Chicory

Chicory root is used as a common substitute for coffee but this herb has much more to offer than taste.

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Chichorium intybus

Family: Asteraceae - sunflower, daisy

Parts used: root (leaves are edible but not medicinal)

Actions

Anti-Inflammatory

Anthelmintic

Diuretic

Laxative

Liver Tonic

Sedative

Prebiotic

Energetics/Body Systems Affected

Cooling

Drying

Bitter

Sweet

Digestive

Liver

Uses

• Supports the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Increases bile production.

• Gallbladder issues, including gallstones

• Can dissolve kidney and urinary stones

• Eliminates uric acid, helping with joint pain, gout, and stiff joints.

• Feeds gut flora; makes a great gut health food

• Digestive support; settles upset stomach, constipation, gas, bloating, diarrhea

• Helps clear out parasites and worms

• Moderates heart rate and lowers cholesterol

• Regulates blood sugar levels as well as fatty acid breakdown, helps with diabetes

• Bone health; can help prevent osteoporosis

• Coffee substitute

Herb Preparations

Food: roots can be roasted, boiled, or dried, powdered for a drink.

• Tea (made as a decoction)

• Tincture

• Powdered, capsules

Foraging/Harvesting

Found in disturbed areas, fields, and roadsides. Perennial plant that can get up to 4 feet with a taproot. Mostly basal leaves, lobed with a sharp point. Blossoms are blue to violet with squared petals.

• Harvest roots from the fall to spring.

• Leaves can be used as food, gather in the spring when young, they bitter with age.