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CHICORY (Chicorium intybus)
aka: Achicoria, Barbe de Capucin, Blue Sailors, Blue Daisy, Blue Dandelion, Blue Weed, Bunk, Cheveux de Paysans, Coffeeweed, Common Chicory Root, Cornflower, Horseweed, Ragged Sailors, Succory, Sugarloaf, Wild Bachelors Buttons, Wild Chicory, Wild Endive, Wild Succory and Witloof
Nicknames vary by location and I’ve included what I could find worldwide (without including names in other languages) not just common in the US (Note: “Cornflower” is commonly applied to Centaurea cyanus.) .

😬😬😬😬Long post!

I started this post before getting sick and have tried to work on it during. This post is pretty long! I’m sure I’m missing something as well as overdone on other things. Just send me a message if something needs my attention! I’ll tweak as necessary. Thanks for the understanding!

GENERAL

Chicory has been used for 5 millennia from what I could gather although it’s only been well documented for about half that time. The ancient Egyptians learned early on what an asset it was! Here, in Indiana, it’s considered a pest by most as it grows in every crack & crevice and litters the roadways. If only…If only people realized the bounty that they disdain on a regular basis. I’m super doubtful that any of them even realize that chicory root is what is used to produce their endives that they spend a fortune on. It’s call forcing roots and is done with mature roots. It started as a way to use chicory in winter. Pretty neat actually. Common chicory root is used to produce types such as radicchio, puntarelle, and Belgian endive!!
Chicory is also what I’d classify as a bitter herb. Bitter herbs tend to be cooling and drying to the body and are useful in hot, damp conditions like stagnant lymph, blood, or liver, or for any kind of congestion. Bitter herbs have been shown to help with digestion, liver detox, weight management, and blood sugar regulation too.
While researching I always learn something new in the constituents area especially. I never realized how much Inulin was contained in chicory roots. Inulin is used as a sweetener but is well known for its prebiotic nature too.
A lot of new interest is being focused on probiotics and prebiotics both. PROBIOTICS are live beneficial bacteria that are naturally created by the process of fermentation in foods. But chicory fall into the category of prebiotics. PREBIOTICS are fibers that go through the small intestine undigested and is fermented when it reaches the large colon. This fermentation process feeds beneficial bacteria colonies (including probiotic bacteria) and helps to increase the number of desirable bacteria in our digestive systems (also called the gut) that are associated with better health and reduced disease risk. Prebiotic fiber is not as fragile as probiotic bacteria because it is not affected by heat, stomach acid, or time!
This also explains why it helps our GI systems do much.

DESCRIPTION/IDENTIFICATION

When flowering, chicory has a tough, grooved, and more or less hairy stem, from 30 to 100 cm (10 to 40 in) tall. The leaves are stalked, lanceolate and unlobed. The flower heads are 2 to 4 cm ( 1⁄4 to 1 1⁄2 inches) wide, and usually light purple or lavender (see picture) and it has been described as light blue, rarely white or pink. Of the two rows of involucral bracts, the inner is longer and erect, the outer is shorter and spreading. It flowers from July until October. The achenes have no pappus (feathery hairs), but do have toothed scales on top. (Wikipedia)

Constituents and/or Compounds

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.

Most parts of the plant contain an array of nutrients ranging within carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, minerals, soluble fiber, trace elements, and bioactive phenolic compounds, which are responsible for the various nutritive, prophylactic, and therapeutic qualities of chicory.

Inulin, coumarins, tannins, monomeric flavonoids, and sesquiterpene lactones are some of the major phytocompounds mostly found in chicory plants.
The root itself is over 60% inulin, 10-15 % sucrose, 6-10 % protein, about 5% cellulose and 3-5% ash
•chicory also contains a compound call maltol. The maltol compound (3-hydroxyl-2-methyl-4-pyrone) is used when baking to intensify the flavor of sugar from 30-to-300-fold.

