Petals Contests - Flowers - Chicory flower (Cichorum inthybus)
Chicory is a herbaceous herb growing spontaneously on roadsides and has been used since ancient times for its healing properties. It was still cultivated in ancient Egypt and used to treat hepato-biliary diseases. Cichorium intybus, is a perennial herbaceous plant of the dandelion family Asteraceae, usually with bright blue flowers, rarely white or pink.
For therapeutic purposes, roots ((Radix Cichorii) harvested late in the autumn, as well as aerial parts (Herba Cichorii) harvested during flowering, are used.
Chicory leaves and roots are used as a vegetable. Chicory is a sedative with potential cardioactive properties. Chicory's oligosaccharides are probiotic and are beneficial in maintaining healthy GI flora. Inulin type fractions of the plant may help certain conditions including constipation, diarrhea, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Chicory has also been noted as an appetite stimulant and for dyspepsia.
Source: an romanian book : "Sa ne cunoastem PLANTELE MEDICINALE" - Gr. Constantinescu / Elena Hatieganu Buruiana
My entry for Flowers Contest hosted by @Petals a community created by @sardrt and @adrianobalan for all flowers lovers and for @worldwildflora contest, sponsored by @rbm and his friends.
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Very beautiful photos and I love the one with the insect! Also thanks for the interesting info on chicory.
Chicory is a plant with many properties but also a beautiful flower. Thank you for stopping by and for your comment, @violetmed!
Thank you for your participation!
My pleasure!
What a pretty flower with so many practical uses @ileana56 lovely photography of these little wild gems.
Visiting from @qurator Daily #307