Chicory Root Coffee – A Natural Brew with Deep Roots

For centuries, people have turned to the earth when the pantry came up short, and few plants illustrate this better than chicory. Known for its bright blue flowers and hardy nature, chicory has been used as a food, medicine, and coffee substitute across generations and continents. Yes, you can make great chicory root coffee!

Today, as more folks seek natural alternatives to highly processed drinks, chicory root coffee is making a well-deserved comeback. But this isn’t just a trendy caffeine fix. Chicory root offers a surprising range of health benefits and a flavor profile that might just surprise you.

Let’s explore why you may want to brew your next cup from the root, not the bean.

Why Drink Chicory Root Coffee?

Chicory root coffee isn’t just for those who run out of coffee beans. It’s a herbal tradition with a rich history, used during times of war, rationing, and scarcity, but also valued by herbalists for its effects on digestion, blood sugar, and inflammation.

Some reasons to make the switch or simply add it to your rotation include:

• Caffeine-free alternative: For those sensitive to caffeine or trying to reduce it, chicory provides a warm, satisfying experience without the jitters.

• Gut-friendly prebiotic: Chicory root contains inulin, a type of soluble fiber that nourishes beneficial gut bacteria.

• Naturally anti-inflammatory: Used in traditional medicine for arthritis and liver health, chicory may help soothe internal inflammation.

• Rich, roasted taste: Many people enjoy its nutty, slightly bitter flavor, especially when blended with a touch of cinnamon or mixed into their regular coffee.

How Is Chicory Root Coffee Different From Regular Coffee?

In a word: balance.

While regular coffee stimulates with caffeine and bold acidity, chicory root coffee offers a smoother, milder taste and no caffeine at all. It’s often described as earthy, roasted, or even chocolatey depending on how it’s prepared.

Here’s how they stack up:

🆚 Chicory vs. Coffee

Some even blend the two for the best of both worlds – flavor and stimulation from coffee, gentleness and nutrients from chicory.

What About Caffeine?

Chicory root is naturally caffeine-free. That makes it an excellent choice if:

• You’re trying to reduce dependence on stimulants

• You’re pregnant or nursing

• You suffer from anxiety, insomnia, or high blood pressure

• You want a cozy evening drink that won’t keep you up

If you’re switching from regular coffee, expect a few days of adjustment if you’re used to that caffeine “kick.” But many people find they don’t miss it nearly as much as they thought once they’ve made the switch.

Who Should Not Drink Chicory Root Coffee?

While chicory is generally safe, there are a few groups who should use caution:

• People with ragweed allergies: Chicory is in the same plant family, and cross-reactions can occur.

• Pregnant women: In large amounts, chicory root may stimulate uterine contractions.

• Those on certain medications: If you’re taking blood pressure medications, blood thinners, or have gallbladder issues, consult your doctor.

As always, moderation is key. And if you’re unsure, it’s best to test a small amount and watch how your body reacts.

Coffee works because it’s powerful, and that also means there are times when it can make certain problems worse.

Want to know when you should NEVER reach for another cup? Click here.

How to Make Chicory Root Coffee

You can buy roasted chicory root pre-ground from health food stores or you can harvest and roast your own, if you’re the DIY type. Here’s how to make your own cup from scratch:

To Harvest:

1. Identify wild chicory (Cichorium intybus) – it grows along roadsides and in open fields.

2. Dig up the root in early spring or fall when it’s most potent.

3. Wash thoroughly, then chop into small pieces.

To Prepare:

1. Roast the chopped root in the oven at 350°F for 20–30 minutes, until dark brown and aromatic.

2. Cool and grind in a coffee grinder or mortar and pestle.

3. Brew using a French press, drip method, or stovetop percolator:

   • Use 1 tablespoon of roasted chicory root per 8 oz of water.

   • Steep for 5–10 minutes for a richer brew.

You can enjoy it plain, or mix with a dash of cinnamon, ginger, or even blend it half-and-half with coffee beans.

🌱 Did You Know?

Chicory coffee was a Civil War staple when beans were scarce, and is still popular in New Orleans cafés today.

Also read: What Happens When You Put Butter In Your Coffee?

Grow Your Own Chicory Instead of Buying It Again

Once you realize chicory root can replace coffee, it starts feeling a little silly to keep buying bags of it.

Because chicory is something you can grow yourself.

And that’s the part I love.

You plant it once, harvest the roots, use them for coffee, and keep the plant going instead of paying again every time you want another batch.

That’s one of the cheapest ways to turn a simple cup into a habit you can actually sustain.

Nicole Apelian has spent decades working with medicinal plants, and one of the easiest ways I’ve found to start is the seed kit she put together with 10 medicinal plants — chicory included.

So if this article made you want to try chicory coffee for yourself, I’d honestly start by growing the root instead of buying it over and over.

The kit is called the Medicinal Garden Kit, and you can see it here.

Still Love Coffee? Try Balancing the Cup

Chicory is a great caffeine-free option, but maybe you’re not ready to give up real coffee completely.

You don’t have to.

One simple trick is to keep your coffee and pair it with lemon balm — especially on mornings when you want the energy but could do without the shaky, overstimulated feeling.

Fresh or dried lemon balm works, but tincture is by far the easiest concentrated form. A few drops go straight into your coffee or chicory blend. No steeping. No extra cup. No waiting.

That’s why I keep Nicole Apelian’s Lemon Balm Tincture nearby.

Coffee brings the lift. Lemon balm brings the calmer side of the ritual.

Click here to see the Lemon Balm Tincture I’d add to my morning cup.

A Forgotten Tradition Worth Reviving

In a world that runs on caffeine and convenience, it’s easy to overlook the value of a simple, slow-brewed cup from the earth. But as our ancestors knew, there’s power in the plants around us, if we only remember how to use them.

Chicory root coffee is more than a substitute. It’s a tradition grounded in resilience, resourcefulness, and care for the body. Whether you’re looking to detox from caffeine, soothe your stomach, or connect with a piece of herbal history, this humble root deserves a spot in your pantry.

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