What does it help with
- Liver and gallbladder cleansing
- Gut microflora support (inulin)
- Caffeine-free coffee substitute
- Diuretic effects
Active compounds
Bitter compounds (intybin, esculin), inulin (40–60 %), essential oils, minerals.
Chicory inulin is a prebiotic — it directly feeds beneficial gut bacteria. A hot drink from the root tastes like coffee.
How and when to harvest
Harvest periodRoot: October–November. Leaves: spring.
Plant partsRoot or young leaves
DryingRoot chop, to dry 50 °C. Leaves quickly to dry.
Shelf life2 years (root)
Preparation methods
Coffee substituteTeaTinctureSalad (fresh leaves)
Pro tip: Chicory 'coffee': roast sliced roots until dark brown. Grind and brew like coffee — caffeine-free.
Recipes
1 Chicory 'coffee' ▾
Roast sliced chicory root in a pan, grind. Brew like instant coffee. Caffeine-free, aids digestion.
2 Tea for liver ▾
2 teaspoons root pour 300 ml water, boil 10 min. Drink 2× a day as liver cure.
3 Spring salad ▾
Young chicory leaves are bitter — mix with other leaves, lemon and oil dressing.
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6 more recipes in the Herbarium
Chicory tincture · Dandelion combo · Chicory cure · Chicory coffee · Chicory for microflora · Liver mix
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