Cichorium intybus
Compositae
Form
-native to Europe and Western Asia, grows to height of 5 feet tall
Culture
-commonly seen along roadsides
-well drained, neutral to alkaline soil in full sun
Foliage
-basal leaves alternating along stem
Use
-leaves eaten raw in salads, braised, or fried
-roots used as substitute for coffee, without the caffeine
Medicinal Uses:
-Antiexudative, mild sedative, cholagogic, lowers cholestrin in liver and plasma.
Conditions Treated in Modern Medicine:
-Loss of appetite
-Dyspeptic complaints
-Liver and gallbladder complaints
Pharmacological Substances and Properties:
-Sesquiterpene lactones, guaianolid glycosides
-Caffeic Acid Derivatives
-Hydroxycoumarins
-Flavinoids
-Polyynes
Medicinal Parts Used:
-the dried leaves and roots are groudn and taken internally as an infusion.
Banner Photo by Mathew J. Wilson