Page:Indian Medicinal Plants (Text Part 1).djvu/799

Rh Involucre-bracts herbaceous, glandular, hispid, much shorter than the Corolla ligules bright blue, rarely white or pink, truncate, 5- toothed. Achenes angled, pale, molted ; pappus pale, obtuse, very short.

Parts used : — The root, seed and flower.

Uses:— Has tonic, demulcent and cooling properties. The seeds are considered carminative and cordial. A decoction of the seeds is used in obstructed menstruation (S. Arjun).

The root is bitter, and used medicinally in the Punjab. An infusion of the chicory mixed with syrup causes a thickening of the liquid (Balfour).

Flower, made into Sherbet, is given in liver disorders.

A strong infusion of powdered seeds proves highly useful in checking bilious vomiting (Surg. Levinge, in Watt's Dictionary).

Its roots are used as a substitute for coffee. Drs. Letheby and Hassall say : —

" No one who is acquainted with the respective properties of chicory and coffee can for a moment entertain the opinion that the former can be effectively substitute'd for the latter. * * * * Now, it is a well ascertained fact, that of all parts of vegetables the fruits and seeds usually possess the most active properties. This is no doubt due to the circumstance of their being freely exposed to the influence of light and air, agencies which promote chemical changes in plants, and so effect the elaboration of those complex organic substances on which the activity of vegetables depends. On the other hand, it must be manifest that, as the roots are removed from the influence of these powerful agencies, they cannot be so richly endowed with active properties ; and, indeed, there are but few roots which contain either alkaloids or volatile oils— the two clsses of constituents which give to coffee its peculiar virtues."

Chicory is prepared from the older roots which are first cleansed by washing, then cut into slices and dried in a kiln, afterwards they are roasted and powdered.

The medicinal properties of chicory closely resemble those of Taraxacum, regarding which Dr. Pereira writes : —

" Its obvious effects are those of a stomachic and tonic. In large doses, it acts as a mild aperient. Its diuretic action is less obvious and constant. In various chronic diseases its continued use is attended with alterative and resolvent effects ; but where the digestive organs are weak and readily disordered, taraxacum is very apt to occasion dyspepsia, flatulence, pain, and diarrhœa."