Herbs & Herbal Remedies @ Green Papaya

Cichotiutn Intybus

COMPOSITAE

chicory, succory, blue sailors, blue dandelion, wild endive

Of extremely wide distribution, chicory is another wild plant of America which has been introduced from Europe. It is closely related to the dandelion, and often in the spring it is easy to confuse the clumps of the two as they appear on lawns or in fields. But in bloom, when the tall stalks bear lovely blue or soft pink blooms, there is no dandelion resemblance.

A plant of ancient usage, the name has been traced back through Arab medical language to Greek and Egyptian, and mention of the use of chicory is found in Roman writings. One finds that it was greatly appreciated as a spring green by southern Europeans, who understood its value as a tonic after the lack of green food in winter. In France (and in our own South, subject to French influence) the roots are dug, dried, ground, and added to coffee, not as an adulterant but for their distinctive flavor.

To many, chicory is known as the blanched winter vegetable of the markets sold as endive or witloof chicory, but to Lawn Addicts, it may be a weed which utterly defies pulling, as its roots go very deep.

No great medicinal values are ascribed to chicory, although it is mentioned in herbals as a diuretic, laxative, and tonic. And it seems to be generally recommended for jaundice and liver complaints, to be taken freely as a decoction, made at the rate of 1 ounce of dried, powdered root to 1 pint of water. Meyer’s Herbalist says that a tea made from the roots “may be taken whenever the stomach has been upset.”