N. O. COMPOSITE. 
719 
Involucre-bracts herbaceous, glandular, hispid, much shorter 
than the Corolla ligules bright blue, rarely white or pink, truncate, 
5-toothed. Achenes angled, pale, molted ; pappus pale, obtuse, 
very short. 
Parts used : — The root, seed and flower. 
Uses:— Has tonic, demulcent and cooling properties. The 
seeds are considered carminative and cordial. A decoction of 
the seeds is used in obstructed menstruation (S. Arjun). 
The root is bitter, and used medicinally in the Punjab. An 
infusion of the chicory mixed with syrup causes a thickening 
of the liquid (Balfour). 
Flower, made into Sherbet, is given in liver disorders. 
A strong infusion of powdered seeds proves highly useful 
in checking bilious vomiting (Surg. Levinge, in Watt’s Dic- 
tionary). 
Its roots are used as a substitute for coffee. Drs. Letheby 
and Hassall say : — 
“ No one who is acquainted with the respective properties of chicory and 
coffee can for a moment entertain the opinion that the former can be effectively 
substituted for the latter. * * * * Now, it is a well ascertained fact, that of 
all parts of vegetables the fruits and seeds usually possess the most active 
properties. This is no doubt due to the circumstance of their being freely 
exposed to the influence of light and air, agencies which promote chemical 
changes in plants, and so effect the elaboration of those complex organic 
substances on which the activity of vegetables depends. On the other hand, 
it must be manifest that, as the roots are removed from the influence of these 
powerful agencies, they cannot be so richly endowed with active properties ; 
and, indeed, there are but few roots which contain either alkaloids or volatile 
oils— the two clsses of constituents which give to coffee its peculiar virtues.” 
Chicory is prepared from the older roots which are first cleansed by 
washing, then cut into slices and dried in a kiln , afterwards they are roasted 
and powdered. 
The medicinal properties of chicory closely resemble those of Taraxacum, 
regarding which Dr. Pereira writes : — 
“ Its obvious effects are those of a stomachic and tonic. In large doses, it 
acts as a mild aperient. Its diuretic action is less obvious and constant. In 
various chronic diseases its continued use is attended with alterative and 
resolvent effects ; but whero the digestive organs are weak and readily dis- 
ordered, taraxacum is very apt to occasiou dyspepsia, flatulence, pain, and 
diarrhoea." 
