Known as a coffee substitute, chicory root can also be used medicinally to help with liver problems and skin conditions. This chicory root tincture recipe uses only two ingredients and is a great recipe for beginners.
Making chicory root tincture is a great way to harness the medicinal compounds in the plant. Chicory (Cichorium intybus) is a perennial plant that belongs to the dandelion family (the Asteraceae family). It has bright blue flowers and lobed leaves. It’s commonly found in Europe, North America, and Australia.
Chicory root is commonly used as a coffee substitute and has a rich, earthy flavour when it’s roasted. The root is also used for medicinal purposes and contains inulin, a type of prebiotic dietary fiber that promotes gut health. The root is also rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which help to reduce inflammation and support liver function.
Chicory leaves are usually found in mainstream grocery stores and taste great when roasted. And like dandelions (which are another great plant to tincture for cleaning!), the leaves of the chicory plant can also be added with other fresh salad greens.
Benefits of chicory root
Helps with overall digestive health – Chicory root is high in inulin, which promotes healthy gut bacteria. Healthy gut bacteria aid in digestion and relieving constipation.
Anti-inflammatory – Chicory root contains polyphenols and other antioxidants that reduce inflammation, potentially lowering the risk of chronic diseases.
Support blood sugar level regulation – Inulin in chicory root helps regulate blood sugar levels by improving how the body uses carbohydrates.
Support liver health – Chicory root is a natural detoxifier, that supports liver function and protects against liver damage.
Cleansing antioxidants – Chicory root is abundant in antioxidants which means that it reduces oxidative stress and helps cleanse your body.
How to make chicory tincture
Tools
An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops
A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
A small funnel
A knife or food processor – for chopping up dried chicory root
Supplies
Dried and chopped chicory root
80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar.
For complete measurements, see the printable recipe card below.
Instructions
I buy my chicory root online but if you’re harvesting yours fresh, make sure to wash the roots as best as you can. Chop the fresh roots into smaller pieces using a knife or food processor and then dry them completely.
Add the dried and chopped roots to a clean glass jar. Fill the jar about ⅓ of the way full with the dried plant material.
Cover the roots with alcohol. I like to use unflavoured vodka but you can use what you have on hand as long as it’s 80-proof or over.
Put a tight-fitting lid on the jar and shake it to make sure everything is submerged in alcohol. Add a date and label to the jar so you don’t forget what it is or when you made it.
Leave it to sit in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard) for 6-8 weeks.
After 8 weeks, use cheesecloth, a fine mesh strainer, or a coffee filter to strain off the tincture.
Bottle the liquid in a clean jar. I like to use amber glass dropper bottles for this but you can also use any glass jar with a tight lid. It’s a good idea to use an amber glass jar (you can find mason jars in this colour) as opposed to clean glass because the amber better protects the tincture’s beneficial compounds from being zapped by sunlight.
Label and date your final tincture and enjoy!
How much chicory root tincture to take?
I like to take 1 dropper full per day 2 times daily as a preventative. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.
How long does chicory root tincture last?
Like other alcohol-based herbal medicine, this tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.
How to consume chicory root tincture
Directly – For the quickest absorption, you can add the dosage under your tongue. Hold it there for a few seconds and then swallow.
Diluted in a drink – You can add the dosage to a glass of water or a cup of tea to dilute the flavour.
Other ways to use chicory root
Chicory coffee – Add two tablespoons of chopped and roasted chicory root into a french press. Boil about two cups of water and pour it over the root. Leave it to sit for about 5 minutes and then press the plunger down. You can add milk and sweetener if desired.
Chicory root tea – Follow the same steps as making chicory coffee but in the french press, you can add other herbs of your choice. I like to add nettle or dandelion root to chicory tea because I think it compliments the nutty flavour of chicory.
Disclaimer – I’m not a medical professional and do not intend to offer medical or health advice in any content I create. I offer information for educational purposes and, as always, get your physician’s advice or the advice of your qualified health care providers before trying a new herbal remedy. There are always possible unintended consequences of trying a new herbal remedy such as allergic reactions or unexpected side effects like interactions with other medications.
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Simple Chicory Root Tincture Recipe
Known as a coffee substitute, chicory root can also be used medicinally to help with liver problems and skin conditions. This chicory root tincture recipe uses only two ingredients and is a great recipe for beginners.
Materials
- Dried and chopped chicory root
- 80-proof vodka (or 40% alcohol) – If you want to avoid alcohol, you can swap out the alcohol for store-bought apple cider vinegar.
Tools
- An airtight container with a tight-fitting lid – I use a glass mason jar with parchment paper between the metal lid and tincture or extraction to prevent the alcohol from corroding the metal.
- Small amber glass bottles with dropper tops
- A fine mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or coffee filter
- A small funnel
- A knife or food processor – for chopping up dried chicory root
Instructions
- I buy my chicory root online but if you’re harvesting yours fresh, make sure to wash the roots as best as you can. Chop the fresh roots into smaller pieces using a knife or food processor and then dry them completely.
- Add the dried and chopped roots to a clean glass jar. Fill the jar about ⅓ of the way full with the dried plant material.
- Cover the roots with alcohol. I like to use unflavoured vodka but you can use what you have on hand as long as it’s 80-proof or over.
- Put a tight-fitting lid on the jar and shake it to make sure everything is submerged in alcohol. Add a date and label to the jar so you don’t forget what it is or when you made it.
- Leave it to sit in a cool, dark place (like a cupboard) for 6-8 weeks.
- After 8 weeks, use cheesecloth, a fine mesh strainer, or a coffee filter to strain off the tincture.
- Bottle the liquid in a clean jar. I like to use amber glass dropper bottles for this but you can also use any glass jar with a tight lid. It’s a good idea to use an amber glass jar (you can find mason jars in this colour) as opposed to clean glass because the amber better protects the tincture’s beneficial compounds from being zapped by sunlight.
- Label and date your final tincture and enjoy!
Notes
How much chicory root tincture to take?
I like to take 1 dropper full per day 2 times daily as a preventative. You can start by taking a small amount and work your way up.
How long does chicory root tincture last?
Like other alcohol-based herbal medicine, this tincture has a long shelf life if stored away from direct sunlight. I like to use the tincture within 1-2 years.
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