MEDICAL ACTIONS:
1. Diuretic
2. Mild laxative (aperient)
3. Tonic (Bitter and Digestive)
4. Carminative & Aids Digestion
5. Anti-inflammatory
6. Antibacterial
7. Mild Sedative
8. Antipyretic (Fever reducer)
9. Blood sugar reducer
10. antiparasitic (anthelmintic)
11. anticarcinogenic
12. antiviral
13. antimutagenic
14. antifungal
15. Antioxidant, immune-stimulating
16. antihepatotoxic (prevents liver damage).
17. Depurative (purifying and detoxifying)
18. antithrombotic (prevents blood clots)
19. Anti-malarial
20. Cholagogues (promotes bile flow)
21. Choleretics (increases bile)

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Antibacterial Uses:
Chicory extracts were tested against gram positive and gram negative bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. The chicory extracts were found to be more effective at inhibiting the bacteria growth than many other materials tested.
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Antimicrobial Uses:
antimicrobial activity of C. intybus, the crude aqueous and organic seed extracts were found to be active against four pathogenic microorganisms, namely, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans, and root extracts had pronounced effects on Bacillus subtilis, S. aureus, Salmonella typhi, Micrococcus luteus, and E. coli . The leaf extract of C. intybus also showed a moderate activity against multidrug resistant S. typhi
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Antifungal Uses:
C. intybus have shown antifungal properties against anthropophilic fungi Trichophyton tonsurans, T. rubrum, and T. violaceum. It has also shown useful against Pseudomonas cichorii.
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Anthelmintic Uses: (antiparasitic)
abomasal helminths
efficacy against the larvae of deer lungworm, Dictyocaulus viviparous and other gastrointestinal nematode larvae
found to inhibit egg hatching of Haemonchus contortus.
Studies have shown if livestock is given access to chicory and is part of their fodder, intestinal parasites are greatly reduced.-
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Anti malarial Uses:
The bitter compounds in the plant, namely, lactucin, lactucopicrin, and the guaianolide sesquiterpenes, isolated from aqueous root extracts of chicory were concluded to be the antimalarial components of the plant. Lactucin and lactucopicrin completely inhibited the HB3 clone of strain Honduras-1 of Plasmodium falciparum at concentrations of 10 and 50 μg/mL
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Hepatoprotective Activity:
Not only has research shown that consuming chicory extract can protect the liver from damage but it can also help to heal it. In studies with induced damage the results are pretty impressive!
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Anticarcinogenic
Cancer patients in several studies have used chicory extract to reduce the growth of tumors. Scientists believe this is possible because of the fructans in chicory. These fructans have antioxidant and anti-tumor properties. As a natural remedy, chicory has been helpful in preventing various types of cancer, including breast cancer. The root extract used in some studies has also stopped the proliferation of cancer cells on the skin. These and similar studies suggest the healing benefits of chicory, although medical experts are waiting for more research before promoting it more widely as a treatment.
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Ocular Uses
The visual system, part of the central nervous system, needs some of the nutrients found in chicory root. As a supplement, chicory is a rich source of vitamin A, which maintains the health and function of the eyes and the muscular system. Carrot, celery, and parsley juice are sources of vitamin A, as is chicory juice. It not only promotes healthy eyesight, but it also corrects eye defects. Some people even report chicory juice reduced their dependence on glasses.
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Treats Kidney Disorders
The extract of the chicory root increases the frequency of urination, helping rid the body of toxins normally stored in the liver and kidneys. When these toxins are allowed to remain in the body, they can cause other serious conditions. Frequent urination also helps get rid of water weight and reduces fat. About four percent of urine is fat deposits that might be stored somewhere else in the body if not eliminated.
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Boosts Immune System
Chicory has been found effective against some threatening strains of bacteria. As a result, people who have used it have seen improvement in their immune systems. Because it rids the bloodstream of free radicals and harmful toxins, it reduces the chances of contracting some diseases, including cancer and heart disease. This makes it an effective agent for continually strengthening the immune system.
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Mild Laxative/Reduces Constipation
As a source of natural fiber, chicory can help prevent constipation in a few ways. First, it bulks up waste in the bowel and triggers the intestines to start motions that promote bowel movements. This process causes the release of gastric juices into the digestive tract, optimizing digestion. Improved digestion means improved bowel function. Avoiding constipation also improves the chances of avoiding gastrointestinal diseases, including colon cancer.
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Weight Loss and Management
Whenever you feel hungry, your body is releasing an amino acid known as ghrelin, which is associated with feeling hunger and causes you to seek food, sometimes indiscriminately. Chicory reduces the amount of ghrelin in your system and prevents you from overeating. It helps you reach a feeling of fullness and satisfaction before you’ve overconsumed and is, therefore, an effective approach to weight loss. The natural dietary fiber in chicory also promotes a well-functioning digestive system, another key factor in maintaining a healthy weight.

