Chicory Herb

Chicory, also known as Blue Dandelion and types of Endive is native to North Africa, Europe and Western Asia but has become naturalized in North America and can be found commonly along the roadside. Chicory flowers are blue to lavender in color and the roots are cultivated and baked and ground to become a coffee substitute or additive and has been used for this through out history.

The Chicory leaves are used in salads and other recipes, and are even becoming a popular pasture herb. Chicory is high in protein and minerals as well as being easily digested and the popularity of use in pastures is growing, particularly with sheep and dairy animals. Like most herbs Chicory also has its place medicinally.

Chicory Folklore

Chicory lends itself to many folktales including the color of the flower being that of a girl weeping for her lover�s ship which never returned.

Chicory Tea

Chicory root tea is prepared by steeping 1 ounce of dried root in 1 pint of boiling water for 10 minutes.

Chicory Uses & Herbal Remedies

Chicory root has been used to treat Dyspepsia, intestinal parasites or worms and ailments of the liver and gall bladder.

A tea of Chicory flower can be used as an everyday tea for overall health and appetite stimulant.

A cotton ball soaked in Chicory tea makes a wonderful and refreshing eye wash.

Roasted Chicory root is often a popular choice for a healthy coffee substitute as it contains the roasted flavor but no caffeine.

Thicken Chicory root tea with honey for a safe laxative for children.

Chicory leaves can be bruised and soaked in water to be used directly on skin lacerations and irritation.

Chicory Cautions

The over use of Chicory is said to lead to retinal loss and impair vision; however this effect is scrutinized by many.