Chicory ~ Cichorium intybus

Chicory has a long tradition of use. Historically it was grown by the ancient Egyptians as a medicinal plant, coffee substitute, vegetable crop and was occasionally used for animal forage. 


Medicinal properties: antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, nutritive, diuretic, antiseptic

Parts used: leaves, flowers and roots

Benefits: liver health, disgestive health, detoxify, calm the nerves, regulate the heartbeat, treat osteoarthritis, gout, diabetes, coffee substitute, flower essence.

Chicory root contains several potent, aromatic, active properties that can be utilized through an herbal tincture and or drinking chicory root coffee. The roots are at their peak of medicinal benefits when harvested in the fall. If you do not wish to go through the process of harvesting you can purchase the dried roots for making your tinctures and or coffee. You can also purchase ground, preroasted chicory coffee.  👍   

Inulin - an excellent prebiotic that feeds and strengthens the gut colony of healthy bacteria. Chicory root contains as much as 8% inulin, which is converted in the gut, fist into short-chain fatty acids, then into ketones that nourish colon cells and produce hormones that control appetite. 

Lactones - digestive bitters, potent volatile oils; they are strong anti-parasite, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory.

Mannitol - a sugar that paradoxically supports oral health, prevents dental caries, tooth decay and cavities. But mannitol also helps stabilize blood sugar and insulin. 

Polyphenols - powerful antioxidants; support gut health, help prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer, osteoporosis and many other. 

Lactucin - a bitter substance with a mild sedative, calming effect; it also slightly reduces pain, lowers cholesterol, and is antibacterial.
Reference 

I came across some interesting, but limited, articles on how chicory juice made from the flowers and roots strengthen the prostate and reproductive organs and has also been used in treating cancer of the uterus. Again, those articles are limited. If you have any additional information, especially regarding prostate health, I would appreciate if you shared via an email or through my Instagram account.
Reference
Reference

photo credit; An Italian in my Kitchen https://anitalianinmykitchen.com/sauteed-chicory/

Chicory greens and flowers are a good source of Thiamin, Niacin, Zinc, dietary fiber, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E (Alpha Tocopherol), Vitamin K, Riboflavin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Pantothenic Acid, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Copper and Manganese. Source

The young leaves are gathered in the early spring and are cooked alone or mixed with other greens; such as spinach and or turnip greens. You can harvest the leaves throughout the year, however, once the heat sets in the leaves have a tendency to become tougher. 

Chicory is a digestive bitter. Bitter herbs and foods stimulate saliva from the salivary glands, bile in the liver and gallbladder and enzymes in the stomach and small intestine. These actions improve the breaking down of food and allows for better absorption of nutrients as well as improve overall liver and gallbladder function and health. 

Other foods that are considered bitters;  
artichoke 
arugula
brussels sprouts
kale
egg plant
dark chocolate
citrus fruits. 

Herbs that are considered bitters; 
Dandelion, Taraxacum officinale 
Goldenseal, Hydrastis canadensis 
Milk Thistle, Silybum marianum 
Peppermint, Mentha piperita 
Wormwood, Artemisia absinthium 
Yarrow, Achilles millefolium


Chicory also shares emotional and mental healing within her beautiful blue flowers via flower essences. Click here
for more information.

Chicory might lower blood sugar and may interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Be sure to talk with your doctor.

Chicory stimulates the production of bile. This could be a problem for people with gallstones. Be sure to with your doctor before using. chicory