Chicory: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Mis à jour le 8 November 2025

Chicory is a perennial plant in the Asteraceae family. Native to Europe and Asia, it commonly grows along roadsides and in uncultivated areas. Mentioned in the Ebers Papyrus, dating to 4000 BC, chicory has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. Its name 'intybus' comes from Syriac, meaning 'hollow stem', like a flute. During the first year it forms a rosette of downy leaves; in the second year it sends up an upright stem and blooms from July to September, bearing beautiful azure-blue flowers often grouped in pairs. Chicory is valued for its medicinal properties and culinary uses. Saint Hildegard recommended it for indigestion and for treating wounds and boils externally. The plant's sap was once used against poisonings. The whole plant is recognized for its tonic, stomachic, depurative, diuretic, laxative, cholagogue, and febrifuge properties. It promotes the elimination of excess bile and cleanses the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Both the aerial parts and the roots of chicory are used. They contain inulin (10 to 15%), sesquiterpene lactones, phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid...), phytosterols, and tannins. Chicory is also rich in vitamins C, B, P, and K. For centuries, chicory has been eaten as a salad. It is considered an excellent food-medicine because it strengthens the stomach. In addition to its culinary uses, chicory is also cultivated for the production of chicory coffee, a caffeine-free alternative to traditional coffee. Today, chicory is used for digestive disorders such as bloating, slow digestion, belching, and flatulence; to facilitate urinary and digestive elimination; as an aid to weight-loss diets; and to promote renal elimination of water.

Scientific name(s)

Cichorium intybus

Family or group:

Plants

Active ingredients:

Inulin

Sesquiterpenes

Flavonoids

Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with consistently positive conclusions for the indication.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with positive conclusions for the indication.

One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.

Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or conflicting.

No clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Metabolic syndrome
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A small clinical study showed that consuming chicory seeds, 9 g infused in hot water daily for 12 weeks, can reduce body mass index (BMI) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Although chicory seeds did not significantly affect other liver enzymes or plasma lipid levels compared with placebo, they showed some promise when combined with 3 g of turmeric per day, reducing serum alkaline phosphatase.

Posologie

Oral use

9 g

Turmeric and chicory seed have beneficial effects on obesity markers and lipid profile in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

Digestive disorders
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Traditionally, chicory has been used to treat various digestive disorders, notably dyspepsia associated with hepatic congestion. Thanks to its choleretic properties, chicory promotes the elimination of excess bile, thereby helping to relieve the sensation of heaviness associated with poor liver function.

Posologie

Oral use

Phytotherapy Advice, Guide for Prescribers. Paul Goetz Francis, Hadji-Minaglou, Lavoisier, ISBN: 978-2-7430-2414-7.

Properties

Hypoglycemic

Animal and in vitro research indicates that chicory extracts have antidiabetic effects. Inulin-type fructans from chicory root can influence the production of peptides such as incretins, which are crucial in the regulation of appetite and the management of diabetes and obesity. nnFurthermore, in diabetic rats, chicory extract increases glucose-induced insulin secretion and protects against damage to pancreatic beta cells, playing a potential role in diabetes management.nn

Usages associés

Metabolic syndrome

Digestive effect

Chicory is known for its beneficial effects on digestion, notably due to its ability to act as a prebiotic. Chicory fructans, such as oligofructose and inulin, promote the growth of bifidobacteria in the colon, bacteria that are beneficial for intestinal health. In addition, chicory root may have a mild laxative effect and stimulate bile production, thereby aiding digestion. nnAnimal studies also suggest that chicory root extract could help prevent the development of ulcers and has protective properties for the liver.nn

Usages associés

Digestive disorders

Antimicrobial

Laboratory research shows that chicory extracts have antibacterial and antifungal effects. The sesquiterpene alkaloids of chicory have bacteriostatic properties, and some of the plant's bitter compounds, such as lactucin and lactucopicrin, have antimalarial properties.nn

Safe dosage

Adult: 2 g - 5 g

- Take 2 to 5 g as a single dose. - Infusion: Infuse 2 to 4 g of the plant in boiling water for 10 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 times a day. - Decoction: Boil 2 to 4 g of the plant in 150 to 250 mL of water, then let steep for 10 minutes. Drink 1 to 3 times a day.

Precautions

Gallstones: avoid

Chicory may stimulate bile production.

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