MEDICINAL USES and BREAKDOWN
(partial list)
The roots and dried, above-ground parts are used to make medicine. Basically all parts can be used. The weakest will come from the flowers.

* High blood pressure.
* Heart failure.
* Constipation.
* Liver disorders. Such as jaundice for one. Also helps with cirrhosis!
* Cholagogues increases the flow of bile and can help with gallstones
* Choleretic increases bile. So being both helps cleanse the kidneys
* Cancer.
* Skin inflammation.
* Joint inflammation
* Loss of appetite.
* Upset stomach.
* Parasite toxicity
* Liver and kidney cleanse (depurative)
* GI upset
* Reduces blood clots
* Cooling- can reduce fevers
* Use a chicory tea for a soothing eye wash
* In the past chicory root has been used to regulate milk flow in nursing mammals. Although I couldn’t find anything concrete

•The extract has been studied for use in osteoarthritis. The research looks promising.
•Laboratory research also has shown root extracts to be antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and slightly sedative. They also slow and weaken the pulse and lower blood sugar. Leaf extracts have similar, though weaker, effects.
•Some people apply a paste of chicory leaves directly to the skin for swelling and inflammation.
•For external use, bruise fresh Chicory leaves and apply to areas affected by gout, skin eruptions, swellings, skin inflammations, and rheumatism.
•Chicory root has a mild laxative effect, increases bile from the gallbladder, and decreases swelling.
•Chicory is a rich source of beta-carotene.
•The root also contains inulin. Inulin provides nutritional advantages by increasing calcium absorption and possibly magnesium absorption, while promoting the growth of intestinal bacteria.
—-Chicory inulin is reported to increase absorption of calcium in young women with lower calcium absorption and in young men. In terms of nutrition, it is considered a form of soluble fiber and is categorized as a prebiotic.
—-inulin prevents constipation, is a mild diuretic, helps maintain a healthy balance of “good” bacteria in the colon, and aids in lowering cholesterol.
⚠️However if you consume too much of any fiber it has the opposite effect of what you are trying to achieve!
•The root 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.
•Chicory is a good source of folic acid, necessary for the formation and maturation of red blood cells and in the synthesis of DNA; potassium, which is required for the contraction of skeletal and heart muscle and for the transmission of nerve impulses; and vitamin A.

HISTORY/FOLKLORE

The old herbalists considered that the leaves when bruised made a good poultice for swellings, inflammations and inflamed eyes, and that ‘when boiled in broth for those that have hot, weak and feeble stomachs does strengthen the same.
Tusser(1573) considered it, together with Endive, a useful remedy for ague, and Parkinson pronounced Succory to be a ‘fine, cleansing, jovial plant’.
The fresh root is bitter, with a milky juice which is somewhat aperient and slightly sedative, suiting subjects troubled with bilious torpor, whilst, on good authority, the plant has been pronounced useful against pulmonary consumption.
A decoction of 1 OZ. of the root to a pint of boiling water, taken freely, has been found effective in jaundice, liver enlargements, gout and rheumatic complaints, and a decoction of the plant, fresh gathered, has been recommended for gravel.
Syrup of Succory is an excellent laxative for children, as it acts without irritation.
An infusion of the herb is useful for skin eruptions connected with gout.
(Botanical.com)

