Kasani Herb (Cichorium Intybus): Benefits, Side Effects & Usage Guide

Kasani Herb, mostly famous for being a coffee substitute, is not limited to being just a caffeine substitute. It is a well-known Ayurvedic herb used since ancient times to provide various healing benefits.

It is mostly used for liver health, to heal headaches, during fever and other health-related concerns.

In India, it has been popularly used in day-to-day life as a treatment for everyday health issues and a famous culinary ingredient.

So, let’s begin and dive into the numerous health benefits the kasani herb offers, its side effects and its usage guide. 

What is Kasani Herb? 

Its scientific name is Cichorium Intybus. It is also recognised as chicory or Kasni. It is blue in colour and 2-3 feet in height.

Read the table below to understand Kasni Herb better.

Health Benefits of Kasani Herb: Here’s Why You Should Use It!  

Headache? Kasani’s cooling effect takes it away.  

Kasni Paste has been used since traditional times for its benefit of providing relief from headaches. It has anti-inflammatory and cooling properties, offering a cooling effect that provides relief from headaches. 

Not Getting Enough Sleep? Take kasani to calm and relax your mind.

Kasni Herbs calm the nervous system, which helps your body relax better and gives you a restful sleep. Its sedative property helps to provide a relaxing sleep to people who often struggle to sleep or have insomnia. 

Fever? Kasani brings the body temperature to normal.  

Kasni herb is also effective during fever as it helps in bringing down the body’s temperature to normal. Its detoxifying properties also help by reducing the underlying causes of fever, such as infections or inflammation. 

Constipation? Make your bowel movement healthy with Kasani. 

It helps to ease bowel movements. It has fibre content, named as inulin, that helps to soften stools and promotes regularity, making it effective in managing constipation. It’s Ushna Property also helps in the smoother passing of stool as it facilitates efficient utilisation of food. 

Unhealthy Liver? Kasani detoxifies and heals from Liver Disorders.

This herb detoxifies the liver, improves bile secretion and reduces liver enzyme levels, all of which support a healthy liver. It is also used for the treatment of various liver-related disorders and conditions like jaundice, hepatitis, and fatty liver. 

Bad Digestion? Kasani makes your Gut Healthy and improves digestion. 

This herb naturally fights against various digestive concerns such as acid reflux disease, indigestion, and heartburn. It improves the digestive juice secretion, which helps in efficient nutrient absorption by the body. 

Anaemia? Kasani takes away your iron deficiency.

Kasani Herb is a rich source of iron, which increases hemoglobin levels and supports the treatment of iron-deficiency in Anemia, especially when combined with other iron-rich herbs and food.s

Anxiety? Kasani calms and relaxes your brain.  

The effect of Kasani herb on the nervous system helps reduce stress and anxiety. Its regular use thus supports emotional stability and, indirectly, helps prevent related health issues like heart disease, hormonal imbalances, insomnia, premature aging, etc. 

Weight loss? Kasani controls cravings and improves metabolism.  

Kasani Herb helps with weight loss by controlling unhealthy cravings, promoting a feeling of fullness. It also improves metabolism, which plays an important role in better fat utilisation by the body.

Heart problems? Kasani lowers cholesterol, prevents cardiac issues.

It reduces bad cholesterol levels and prevents unhealthy cholesterol buildup, which may increase the risk of heart problems. It also protects the heart from any damage caused by oxidative stress and improves blood circulation. 

Skin disorders? Detoxify, clear skin impurities with Kasani.  

Kasni herb, when applied as a paste, helps to heal wounds and reduce skin inflammation. The antioxidants and nutrients in it support this healing process by clearing impurities that contribute to skin problems.

Kasani Side Effects: Who should not use it? 

• People who have allergies to Asteraceae/Compositae plants- People who are allergic to other Asteraceae plants should avoid their use, as they are likely to be allergic to kasni, belonging to the same plant category as well.

• Pregnant women should avoid its use- Women who are undergoing pregnancy should avoid it as it has risks due to its uterine-stimulating effect. 

• People with gallstones should avoid it- Kasani is known to stimulate the production and flow of bile, which forces stones to move, potentially leading to blockage, increased pain, or other complications. 

• People on some sedating medications- Since kasani itself has sedative properties, when combined with other sedating medications, its effects can be aggravated, leading to potential side effects.

• Avoid using it in excessive quantity or an improper way- Though kasani has various health benefits, you should avoid using it excessively and use it under guidance. 

• People using antidiabetic drugs - Kasani do offer some benefit in diabetes, but when taken together with diabetes medications, they might cause blood sugar to drop too low. Thus, people using diabetic medications should be cautious about their use. 

How to Use Kasani Herb: Usage Guide  

Kasani Juice

How to prepare? - Extract fresh kasani juice from its leaves. Consume with diluted water.

How to take? - 2–3 teaspoons of juice can be taken on an empty stomach. 

Kasani Capsules

Where to get?-  Kasani capsules are available in the market in extract and powder form.

How to take?- To be taken as per label or medical suggestion.

Kasani Paste

How to prepare?- Take 1 teaspoon of Kasni powder or fresh leaves. Now, add it small amount of water or coconut oil to make a thick paste. 

How to Apply?- Apply to wounded areas or on the forehead, in case of a headache, leave for about 20-30 minutes, let it dry and then wash it off.

Kasani Coffee

How to prepare?- Boil water, and add to it 2 teaspoons of kasani powder. Now, brew it for 10-15 minutes. Pour and drink! 

How to take?- Can be consumed once or twice daily in moderate amounts, after meals. 

Kasani Powder

How to prepare?- Take the seeds or roots of the Kasani plant, now dry and ground into a fine powder.

How to take? Consume 1-½ teaspoons of powder with water or milk, preferably after meals.

Conclusion 

Kasni Herb is a very popular herb used as a coffee substitute in India. Little do people know about its healing and detoxifying benefits for liver, heart and skin health. It is also useful in treating various day-to-day health issues like headaches, fever, and digestion.

But like any other herb, the Kasni herb should also be taken with caution, especially by people on medications or with a medical condition. To explore more such ayurvedic herbs with amazing health benefits, consider visiting our blog.