Chicory
Chichorium intybus
Chicory is best known as a coffee substitute or additive, which is made from the roasted root of this plant. The plant is related to the Dandelion, yet has a blue flower and is called "Blue Sailors" in some places it grows. It was brought to North America in the 1800’s and has become naturalized in much of the eastern, Midwest and western states excluding most of the southern part of the US. The leaves can be eaten in the spring as a bitter green much like dandelion, and it has been cultivated as a fresh green fodder for livestock. The leaves are rich in vitamin c.
What is Chicory Used For?
The bitter principles and starches are of interest here for its employment in herbal pharmacy. The cultivated varieties contain very large amounts of carbohydrates, inulin, fructose, and fiber and these can be extracted to form a solid substance for tableting, as well as a "prebiotic", providing a food source for friendly bacteria to use during implantation. The root is used and has properties similar to those of dandelion. The leaves and roots are tonic, help regulate the release of fluids and water-soluble waste, have mild laxative properties and support and regulate kidney and liver function.*
Traditional Health Benefits of Chicory
Additional Information on this Herb
Ascorbic acid (leaf), Beta Carotene (leaf), Calcium (leaf and root), Carbohydrates, Choline, Cichoric Acid, Fiber, Fructose, Glucose, Harman, Histidine, Inositol, Inulin, Iron, Lactucin, Leucine, Linoleic Acid, Lysine, Magnesium, Mannose, Nicain, Oleic Acid, Palmitic Acid, Pectin, Potassium, Quercetin, Riboflavin, Thiamine.
Root
Menne E, Guggenbuhl N, Roberfroid M. Fn-type chicory inulin hydrolysate has a prebiotic effect in humans. J Nutr. 2000 May;130(5):1197-9. Roberfroid MB. Chicory fructooligosaccharides and the gastrointestinal tract. Nutrition. 2000 Jul-Aug;16(7-8):677-9.
Not for use during pregnancy. If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical drugs please consult your doctor prior to use.
- This information in our Herbal Reference Guide is intended only as a general reference for further exploration, and is not a replacement for professional health advice. This content does not provide dosage information, format recommendations, toxicity levels, or possible interactions with prescription drugs. Accordingly, this information should be used only under the direct supervision of a qualified health practitioner such as a naturopathic physician.
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