Chicory

Chicory Root

Other Names: Cichorium intybus, Achicoria, Barbe de Capucin, Blue Sailors, Cheveux de Paysans, Chicorée, Chicorée Amère, Chicorée Sauvage, Cichorii Herba, Cichorium intybus, Cichorii Radix, Common Chicory Root, Écoubette, Hendibeh, Herbe à Café, Hinduba, Kasani, Kasni, Racine de Chicorée Commune, Succory, Wild Chicory, Wild Endive, Yeux de Chat.
Chicory is a plant. Its roots and dried, above-ground parts are used to make medicine.
See also : Witlof (above-ground parts of Cichorium intybus)

Varieties

• Coffee Chicory : (Cichorium intybus var. sativum)
• Witlof (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum)
• Sugarloaf Chicory : (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum)

Special Precautions of Chicory

• Chicory is safe for most adults when taken by mouth. Handling the chicory plant might cause skin irritation.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Taking chicory by mouth in large amounts is UNSAFE during pregnancy. Chicory might start menstruation and cause a miscarriage.
• Not enough is known about the safety of using chicory during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
• Coffee substitutes based on (roasted) chicory actually contains 2-3 times MORE acrylamide than real coffee !
• Chicory allergy: If you are allergic to chicory, don’t take it by mouth or handle it.
• Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Chicory may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking chicory.
• Gallstones: Chicory can stimulate the production of bile. This could be a problem for people with gallstones. Don’t use chicory without medical supervision if you have gallstones.

Benefits and uses of Chicory are

Chicory root has a mild laxative effect, increases bile from the gallbladder, and decreases swelling. Chicory is a rich source of beta-carotene and inulin.

• A study done in 2002 indicates that Inulin appears to lower the risk of Colon Cancer, of course more research needs to be done. Please do not confuse Inulin with Insulin for they are two different things. Chicory inulin can be extracted from the root.
• Chicory is used for loss of appetite, upset stomach, constipation,
• The tonic property of Chicory makes it an excellent mild bitter tonic for the liver, gallbladder, and digestive tract and rapid heartbeat.(Tachycardia)
• This herb is also used for rheumatic conditions and gout.
• It is also used as a “tonic,” to increase urine production, to protect the liver, and to balance the stimulant effect of coffee.
• Chicory root is valued primarily as a mild non-irritating tonic with diuretic and laxative effects. In Pakistan, the root has been used as a folk medicine for liver disease. A decoction of the dried root is a noted treatment for stomach acidity.
• Chicory helps support the body’s ability to absorb Calcium.
• Bone Health : Chicory may help improve bone health, according to a preliminary study published in the Journal of Nutrition in 2002. For the study, researchers treated a group of rats with inulin extracted from chicory. Results revealed that chicory helped promote calcium absorption and, in turn, increase the animals' bone mineral density. A measure of the amount of minerals (such as calcium and phosphorous) contained in a particular area of bone, bone mineral density is a key indicator of bone health. Low bone mineral density is closely associated with conditions like osteoporosis and osteopenia.
• Oligofructose is an example of prebiotics or non-digestible food ingredient that benefits health by supporting the growth of one or several types of bacteria in the colon.
• Diabetes : Several animal-based studies indicate that chicory extract may help control diabetes. In a study published in Cardiovascular & Hematological Disorders Drug Targets in 2013, for instance, tests on diabetic rats demonstrated that treatment with chicory extract led to a significant reduction in blood sugar levels (as well as in cholesterol levels). The study's authors note that antioxidants found in chicory appear to aid in diabetes management by reducing oxidative stress.
• The German Commission E, in 1990 published that the dried parts, above ground or below, of the Chicory can be used for loss of appetite and dyspepsia. Also stated that this herb contains bitter principles, Inulin and pentosans.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.