* The juice is said to be a folk remedy for cancer of the uterus and for tumors.
* In South Africa, although it is considered a widespread weed, leaves, stems, and roots are made into a tea for jaundice and chicory syrup is used as a tonic and purifying medicine for infants.
* In Turkey, an ointment is made from the leaves for wound healing.
* Decoction refers to a preparation that is made by adding cold water to the plant material which is then boiled and allowed to simmer for 5–10 min after which it is strained. Chicory decoctions are traditionally made from individual plant parts and/or from the plant as a whole.
* According to the European monograph, traditional use of chicory roots includes the relief of symptoms related to mild digestive disorders (such as feeling of abdominal fullness, flatulence, and slow digestion) and temporary loss of appetite.
* Prior to the wars in Afghanistan, folkloric reports described the use of aqueous root extracts as a light-sensitive plant remedy for malaria. This indigenous knowledge has since been confirmed and the antimalarial compounds of C. intybus roots have been identified as the light-sensitive sesquiterpene lactones lactucin and lactucopicrin.
* The flowers of the chicory plant (Cichorii flos) are used as a herbal treatment of everyday ailments such as a tonic and appetite stimulant and as a treatment of gallstones, gastroenteritis, sinus problems, cuts, and bruises.
* In Italy, the whorls are made into a decoction and used as a depurative.
* Chicory seeds are one of the main ingredients of Jigrine, a commercial product of India used for the treatment of various diseases of the liver.
* Other plant parts are also used for liver disorders, namely, aerial parts in Bosnia and Herzegovina and roots in Serbia and India.
* In Indian texts, whole plant chicory is used as a heart, digestive, stomach, and liver tonic, as well as a diuretic and anti-inflammatory agent.
* Use of chicory for stomach problems and as an appetite stimulant is recognized by the German Commission E.

CULINARY

Chicory leaves and roots are used as a vegetable. The leaves of young plants are used as potherbs, which are cooked like spinach. Leaves of older plants, when blanched, are used like celery. In foods, chicory leaves are often eaten like celery, and the roots and leaf buds are boiled and eaten.
Chicory roots are boiled and eaten with butter, and roasted roots are ground and brewed to add a bitter, mellow taste to coffee and tea or used as a substitute for coffee. Roasted roots are ground and brewed as a hot beverage.
Chicory is also used as a cooking spice and to flavor foods and beverages. Coffee mixes often include ground chicory to enhance the richness of the coffee.
Using chicory when baking can intensify the flavor of sugar from 30-to-300-fold as seen info on maltol.

RECIPES

First, how to roast!
Take a sharp chef’s knife and mince the chicory roots to form one-inch cubes. You don’t need to peel the roots. Lay the pieces of chicory root out onto a baking sheet. Cook the chicory in your oven – set the temperature to 350F – until the chicory turns golden brown.

How to make Herbal Simple Syrups!!
1 Combine approximately 2 ounces of herbs and 1 quart of water. Begin simmering the mixture over low heat and reduce liquid down to 1 pint.
2 Strain herbs from the liquid by running through a fine mesh sieve, cheesecloth or coffee filter. Pour concentrated liquid back into the simmer pot.
3 Add 1 cup of honey (or maple syrup, vegetable glycerin, or other sweetener you have on hand) per pint of liquid.
4 Warm honey and liquid, on very low heat, just enough to blend together.
Note: Cooking honey any longer, or on a high heat, will destroy the healing properties of the honey.
5 Bottle, label, and refrigerate syrup.

***These directions are great for making your own cough syrups too. I add an ounce of brandy to my syrups to preserve longer. Plus it can be a benefit in cough syrups.

