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Chicory Herb - Uses And Side Effects

What is chicory?

Some people use chicory as a coffee substitute because of the herb's coffee like flavor and aroma. Unlike coffee, it may have a sedative effect. In fact, some people add it to coffee to offset the stimulation caused by caffeine.

Active chicory components come from the dried roots of Cichorium intybus, a European biennial or perennial herb. Some people use the leaves of young plants­as potherbs, blanching older plants leaves and eating them like celery. The roots can be boiled and eaten with butter. More commonly, they're roasted and added to coffee or tea for a bitter taste. The roasted, dried root serves as a coffee substitute.

Common doses of chicory

Chicory comes as the crude herb, root (roasted and unroasted), and extracts. Some experts recommend the following dose:

• As the crude herb, 3 grams taken orally daily.

Why people use chicory herb

• As a coffee or tee additive.
• As a coffee substitute
• Constipation
• Fluid retention.

Side effects of chicory

Call your health care practitioner if you experience skin irritation when using chicory.

Interactions

Combining herbs with certain drugs may alter their action or produce unwanted side effects. Tell your health care practitioner about any prescription or nonprescription drugs you're taking.

Important points to remember

• Use chicory with caution or avoid it entirely if you have heart disease. The herb may act on the heart

What the research shows

Claims that chicory combats the stimulant effects of coffee and tea remain unproven. The herb may have some use in treating irregular heartbeats, but more research is needed. Chicory's laxative properties also remain unproven. Medical experts advise against using chicory until studies are completed.

Other names for chicory : -

Other names for chicory include blue sailors, garden endive, succory, and wild succory.

A product containing chicory is sold as Chicory.