Origin and history
Wild chicory, also known as "cornflower" or "capuchin's beard," is a very ancient perennial plant. It grows spontaneously along roadsides and in sunny meadows throughout Europe. Used since antiquity, it was already mentioned in Egyptian and Greek texts for its digestive and purifying properties. In the 19th century, its roasted roots became popular as a coffee substitute, particularly in northern France and Belgium. In herbal medicine, chicory is renowned for its beneficial effects on the liver, digestion, and gut flora. A symbol of simplicity and sincerity, it is also included in Bach flower remedies, where it helps cultivate selfless love.