Healing Power and Curative Properties
Constipation
The herb is a natural laxative. It is, therefore, beneficial in the treatment of chronic
constipation.
Anaemia
The herb, in combination with celery and parsley, is very helpful in anaemia. It is an effective blood tonic.
Liver and Gall Bladder Dysfunctions
Chicory flowers, seeds and roots are medicinally used in the treatment of liver disorders. About 30 to 60 ml of decoction of the flowers, seeds or roots can be used three times daily, with beneficial results, in the treatment of torpidity or sluggishness of the liver, biliary stasis or, stoppage of bile, jaundice and enlargement of the spleen. Endive or chicory juice, in almost any combination, promotes the secretion of bile and is, therefore, very good for both liver and gall bladder dysfunctions.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
Respiratory Disorders
The combined juices of chicory, carrot and celery are most helpful in
asthma and hay
fever
, provided milk and foods containing concentrated starches and sugars such as white rice, white flours, macaroni, sweets, pastries and cakes are eliminated from the
diet
. Powder of the dry root in doses of half a teaspoon, mixed with honey if taken thrice daily, is a good expectorant in
chronic bronchitis.
Obstructed Menstruation
A decoction of chicory seeds is useful in treating obstructed menstruation.
Other Uses
The young leaves, preferably blanched, are eaten in salads. They may be mixed with other greens to minimise their strong flavour. The mature green leaves are sometimes used as a cooked vegetable. The root, when roasted and ground, is often used as an ingredient to mix with coffee, or is taken as a beverage on its own.