, Angina, Asthma, Cold, Eye Diseases, Gout, Hay
Fever, Heavy Menstrual Bleeding, Hepatomegaly, High Blood Pressure, High
Cholesterol, Spleen Enlargement, Tachycardia.
The sedative effect of Chicory is attributed to
lactucopicrin. The sedative effect counteracts the stimulant effects of tea and
coffee. It also contains vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant, and other nutrients
like minerals, potassium, iron, calcium and phosphorus. The herb also contains
insulin. The seeds were extracted successively with chloroform, methanol and
water. All the extracts were subjected to preliminary phytochemical &
hepatoprotective screenings in rats against CCl4 and paracetamol toxicity.
Kasani, Chicorum
intybus; is the herb
for natural cure of choice for liver problems. Cichorium intybus
Powder is one of the best Ayurveda herb to nourish the liver. It works as a
hepato-protective, liver stimulant and cholagouge. As liver is the main place
for Pitta and it regulates the Pitta so Kasani works on all the disorders
linked up with the different diseases, where liver is involved. Pitta diseases
like menstrual disorders, burning sensations, cardiac diseases etc. are well
cured naturally by the use of the Kasani.
Best natural remedy for liver diseases.
Cichorium intybus Powder also nourishes the cardiac muscles
and improve micro blood circulation; a good dietary supplement for heart
diseases. As Cichorium intybus Powder works on the micro circulation; it is
quite useful in urinary problems; recommended Ayurveda supplement for painful
urination. Chicory contains volatile oils which is
effective at eliminating intestinal worms. Chicory is well known for its
toxicity to internal parasites Chicory
(especially the flower), used as a folk medicine in Germany, is recorded in
many books as an ancient German treatment for everyday ailments. It is
variously used as atonic and as a treatment for gallstones, gastro-enteritis, sinus problems
and cuts and bruises. Chicory contains inulin, which may help humans
with weight loss, constipation, improving bowel function, and general health. In
rats, it may increase calcium absorption
and bone mineral density. Chicory has demonstrated antihepatotoxic potential
in animal studies.
In Muslim traditional knowledge Kasni is
known as “The Plant of Life.”
Kasni is known as Hindba in Arabic and
popularly called Bazrullah.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Abbas narrates that
Rasool Allah says:
“There is Kasni for you, because no part of
day passes without showering the drops of Paradise water on it.” (Abu Naim)
The same verse is stated by Mohammed Ahmed
Zahbi with reference to Abu Naim as follows “Eat Kasni without shaking it,
because no part of the day is passed without showering the paradise water on
it.”
Mohammed Bin Abu Bakr Al-Qayyim quoted three
Hadiths in relation to Hindba.
·
East Kasni and do not shake its leaves
because no day is passed without showering on it the water of paradise.
·
One who ate Kasni and slept, the poison and
evil spirit would not affect him.
·
None of the leaves of Kasni is there--which
has not been showered by the paradise water drops.
The
extract of Kasni leaves, if applied on scorpion bite, relieves pain and
inflammation. It is useful in cataract if dropped in eyes. The aqueous extract
of Kasni roots is a good remedy for eye troubles.
Kasni
normalises the temperature, as it cools the hotness as well as removes the
coldness by producing heat in the body. It relieves the GIT inflammations. It
is very much useful for all digestive problems if taken in vinegar. Crushed
leaves of Kasni, if applied on inflamed parts of the body, relieves the pain
and inflammation. It removes the obstructions of liver and gall bladder. It is
highly useful in jaundice and the effects are more fortified if given with
dates and Razyanaj. If olive oil is mixed in the extract of the leaves of Kasni
it is very much useful in all cases of poisoning.
The
leaves of Kasni remove constipation and if chewed, it relieves mouth bleeding.
It is useful in all types of coughs, indigestion and liver disorders. It
relieves diarrhoea and dysentery, it becomes more effective if taken with saunf
and tukhm-e-kasoos.
It
relieves visceral inflammation, hence is very much effective in liver and
kidney inflammations. Moreover, it cleans nasal passages and expels stones and
removes the obstructions. The headache produced due to hot climate is quite
relieved by the application of its leaves with vinegar and sandal on forehead.
The same combination is effective in Urticaria and prickly heat.
The gargling with Kasni leaves decoction with
salt is useful in sore throat and mouth ulcers. The decoction of Kasni seeds,
sandal and sounf with sharbate banafsha is highly effective against insomnia.
