| Scientific: | Cichorium intybus |
|---|---|
| Other: | Chicory |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
Chicory grows around the world. This common weed is frequently consumed in the human diet. Chicory root is usually roasted and consumed as a coffee substitute, while the leaves of different varieties of chicory, including endive & radicchio, are consumed in salads.
Herbalists primarily use chickory for digestive conditions. The ancient Greek physician Galen called chicory a “friend of the liver.” Like many bitter herbs, it increases the production and release of digestive juices, including stomach acid, bile, and pancreatic enzymes. Historically it was used for liver disease and associated jaundice and gallstones. Chicory contains lactucin a bitter substance classified as a sesquiterpene lactone. In addition to promoting digestion, this compound likely inhibits inflammation and the growth of micro-organisms thus explaining the other traditional uses of chicory such as arthritis, gout, and infections.
Gastrointestinal
• atonic digestive complaints
• dyspepsia
• hypochlorhydria
• pancreatic insufficiency
Hepatobiliary
• biliary insufficiency
• cholestasis
• cholelithiasis (gallstones)
• jaundice
• biliary dyskinesia
Musculoskeletal
• chronic rheumatism
• arthritis
• gout
Dermatologic
• chronic skin eruptions
• acne
• eczema
• Bitter
• Stomachic
• Cholagogue
• Choleretic
• Antimicrobial
• Antiinflammatory
• Diuretic
• Laxative (Mild )
• Sesquiterpene Lactones (E.g. Lactucin)
• Flavonoids
• Inulin (Roots )
• Tincture: 2-5 ml tid
• Fluid extract (1:1 of flower in 25% EtOH): 1-2 ml tid
• Decoction (dried root): 5-20g tid
Generally considered safe when used as indicated.
Contra-Indications:
• Gastritis & stomach ulcers
• Obstructed gallbladder
Caution:
• Asteraceae allergy: contains sesquiterpene lactones
Pregnancy & Lactaction:
• Unsure. Probably safe.
Barnes J, Anderson LA, Phillipson JD. Herbal Medicines, 3rd ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press, 2007.
Bone K. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2000.
Bone K. A Clinical Guide to Blending Liquid Herbs: Herbal Formulations for the Individual Patient. St Louis, MO: Churchill Livingstone, 2003.
Brinker F. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, 3rd ed. Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications, 2000.
Felter HW, Lloyd JU. King's American Dispensatory. 1898. http://www.ibiblio.org/herbmed/eclectic/kings/main.html. Accessed: August 19, 2006.
Hoffman D. Medical Herbalism. Rochester, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 2003.
Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers Ltd, 1988.
Williamson EM, ed. Major Herbs of Ayurveda. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 2002
Disclaimer: This content is subject to change. The information is intended to inform and educate; it does not replace the medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. www.nhpassist.com © 2014 NDAssist Inc. and/or its affiliates. All rights reserved.
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ChicorySummaryChicory grows around the world. This common weed is frequently consumed in the human diet. Chicory root is usually roasted and consumed as a coffee substitute, while the leaves of different varieties of chicory, including endive & radicchio, are consumed in salads. IndicationsSign in requiredActionsSign in requiredConstituentsSign in requiredPosologySign in requiredSafetySign in requiredReferencesSign in required |
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