Chicory (Cichorium intybus) Non-Native

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Parts used: root, leaves, flowers

Medicinal uses: Dried whole herb used as digestive tonic for loss of appetite and dyspepsia. Traditional choleretic, cholagogue, carminative, diuretic, and “blood purifier.” Syrup is traditional tonic for infants and a cleansing medicine for suffering from rheumatism and gout (Chevallier 189).

Additional uses: As a culinary herb it has a flavor similar to dandelion. The leaves can be eaten fresh or cooked while the root is often roasted and used as either an addition or substitute for coffee (Kowalchik 86-7).

Cautions: None known (Chevallier 189).

Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plant Guide (Check out all plants growing in Tryon Farm's medicinal garden!)