Chicory
Cichorium intybus · Overcare Group
About Chicory
Chicory is for those whose love comes with conditions and expectations. They give generously, but they keep careful track of what they have given and expect recognition, gratitude, and reciprocation in return. When their efforts go unappreciated — or when loved ones seek independence — they feel hurt, rejected, and may resort to emotional manipulation: guilt-tripping, martyrdom, or even feigned illness to regain attention.
The Chicory person genuinely loves, but their love is entangled with the need to be needed. They may be the over-involved parent who cannot let a child grow up, the partner who demands constant proof of love, or the friend who feels betrayed when others have other friends. The remedy purifies love, removing the conditions and expectations so that it flows freely and allows others the space to reciprocate naturally.
The Negative State
Possessiveness, emotional manipulation, demanding love and attention, feeling sorry for oneself when efforts go unrecognized, inability to let go of loved ones. The person may use guilt ('After all I've done for you'), emotional displays, or physical symptoms to control others. They tend to interfere in others' lives under the guise of concern and feel deeply hurt when their help is rejected.
Transformation
Chicory opens the heart to unconditional love. The person discovers the joy of giving without expectation, of loving without possessing, of caring without controlling. They learn to respect others' independence and find that genuine love, freely given, naturally inspires the very devotion they previously tried to demand.
Physical Symptoms
Tightness in the chest from withheld emotion, digestive issues from swallowing resentment about unreciprocated care, tension headaches from monitoring others' responses, symptoms that appear or worsen when not receiving desired attention.
Dosage
Standard dosage: 2 drops in water, sipped through the day. Treatment bottle: 2 drops in 30ml spring water with brandy. Take 4 drops, 4 times daily.
Preparation Method
Sun method. The blue flowers are placed in spring water in a glass bowl and left in sunlight for three hours. The water is filtered and preserved with brandy.
Combinations
Combines with Heather when neediness dominates, with Holly when possessiveness turns to jealousy, with Willow when unappreciated care becomes resentment, and with Red Chestnut when over-concern for others masks a need to control.
Vedic Connections
Affirmation
I love freely and without conditions. True love needs no return.
Discover Your Constitution
Understanding your Ayurvedic dosha can deepen your relationship with flower essences and emotional healing. Discover which constitutional patterns may benefit most from Chicory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chicory Bach Flower Remedy used for?
Chicory (Cichorium intybus) belongs to the Overcare group and addresses possessive love, demanding, self-pity when unappreciated. It helps transform this emotional state into selfless love that gives freely without expecting return.
How do I take Chicory flower essence?
Standard dosage: 2 drops in water, sipped through the day. Treatment bottle: 2 drops in 30ml spring water with brandy. Take 4 drops, 4 times daily.
What are the physical symptoms that suggest I need Chicory?
Tightness in the chest from withheld emotion, digestive issues from swallowing resentment about unreciprocated care, tension headaches from monitoring others' responses, symptoms that appear or worsen when not receiving desired attention.
Can Chicory be combined with other Bach Flower Remedies?
Yes, Chicory combines well with other remedies. Combines with Heather when neediness dominates, with Holly when possessiveness turns to jealousy, with Willow when unappreciated care becomes resentment, and with Red Chestnut when over-concern for others masks a need to control.
How is Chicory flower essence prepared?
Sun method. The blue flowers are placed in spring water in a glass bowl and left in sunlight for three hours. The water is filtered and preserved with brandy.