ETYMOLOGY
Chicory (Cichorium intybus): Cichorium is the singular of cichoria, from Latin, which is in turn derived from the greek word for the plant, kikhórion.

BOTANICAL INFORMATION

Family: Asterecea

Description:Chicory is an annual or perennial herb, with stems that are two to three feet in height, are hairy, and branched. The leaves, which form a radical rosette, are highly variable and have been cultivated into endive and radicchio, just to name a couple. The flower heads are sessile and usually appear in groups of 3-4, accompanied by a stalk. The housing is made up of two sets of scales. The flowers have 5 teeth at the end of each petal, are a couple centimetres in length, and are blue. The achenes of the plant are small, very cramped, with a grouping of tiny scales, hardly visible to the naked eye.

Habitat: Originally native to the temperate zones of Europe, Asia and North Africa, but is now also widespread throughout southern Africa and America. In Italy, it is commonly seen in meadows and along the roadside.

Cultivation: In order to harvest good quality roots, it is necessary to work the soil deeply and the plant prefers an alkaline environment.

Method of Harvest: The roots are harvested before stems grow, and are then dried whole by air or cut into slices.

Parts Utilized: Roots.

ACTIVE CONSTITUENTS: Inulin

MODE OF ACTION

Actions: Chicory exhibits weakly cholaretic, laxative, diuretic and depurative effects.

Precautions: There are no known side effects reported for this plant, therefore it is not necessary to take any special precautions for use at recommended doses.

COMMON INDICATIONS

As a medicinal herb: Preparations of Cichorium intybus are useful to increase appetite and in the treatment of dyspepsia.

Traditional use: In folk medicine, roasted chicory roots are used in the place of coffee. Externally, the root is traditionally used to purify the skin.

PREPARATION AND USE

Internal Use: The average recommended daily dose is 3 grams of the bulk herb or an appropriate dosage in other forms contains an equivalent amount of active constituent. Infusion: 6 g of chopped root (about 1 tablespoon) in 200 ml of boiling water. Strain after 15 minutes filter and drink one cup before meals.

HISTORY AND LEGENDS

The consumption of this plant is recorded throughout time, either as an herb or a medicine. The ancient Romans used it in their lunches. The ancient physicians used it very much, and treated several diseases with it, Galen in fact said: " Chicory is a friend of the liver and not contrary to the stomach."

Go to summary