Cichorium intybus, the famous chicory, is a vertical and constantly growing thick herb that is popularly nurtured in Australia, Europe, and North America. It is otherwise called as blue sailors because of the colors of its flowers which may be blue, white or lavender. Chicory needs to be planted in healthy and hydrated land. It may be cultivated during spring but less during the autumn.

According to legends, the flowers of Chicory are thought as the eyes of a woman who is crying over the ship of his lover who never came back. The gods felt sorry for her so they transformed her into Chicory. Hence, the plant became famous as the "Blue Sailor Weed". In Germany, Chicory is popular as the "Watcher of the Road" because of its folklore about a woman who patiently waited for her sweetheart along the road but unfortunately her man did not ever return. Furthermore, it is said to be able to remove the lock in boxes once its leaf is placed near the security device. However, it has to be taken using a gold knife and it has to be cut on St. James' Day (July 25). Otherwise, the person taking it will die. During the 17th century, Paracelsus who is an alchemist declared that Chicory transformed into a bird.


In the past, the Egyptians deem Chicory as a good source of blood and liver purification because it increases calcium absorption in the body and its leaves can decrease inflammation of the skin. During the Roman era, Chicory was considered as a form of vegetable which can treat stones in the gallbladder. According to Pliny, the juice of Chicory when combined with vinegar and rose oil can provide relief to headaches, as well as to diseases of the bladder and liver.

Chicory is highly recognized for its positive effect to the digestive system especially the liver, and for its vitamin-rich components such as B, C and K. This plant has also been utilized in Bach flower treatments and the main words used for its prescription are 'Self-pity', 'Possessiveness', and 'Self-love'. It is also being studied for its usage in diseases of the heart.

Chicory is known for its anti-inflammatory, cholagogue, and hepatoprotective capabilities. Its seeds provide amiable effects in relieving asthma, fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, enlargement of the liver, and brain problems. Warts can be removed by applying the latex of its branches on them. Moreover, the roots of Chicory are filled with the substance called tannin phlobaphenes which is good for decreasing blood sugar in the body. The juice of its roots has shown in studies to cause the heart to beat slower and weaker. The Chicory roots when combined with its leaves can be used as a laxative, diuretic, diuretic, hypoglycemic, tonic, and appetizer. The leaves may also be boiled in water to create a blue dye. Because of this, Chicory flowers became famous as Violet Plates during the Tudor times

WARNING:
This herbal medicine should not be taken in excessive amounts since it may lead to intense damage to the visual functions of the retina.