CHICORY ROOT[CICHORIUM INTYBUS]
Listing description
Common chicory, Cichorium intybus,[4] is a
somewhat woody, perennial herbaceous
plant of
the dandelion family Asteraceae, usually with
bright blue flowers, rarely white
or pink.
Detailed description
Many varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, chicons (blanched buds), or roots (var. sativum),
which are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and additive. It is also grown as a forage crop
for livestock.[5] It lives as a wild plant on roadsides in its native
Europe, and is now common in North America, China, and Australia, where it has
become widely naturalized.[6][7][8] "Chicory" is also the common name in the
United States for curly endive (Cichorium
endivia); these two closely related species are often confused.
Medicinal use
Root chicory
contains volatile oils similar to those found in plants in the related
genus Tanacetum which
includes Tansy, and is similarly effective at eliminating
intestinal worms. All parts of the plant contain these volatile oils, with the
majority of the toxic components concentrated in the plant's root.[30]
Chicory is well known for its toxicity to internal
parasites. Studies indicate that ingestion of chicory by farm animals results
in reduction of worm burdens,[31][32][33] which has
prompted its widespread use as a forage supplement. Only a few major companies
are active in research, development, and production of chicory varieties and
selections, most in New Zealand.
Chicory (especially the flower), used as a folk
medicine in Germany, is recorded in many books as an ancient German treatment
for everyday ailments. It is variously used as a tonic and as a
treatment for gallstones, gastro-enteritis, sinus problems and cuts and bruises. (Howard M. 1987).
Chicory contains inulin,[34][35] which may help
humans with weight loss, constipation, improving bowel function and general
health.[36] In rats, it
may increase calcium absorption and bone mineral density.[34] It also
increases absorption of calcium and other minerals in humans.[37][38][39][40]
Alternative medicine
Chicory has been listed as one of the 38 plants that are used to prepare Bach flower remedies,[45] a kind
of alternative medicine. However, according to Cancer Research UK,
"there is no scientific evidence to prove that flower remedies can
control, cure or prevent any type of disease, including cancer".[46]
Native American use
The Cherokee use an infusion of the root as
a tonic for nerves.[47] The Iroquois use a decoction of the roots
as a wash and apply a poultice of it to chancres and fever sores.
PRICE
$16.36/KG
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