The seeds are reported to be carminative and cordial, and
used as a brain tonic. Due to the presence of compounds that are
central nervous system stimulants, Chicory is used to treat nervous disorders
such as anxiety. They are useful in headache,
asthma and for checking bilious vomiting.
Therapeutic benefits:
The herb
is helpful in treating an enlarged liver and protects against alcohol-induced hepatic
damage.
The herb
is known to lower blood sugar levels.
Cichorium intybus is well known for its toxicity to internal
parasites. Studies indicate that ingestion of Cichorium intybus by farm animals
results in reduction of worm burdens.
·
Antiallergic
effects: Kasni - Cichorium intybus
inhibits mast cell-mediated immediate-type allergic reactions in vivo and in
vitro.
·
Antihyperlipidemic
effects: Inulin decreases serum
triglycerides by decreasing fatty acid synthesis and reducing production of low
density lipoproteins (VLDL).
·
Anti-inflammatory
effects: Cichorium intybus has been
found to inhibit prostaglandin E and cyclooxygenase 2.
·
Antineoplastic
effects: Cichorium intybus derived
beta (2-1) fructans have been shown to exert cancer protective effects in
animal models.
·
Hypoglycemic
effect: One animal study concluded
dietary inulin-type fructans extracted from Cichorium intybus root may modulate
the production of peptides, such as incretins, by endocrine cells present in
the intestinal mucosa. This effect may play a role in the management of obesity
and diabetes through their capacity to promote secretion of endogenous
gastrointestinal peptides involved in appetite regulation.
·
Immunostimulatory
activity: Oligofructose and inulin,
selective fermentable chicory fructans, have been shown to stimulate the growth
of bifidobacteria, which are regarded as beneficial strains in the colon.
1.
Kasani leaves’ grounded paste is applied on swelling induced by pitta
Dosha.
2.
Kasani is best remedy for alleviate the stress level and anxiety
Because of its calming action on the brain, sherbet made of seeds is used in
insomnia.
3.
Kasani being an appetizer, liver stimulant and cholagogue. It used in
diseases which are caused due to impaired agni, liver disorders and obstructive
jaundice.
4.
Kasani root and seed are used in blood disorders and dysuria.
5.
Kasani root is mainly used in dysmenorrhoea and other menstrual
disorders.
6.
Kasani is also useful in fever, pitta, disorders and burning
sensation.
7.
Kasani helpful in general debility.
8.
Kasani is beneficial in all heart related problems.
9.
Kasani reduce the high cholesterol level by decreasing fatty acid synthesis.
10.
Kasani is helpful for diabetes and obese patients due to its
hypoglycemic property.
11.
Kasani is beneficial in the treatment of jaundice, liver
enlargement, gout and rheumatism
12.
The root and the leaves are appetizer,
cholagogue, depurative, digestive, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, laxative and tonic.
13.
Chicory is used for loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation, liver and gallbladder disorders, cancer, and rapid heartbeat.
14.
It is also used as a “tonic,” to increase
urine production, to protect the liver,
and to balance the stimulant effect of coffee.
15.
A paste of chicory leaves can directly
applied to the skin for swelling and inflammation.
16.
Chicory is a rich source of beta-carotene.
Other Industrial uses of Chicory/Kasani:
The roots have the potential to be used for
the production of biomass for industrial use. They are rich in the starch
'inulin' which can easily be converted to alcohol. A blue dye has been obtained
from its leaves. The flowers are an alternative ingredient of 'QR' herbal
compost activator. This is a dried and powdered mixture of several herbs that
can be added to a compost heap in order to speed up bacterial activity and thus
shorten the time needed to make the compost.
