Information on Chicory
| Latin Name |
| Cichorium intybus |
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| Affects |
| Digestive system, Liver |
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| Herb Forms |
| Bulk herb, both raw and roasted. The roasted root is often found in coffee substitutes. |
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| Dosages |
| Decoction: 1 cup 3 x daily |
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| Botanical Information |
| A biennial or perennial herb in the Aster family with blue flowers and hairy leaves. Commonly grows in old pastures throughout North America and Europe. |
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| Description |
Chicory is a mild liver decongestant and digestive and spleen tonic. As a bitter tonic, it is taken to increase the appetite and treat digestive difficulties. It is taken for gallstones, jaundice, and gravel and is used externally for inflammation. If taken during a cleansing program, as an aid to stimulate liver function, it is best to use the roasted root if you have a chronic weakened condition with symptoms of fatigue, loose bowels, or other digestive symptoms. The raw root is cooler and more bitter and can clear "excess heat" in the lower bowels and liver, associated with such symptoms as headaches and feelings of heat in the body, especially when a person is rather robust or of normal constitution.
Chicory has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COLD. |
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| References |
| Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.
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Ailments treated by Chicory
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