—Chicory Coffee—
To make chicory coffee:
1. Dig roots in early spring or late fall, when they are not flowering.
2. Scrub the roots well and trim off tops.
3. Chop and dehydrate the roots using a commercial dehydrator or air drying. If you chop the roots into smaller pieces before dehydrating, they will dry faster. (Think small rounds or bits, roughly even in size so they will roast evenly in the oven.) Air dry on a rack for a week or two at room temp, or dehydrate at 95°F (35°C)in a commercial dehydrator for 12-14 hours.
4. Roast the dried roots for 20 to 60 minutes at 325°F (163°C), until they are brown and brittle. Think “coffee roast color”.
5. Grind in a coffee grinder, spice mill or blender.
6. To brew chicory coffee, you may use it as you would regular coffee in a dip coffee maker or French press. Alternatively, boil 1-2 teaspoons of ground, roasted root in one cup of water for about three minutes. Pour into coffee strainer or French press and let drip or strain.
7. Store roasted roots, ground or unground, in an airtight container.

Chicory Simple Syrup (to add to your coffee or for flavoring)

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 cup of chicory simple syrup
Serving Size: 1-2 tablespoons per cup of coffee
Ingredients
1 cup water
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup roasted ground chicory
Instructions
1 Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
2 Turn heat to medium and stir until sugar is completely dissolved and chicory has been well-steeped.
3 Pour through a fine mesh strainer into a mason jar to reserve for future use.

—Pickled Chicory Flowers—
* Author: Adrienne Crowhurst
Ingredients
* 2 cups chicory flowers or flower buds
* 3 cups white wine vinegar
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 cup brown sugar
Instructions
Wash the chicory buds or flowes in ice cold water; drain. Place them in a sterilized canning jar (or jars). In a saucepan, bring the vinegar, salt and ginger to a boil. Simmer for five minutes. Remove mixture from heat and add the sugar; stir until dissolved. Pout this liquid over the flowers and buds in the jar(s). Seal and store in a cool place for at least one week before using.

Mashed root and taters 😂
Peel and cut up Equal parts of Chicorium Intybus root and potatoes (So if you cut up 2 cups Chicory root, cut 2 cups of potatoes as well!)
Boil in salt water until tender.
Drain and mash with butter, milk and grated parmesan.
Season with Pepper and Salt to taste.

⚠️⚠️⚠️Caution ⚠️⚠️⚠️

Pregnancy caution!!!! Don’t use medicinal quantities of chicory while pregnant, as it may induce a miscarriage!
Diabetes: Chicory may lower blood sugar in people with diabetes. Watch for signs of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and monitor your blood sugar carefully if you have diabetes and use chicory in amounts larger than the amounts normally found in food.
Also people with allergies should use caution. Chicory is part of the Asteraceae family and closely related to dandelions.

🐰🐇RABBIT USES🐇🐰
•Regular use of chicory in their diet keeps the internal parasites away!
•Mild laxative
•Mild diuretic
•prebiotic- GI upset-extremely useful in balancing out the good flora in the gut.
•useful in kidney, liver and gallbladder issues. Helps to cleanse out the system
•a little can help regulate milk flow
•Chicory root is also known for being toxic to parasites, which makes it great for livestock fodder!
**•As with humans, too much can induce miscarriage!•**
**•Also too much can have the reverse effect in regards to the prebiotic nature of this herb. Too much can produce more gas instead of reducing it!!!•**
⚠️⚠️Because it can cause miscarriage in humans I’d advise not to give to pregnant does!!!
As with any herbs….too much is not a good thing. Always use caution. Try a bit to see reactions then if there’s no adverse effects you can add more the next time. As with people, every rabbit is a bit different

CHICORY – Gastritis, lack of appetite

Sources
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– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3860133/
– https://www.gaiaherbs.com/blogs/herbs/chicory
– https://facty.com/…/well…/health-benefits-of-chicory-root/2/
– https://www.growforagecookferment.com/foraging-for-chicory/
– Http://www.Commonsensehome.com
– Http://www.Drweil.com
– Wikipedia for a few odds and ends

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