Summary

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.

Indications

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

Actions

• Bitter
• Stomachic
• Cholagogue
• Choleretic
• Antimicrobial
• Antiinflammatory
• Diuretic
• Laxative (Mild )

Constituents

• Sesquiterpene Lactones (E.g. Lactucin)
• Flavonoids
• Inulin (Roots )

Posology

• Tincture: 2-5 ml tid
• Fluid extract (1:1 of flower in 25% EtOH): 1-2 ml tid
• Decoction (dried root): 5-20g tid

Safety

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.

References

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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