--- title: "Chicory Root: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "EMA recognises chicory root tea as a traditional remedy for mild digestive complaints and poor appetite. Chicory inulin supports normal bowel habits." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chicory-root/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) # Chicory Root Cichorium intybus B Limited clinical evidence EMA recognises chicory root tea as a traditional remedy for mild digestive complaints and poor appetite. Chicory inulin supports normal bowel habits. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid** Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid** Children **⚠ Avoid** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** root **Key constituents:** Inulin, Sesquiterpene lactones (lactucin, lactucopicrin), Caffeic acid derivatives (chicoric acid) 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 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 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. \[1\] ### 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. 1. [Community herbal monograph on Cichorium intybus L., radix](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-cichorium-intybus-l-radix_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2013 · Monograph Source accessed: October 24, 2026 2. [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 1924/2006](https://doi.org/10.2903/j.efsa.2015.3951) EFSA Journal · 2015 · Official agency information Source accessed: October 24, 2026 ### Cite This Page Chicory Root (Cichorium intybus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chicory-root/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Peppermint Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/peppermint-oil/) A Strong clinical evidence Mentha × piperita Gastro-resistant peppermint oil capsules may ease IBS cramps, wind and pain; oil rubbed on the forehead may ease mild tension headache. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Joints, Bones & Pain](https://herbadex.com/en/for/joints-pain/) +1 [Essential Oil](https://herbadex.com/en/form/essential-oil/) ### [Psyllium Husk](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/psyllium-husk/) A Strong clinical evidence Plantago ovata Taken with plenty of water, psyllium husk helps soften stools in constipation; keep a gap between it and other medicines. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [St. John's Wort](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/st-johns-wort/) A Strong clinical evidence Hypericum perforatum St John's wort extract may help with mild to moderate depressive episodes, but it seriously interacts with many medicines, including the pill. [Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Anise](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/anise/) B Limited clinical evidence Pimpinella anisum Aniseed tea is traditionally used for mild digestive complaints such as bloating and wind, and for cough that comes with a cold. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Artichoke Leaf](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/artichoke-leaf/) B Limited clinical evidence Cynara cardunculus (syn. C. scolymus) Artichoke leaf is traditionally used for indigestion with fullness, bloating and wind; it must not be used with gallbladder disease. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Common Mallow](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/common-mallow/) B Limited clinical evidence Malva sylvestris L. Common mallow leaves and flowers are traditionally used for throat irritation and mild digestive discomfort; avoid medicinal use in pregnancy and under 12. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) +1 [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Dried Herb & Tea) [Dried Herb & Tea →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Black Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-tea/) A Strong clinical evidence Camellia sinensis Its caffeine can increase attention and alertness. Observational studies link regular tea drinking to lower cardiovascular risk. [Energy & Focus](https://herbadex.com/en/for/energy-focus/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Black Elderberry Fruit](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-elderberry-fruit/) B Limited clinical evidence Sambucus nigra L. Black elderberry is an anthocyanin-rich fruit studied for cold symptoms, but clinical evidence is limited. Raw or unripe berries should not be eaten. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Cornelian Cherry](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cornelian-cherry/) B Limited clinical evidence Cornus mas In a meta-analysis of 6 small trials, cornelian cherry fruit was linked to modest drops in blood sugar and weight. It is not the same fruit as cranberry. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) ### [Echinacea](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/echinacea/) B Limited clinical evidence Echinacea purpurea Juice pressed from fresh echinacea plants may help with short-term prevention and treatment of colds. Dried echinacea tea is not covered. [Immunity](https://herbadex.com/en/for/immunity/) [Skin & Hair](https://herbadex.com/en/for/skin-hair/) [Dried Herb & Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/form/dried-herb-tea/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.