Chicory Cichorium intybus

Names

• Family

  Asteraceae

• Synonyms

  Common Chicory, Blue Sailors, Succory, Wild Chicory, Chicory, Witloof, Radicchio, Belgian Endive, French Endive, Red Endive, Blue Daisy, Coffee Weed, Hendibeh, Wild Succory, Wild Endive

• Common names

  Cichorium balearicum, Cichorium byzantinum, Cichorium cicorea, Cichorium commune, Cichorium divaricatum, Cichorium glabratum, Cichorium glaucum, Cichorium hirsutum, Cichorium perenne, Cichorium rigidum, Cichorium sylvestre, Cichorium sylvestre.

Toxicity

• To humans

  Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is generally recognized as safe for human consumption. It is frequently used in foods as a coffee substitute or an additive to coffee. Chicory root is high in inulin, a type of fiber. However, consuming chicory in excessive amounts can potentially lead to digestive discomfort due to its high inulin content, resulting in symptoms like gas, bloating, and abdominal pain. People with a known allergy to chicory should avoid consuming it, as they may experience adverse reactions including allergic symptoms such as itching and inflammation. There are no severe toxic effects known to be directly attributed to the responsible consumption of chicory for the general population.

• To pets

  Chicory is not considered to be toxic to pets. In fact, chicory is often included in pet foods as a source of fiber and prebiotics, which can be beneficial for their digestive health. However, as with any dietary changes or the introduction of new foods, it's possible for pets to experience digestive upset if they consume too much chicory. Symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort such as gas, bloating, or diarrhea may occur but are generally not severe. If a pet has a specific sensitivity or allergy to chicory, more serious symptoms could present, although this is uncommon. It's always advisable to consult with a veterinarian if there are concerns about feeding pets new foods, including chicory.

Characteristics

• Life cycle

  Biennials

• Foliage type

  Deciduous

• Color of leaves

  Green

• Flower color

  Blue

• Height

  2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters)

• Spread

  1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)

• Plant type

  Herb

• Hardiness zones

  3-7

• Native area

  Europe

General Benefits

• Dietary Fiber Source – Cichorium intybus, commonly known as chicory, is high in inulin, a type of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health and regularity.
• Livestock Forage – Chicory is used as forage for animals because it grows rapidly and has high nutritional content, making it a valuable feed for livestock.
• Coffee Substitute or Additive – The root of chicory can be roasted and ground to be used as a caffeine-free coffee substitute or additive, often adding a distinct flavor and extending the coffee supply.
• Soil Improvement – Chicory has deep roots, which can help improve soil structure and reduce erosion, and is sometimes planted as a cover crop for this purpose.
• Pollinator Attraction – With its blue flowers, chicory is known to attract bees and beneficial insects, promoting pollination in gardens and agricultural settings.
• Drought Resistance – Being a hardy plant, chicory can withstand dry conditions, making it useful in areas susceptible to drought.
• Culinary Use – Chicory leaves, known as radicchio, are edible and can be used in salads or cooked dishes, providing a bitter and spicy flavor to enhance various recipes.

Medical Properties

• Prebiotic effects: Root extracts contain inulin, which promotes the growth of beneficial gut bacteria.
• Liver function support: It has been traditionally used to support liver health and promote bile production.
• Antioxidant activity: Contains compounds that may help in protecting cells from oxidative stress.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Some studies suggest that it can reduce inflammation, which might be beneficial for various inflammatory conditions.
• Diuretic effects: May increase urine production, which can help with fluid retention and bloating.
• Blood sugar regulation: Some research indicates it may help in managing blood sugar levels.
• Digestive health: Known to aid digestion and might help in relieving constipation.
• Appetite stimulant: Historically used to stimulate appetite in traditional medicine systems.

Air-purifying Qualities

This plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.

Other Uses

• Cichorium intybus, commonly known as chicory, can be used as a coffee substitute; its roots are roasted and ground to create a caffeine-free alternative to coffee.
• The leaves of chicory can be used as a fodder for livestock, providing a nutritious feed option for animals such as cattle and horses.
• Chicory roots can be used to make inulin, a prebiotic fiber that can be used as a food additive to improve digestion and promote gut health.
• In the textile industry, chicory root has been experimented with as a source of natural dye, providing a range of brown hues to fabrics.
• Chicory flowers are edible and can be used in salads to add a colorful element with a mildly bitter taste.
• The plant can serve as a natural indicator of soil health, as it grows well in good soil conditions and can reveal the need for soil improvement when growth is poor.
• As a companion plant in gardens and agriculture, chicory is said to help improve the growth of nearby plants by enhancing soil fertility.
• Chicory plants attract beneficial insects like bees and parasitic wasps due to their bright blue flowers, promoting pollination and natural pest control in gardens.
• The taproot system of chicory is deep, helping to break up compacted soil layers, which can aid in water and nutrient penetration for better crop growth.
• In craft activities such as nature art, the aesthetically pleasing blue flowers of chicory can be pressed and used to create beautiful, natural art pieces.

Feng Shui

The Chicory is not used in Feng Shui practice.

Zodiac Sign Compitability

The Chicory is not used in astrology practice.

Plant Symbolism

• Independence: Chicory (Cichorium intybus) often grows in areas where it has not been sown, symbolizing a free spirit and self-sufficiency.
• Frugality: Known for its ability to grow in poor soils, chicory represents the ability to thrive in challenging conditions, making the most out of little.
• Resourcefulness: As chicory plants have been used for coffee substitutes and have edible parts, they symbolize the ability to adapt and utilize available resources.
• Unrequited love: In flower symbolism, chicory can represent the pain of unreturned affection, possibly due to its blue flowers that traditionally symbolize sadness.
• Constancy and endurance: Chicory's long-lasting blossoms that open and close at exactly the same time every day symbolize steadiness and the ability to endure hardships.