ENGLISH NAME: Spiny chicory
LATIN NAME: Cichorium spinosum
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Ostnatý čekanka (rarely cultivated or wild)
Turkey: Dikenli hindiba / Yabani hindiba
Bulgaria: Бодлива цикория (Bodliva
tsikoriya)
Georgia: ეკლიანი ციკორიუმი (Ekliani tsikoriumi)
COUNTRY: Turkey, Bulgaria, Georgia (rare or not native in Czechia)
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Aegean and Mediterranean coasts (Turkey), Black Sea region (Bulgaria),
Samegrelo and Guria (Georgia)
Elevation: 0–900 meters
Terrain: Coastal scrublands, rocky slopes, dry meadows, and olive groves
DESCRIPTION:
A low-growing, perennial herb forming dense, spiny rosettes of small, lobed,
grey-green leaves. It produces small bluish to violet flowers resembling common
chicory. The plant is adapted to arid, stony soils and is well known for its
drought resistance and bitterness.
USABLE PARTS: Leaves, young
shoots, and roots
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Traditionally used for liver stimulation, digestive aid, and as a mild
diuretic. Contains bitter compounds that support bile secretion and
detoxification. The young leaves are also consumed as a spring tonic.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
May aggravate existing gallstones or stomach ulcers due to bitterness. Can
cause allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae family.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Often combined with dandelion or milk thistle for liver health, or with fennel
and mint to support digestion and reduce bitterness.
PREPARATION:
Tender young leaves can be blanched and eaten as a salad green or boiled as a
traditional vegetable. Dried root can be roasted for use as a coffee substitute
or made into decoctions for liver and digestive support.
HARVEST TIME:
Spring (for leaves); late summer to autumn (for roots)
HARVEST METHOD:
Collect young leaves before flowering for culinary use. Roots should be
carefully dug, washed, sliced, and dried. Use gloves when harvesting due to the
spiny foliage.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Store dried leaves and roots in airtight containers away from sunlight and
moisture. Use within 12 months for best potency.