It is an important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of
various ailments. The botanical name for Kasani is Cichorium intybus which
belongs to the Asteraceae family. It is extensively used to produce a coffee
substitute.
English- Chicory
Hindi- Kasani, Chichori
Arabic- Hinduba
Tamil- Kasinikkerai
Italian- Cicoria
Japanese- Kiku nigana
Gujarathi- Kasani
Punjabi- Hand, Gul
Telugu- Kasini vittulu
It is
originated from Europe and in India, North-west India, Punjab, Andhra Pradesh,
Karnataka, and Maharastra and is produced by many countries like the United Kingdom,
Belgium, Europe, France, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, and South Africa.
It is also cultivated in Bihar, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Himachal Pradesh, Orissa,
and Kerala.
It is a
perennial plant that grows 1-3m in height and 75 cm in length. It is usually
found in high temperatures during the vegetative and reproductive growth stage.
Roots are fleshy and tapering. The stem 1-3 long branches are rigid, leaf
nerves, beneath. The dried fruit and seed are yellowish-brown and the length is
1-3 mm and breath 1-2 mm. The seeds are sown in March- April in hills and
October to November in plains.
Part used: Leaf, Root, and Seed
Taste: Bitter
Potency: Hot
On chemical compound analysis of the kasani, it includes
It contain 60% inulin, sesquiterpene lactones and coumarins. Raw roots
contain citric acid and tartaric acid. The roasted seeds of this herb contain
acetic, lactic, pyromucic, palmitic, and tartaric acid.
ACTIONS:
The dose of the drug used
according to physicians
Seed powder:
3-6g
Leaf juice:
10-20 ml
Root powder:
3-5g
Liver diseases:
Traditional view: It controls liver disorders like
liver enlargement, fatty liver, and jaundice. It is used as a liver tonic and
works by balancing the Pitta. The use of Kasna improves the digestive fire by
increasing the metabolism and treat liver disorders
Take the
required amount of kasani juice as per the dose and duration prescribed by the
doctor and add the same quantity of water and consume it on an empty stomach to
reduce the symptoms of liver disorders
Modern view: Esculetin and cichotyboside which
is present in the kasani have a hepatoprotective effect this helps to reduce
liver cell damage and also regulates the elevated liver enzymes.
Constipation:
Traditional view: The use of chicory helps to
regulate constipation by improving the digestive fire which makes the food to
digest easily and helps to expel the stool easily
Take the
required amount of kasani juice as per the dose and duration prescribed by the
doctor and add the same quantity of water and consume it on an empty stomach to
manage constipation
Modern view: Inulin
present in the kasani increase the bacterial count in the stool and helps to
improve digestion and allow the stool to pass easily
Appetite stimulant:
Traditional view: According to the Ayurveda, loss of
appetite occurs due to the Agnimandya (weak digestion) which is caused by an imbalance
of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. The use of kasani increases gastric secretion
and stimulates digestion which results in increased appetite.
Take the
required amount of kasani juice as per the dose and duration prescribed by the
doctor and add the same quantity of water and consume it on an empty stomach to
manage the loss of appetite
Modern view: The use of kasani is considered
effective in the management of loss of appetite
Gallbladder stones:
Traditional view: Due to its Pitta balancing property
it helps to reduce the gallbladder stone by reducing the excessive secretion of
Pitta and it also helps to maintain the liver function and reduce the bile
secretion
Take the
required amount of kasani juice as per the dose and duration prescribed by the
doctor and add the same quantity of water and consume it on an empty stomach to
reduce gallbladder stones
Modern view: Leaf juice obtained
from kasani helps to release the gallbladder stone from the body
Osteoarthritis:
It helps
to prevent joint damage by reducing the pain and inflammation of joints by its
anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Skin disorders:
Due to its
antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, it prevents
infection and inhibits the release of inflammatory mediators
Wound healing:
The use of
kasani helps to heal the wound quickly by reducing the swelling and bringing
back the texture of the skin
Take the
required amount of kasani powder as per the dose and duration prescribed by the
doctor and mix it with coconut oil and make a paste and apply this paste to the
affected area for wound healing
Headache:
The leaves
of kasani help to reduce the headache which starts in your temples and moves to
the Central part of the head by balancing the Pitta.
Take the
required amount of kasani leaves as per the dose and duration prescribed by the
doctor and make it as a paste with water and apply this paste on your forehead
and leave it for 1-2 hours. Use this to treat headache
The
Kasani comes in various formulations includes
Internal
use:
Kasani juice:
Take the
required amount of kasani juice as per the dose and duration prescribed by the
doctor and add the same quantity of water and consume it on an empty stomach
after your meals
Kasani churna:
Take the
required amount of kasani churna as per the dose and duration prescribed by the
doctor and add honey or water after the meals
Kasani capsule:
Take the
required amount of kasani capsule as per the dose and duration prescribed by
the doctor and add the same quantity of water and consume it after the meals
Kasani Ark:
Take the
required amount of kasani ark as per the dose and duration prescribed by the
doctor and add the same quantity of water and consume it after the meals
Kasani powder:
Take the
required amount of kasani powder as per the dose and duration prescribed by the
doctor and make the paste with honey or water and apply this paste to the
affected area
Is Kasani powder
available in the market?
Yes, it is available in
the market and it can be brought from online websites or ayurvedic medical
stores.
How to store Kasani
powder?
It should be stored
in an airtight container and keep the medicines away from the heat and light
and Do
not keep the medicines reaching out to children
How to make kasani coffee?
Take the required amount of kasani root and cut the roots into small
pieces and bake the pieces in the tray and bake it at 350 degrees until the
color changes to a golden brown and allow it to cool and grind the baked pieces
and mix it with coffee. Prepare the coffee by boiling the water and add kasani
powder and allow to brew it for 10-15 mins and the coffee is ready to drink.
