Brand name:
Chicory
Latin name: Cichorium intybus
Other names: Hendibeh, Succory
A Remedy For
Appetite loss
Indigestion
Liver and gallbladder problems
In Asia, Chicory has been used for
headache, inflammations, sore throat,
and skin allergies. It has also been
used extensively for malaria, and in
folk medicine, as a laxative for
children. Its effectiveness for these uses has not been verified.
What It Is; Why It Works
As a vegetable, Chicory is mentioned
by the ancient authors Horace,
Pliny, Virgil, and Ovid. The
blanched leaves can be used cooked and in salads. In France and Belgium, the
roots are sliced, kiln-dried, roasted,
ground, and added to coffee,
imparting a slightly bitter taste and dark color.
For medicinal purposes, the leaves,
the roots, and the entire plant--both
fresh and dried--are all subject to
use. Chicory works by increasing the
flow of bile into the digestive
tract.
Avoid If...
No known health conditions preclude
the use of Chicory.
Special Cautions
At typical dosage levels, Chicory
poses no hazards. A few people find that they are sensitive to skin contact
with the herb.
Possible Drug Interactions
No interactions have been reported.
Special Information If You Are
Pregnant or Breastfeeding
No harmful effects are known.
How To Prepare
To prepare Chicory tea, pour boiling
water on 2 to 4 grams (about 1/2 to
3/4 teaspoonful) of dried Chicory,
steep for 10 minutes, then strain.
Typical Dosage
The usual single dose is 2 to 4
grams of the herb in tea. The total daily dosage is 3 to 5 grams (up to 1
teaspoon) of chopped Chicory.
Overdosage
No information on overdosage is
available.