Chicory greens
(raw) or Kasani
|
|||
Carbohydrate
Factor: 3.57 Fat Factor: 8.37 Protein Factor: 2.44 Nitrogen to Protein
Conversion Factor: 6.25
|
|||
Refuse: 18%
Refuse Description: Tough stems and damaged leaves
|
|||
Nutrient (Proximates)
|
Unit
|
1Value per 100 g
|
|
Water
|
g
|
92
|
|
Energy
|
kcal
|
23
|
|
Protein
|
g
|
1.7
|
|
Total lipid
(fat)
|
g
|
0.3
|
|
Ash
|
g
|
1.3
|
|
Carbohydrate, by
difference
|
g
|
4.7
|
|
Fiber, total
dietary
|
g
|
4
|
|
Sugars, total
|
g
|
0.7
|
|
Minerals
|
|||
Calcium, Ca
|
mg
|
100
|
|
Iron, Fe
|
mg
|
0.9
|
|
Magnesium, Mg
|
mg
|
30
|
|
Phosphorus, P
|
mg
|
47
|
|
Potassium, K
|
mg
|
420
|
|
Sodium, Na
|
mg
|
45
|
|
Zinc, Zn
|
mg
|
0.42
|
|
Copper, Cu
|
mg
|
0.295
|
|
Manganese, Mn
|
mg
|
0.429
|
|
Selenium, Se
|
µg
|
0.3
|
|
Vitamins
|
|||
Vitamin C, total ascorbic acid
|
mg
|
24
|
|
Thiamin
|
mg
|
0.06
|
|
Riboflavin
|
mg
|
0.1
|
|
Niacin
|
mg
|
0.5
|
|
Pantothenic acid
|
mg
|
1.159
|
|
Vitamin B-6
|
mg
|
0.105
|
|
Folate, total
|
µg
|
110
|
|
Folic acid
|
µg
|
0
|
|
Folate, food
|
µg
|
110
|
|
Folate, DFE
|
µg
|
110
|
|
Choline, total
|
mg
|
12.8
|
|
Vitamin B-12
|
µg
|
0
|
|
Vitamin B-12, added
|
µg
|
0
|
|
Vitamin A, RAE
|
µg
|
286
|
|
Retinol
|
µg
|
0
|
|
Carotene, beta
|
µg
|
3430
|
|
Carotene, alpha
|
µg
|
0
|
|
Cryptoxanthin, beta
|
µg
|
0
|
|
Vitamin A, IU
|
IU
|
5717
|
|
Lycopene
|
µg
|
0
|
|
Lutein + zeaxanthin
|
µg
|
10300
|
|
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol)
|
mg
|
2.26
|
|
Vitamin E, added
|
mg
|
0
|
|
Vitamin D (D2 + D3)
|
µg
|
0
|
|
Vitamin D
|
IU
|
0
|
|
Vitamin K (phylloquinone)
|
µg
|
297.6
|
|
Lipids
|
|||
Fatty acids, total saturated
|
g
|
0.073
|
|
Fatty acids, total monounsaturated
|
g
|
0.006
|
|
Fatty acids, total polyunsaturated
|
g
|
0.131
|
|
Cholesterol
|
mg
|
0
|
|
Amino Acids
|
|||
Tryptophan
|
g
|
0.031
|
|
Threonine
|
g
|
0.047
|
|
Isoleucine
|
g
|
0.101
|
|
Leucine
|
g
|
0.074
|
|
Lysine
|
g
|
0.067
|
|
Methionine
|
g
|
0.01
|
|
Phenylalanine
|
g
|
0.041
|
|
Valine
|
g
|
0.077
|
|
Arginine
|
g
|
0.124
|
|
Histidine
|
g
|
0.029
|
|
Alcohol, ethyl
|
g
|
0
|
|
Caffeine
|
mg
|
0
|
|
Theobromine
|
mg
|
0
|
|
Flavonoids
|
|||
Flavones
|
mg
|
2.9
|
|
Apigenin
|
mg
|
0.8
|
|
Luteolin
|
mg
|
2.1
|
|
Flavonols
|
mg
|
8.9
|
|
Kaempferol
|
mg
|
2.4
|
|
Myricetin
|
mg
|
0
|
|
Quercetin
|
mg
|
6.5
|
|
Isoflavones
|
mg
|
0
|
|
Daidzein
|
mg
|
0
|
|
Genistein
|
mg
|
0
|
|
Total isoflavones
|
mg
|
0
|
|
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Plants
for a Future cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the
use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant
medicinally.
·
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking chicory by mouth in large amounts is POSSIBLY UNSAFE during pregnancy. Chicory might start menstruation and cause a miscarriage. During breast-feeding, stay on the safe side
and avoid use.
·
Chicory allergy: If you are allergic to chicory, don’t
take it by mouth or handle it.
·
Gallstones: Chicory can stimulate the production
of bile. This could be a problem for people with gallstones. Don’t use chicory
without medical supervision if you have gallstones.