© Christian Fischer · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Commons
Chicory
CautionGemeine Wegwarte · (Cichorium intybus)
Daisy family (Asteraceae)
Description
Common chicory is a somewhat woody, perennial herbaceous plant of the family Asteraceae, usually with bright blue flowers, rarely white or pink. Native to Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, it has been introduced to the Americas and Australia.
- TeaRootInternalCommission E
Loss of appetite and dyspeptic complaints (bloating, flatulence, mild digestive weakness) and as adjuvant in disturbances of bile flow - bitter therapy with chicory root (Cichorii radix)
Preparation & dosage
- TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use
Folk use for loss of appetite, fullness and mild digestive complaints - chicory herb (Cichorii herba) is used as a milder bitter tea than the root
Preparation & dosage
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- TinctureRootInternalTraditional use
Loss of appetite, dyspeptic complaints and stimulation of gastric/biliary secretion - classical bitter tincture from chicory root, often blended in stomach bitters with dandelion, yarrow or wormwood
Preparation & dosage
- RawLeafInternalFolk medicine
Young chicory leaves as bitter salad (wild vegetable) to stimulate digestion and bile production - the ancestor of cultivated forms chicory, radicchio and endive
Preparation & dosage
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- SpiceRootInternalTraditional use
Roasted chicory root as caffeine-free coffee substitute (chicory coffee/'Muckefuck') - traditional ersatz coffee since the 18th century; its inulin acts as a prebiotic and mild digestive aid
Preparation & dosage
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- CompressAerial partsExternalFolk medicine
Folk medicine: compresses with chicory infusion for skin inflammations, poorly healing wounds, ulcers and eczematous skin - Hildegard of Bingen recommended chicory externally for ulcers and 'gout'
Preparation & dosage
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