Chicory Root
Cichorium intybus
B Limited clinical evidenceEMA recognises chicory root tea as a traditional remedy for mild digestive complaints and poor appetite. Chicory inulin supports normal bowel habits.
Chicory RootOn this page
At a glance
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a blue-flowered plant whose root is also roasted as a coffee substitute. EMA recognises the traditional use of root tea for bloating, wind, slow digestion and temporary loss of appetite. EFSA accepted that 12 g a day of native inulin from the root increases stool frequency.
Updated: October 24, 2026
Sources include an EMA HMPC monograph. Its scope is limited to the specified species, plant part and preparation; this is not professional approval.
What is it used for?
T Traditional use
Traditional use: Documents traditional use, not clinical efficacy or safety for everyone.
How do we rate evidence levels? →EMA recognises chicory root tea as a traditional herbal medicinal product for relief of mild digestive disorders such as abdominal fullness, flatulence and slow digestion, and temporary loss of appetite. [1]
B Limited clinical evidence
Limited clinical evidence: Limited human data; small samples, methodological problems or inconsistent results reduce certainty. Findings do not apply to every product.
How do we rate evidence levels? →EFSA accepted a cause-and-effect relationship between 12 g a day of native chicory inulin and maintaining normal defecation by increasing stool frequency. This applies to isolated inulin and cannot be transferred directly to root tea. [2]
How is it used?
Tea
Chopped root is steeped in 250 ml of boiling water or simmered. See a doctor if symptoms last more than 2 weeks.
Amount: 2–4 g in 250 ml water, once a day
Duration limit: 2 weeks
[1]Food
Chicory root inulin is used as a fibre source in foods and supplements; the amount in the EFSA assessment is 12 g a day and should not cause diarrhoea.
[2]Safety & interactions
Minimum age: 12 years
- Do not use if allergic to chicory or daisy-family plants (chamomile, chrysanthemum, arnica, dandelion and others).
- Not recommended for children under 12 due to lack of data.
- Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established.
- See a doctor if symptoms worsen or last more than 2 weeks.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- No known side effects
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Frequently asked questions
What is chicory root good for?
EMA recognises chicory root tea as a traditional use for bloating, wind, slow digestion and temporary loss of appetite.
Does chicory help with constipation?
EFSA accepted that 12 g a day of inulin from chicory root increases stool frequency. This effect is for isolated inulin; there is no separate evidence for root tea.
What is chicory coffee?
Roasted chicory root can be drunk instead of coffee and contains no caffeine. The EMA assessment covers dried root tea, not roasted coffee.
Can I use chicory while pregnant?
EMA does not recommend root tea in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been established.
Is chicory good for the liver?
This use is not part of the EMA assessment and there are no verified human data.
Sources
Source type is not an efficacy rating. A monograph may document traditional use or safety. Claim numbers link to the relevant source; the access date does not indicate professional approval.
- Community herbal monograph on Cichorium intybus L., radixEMA HMPC · 2013 · MonographSource accessed:
- Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of a health claim related to “native chicory inulin” and maintenance of normal defecation by increasing stool frequency pursuant to Article 13.5 of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006EFSA Journal · 2015 · Official agency informationSource accessed:
Cite This Page
Chicory Root (Cichorium intybus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chicory-root/
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