Toxicological trivia from May 13, 2015:Common chicory, Cichorium intybus,is a somewhat woody, perennial herbaceous plant usually with bright blue flowers, rarely white or pink. Many varieties are cultivated for salad leaves, chicons (blanched buds), or for roots (var. sativum), which are baked, ground, and used as a coffee substitute and additive.It lives as a wild plant on roadsides in its native Europe, and now common in North America and Australia where it has become widely naturalized. Root chicory contains volatile oils similar to those found in plants in the related genus Tanacetum which includes Tansy, and is similarly effective at eliminating intestinal worms. Chicory contains inulin,which may help humans with: a) Weight loss; b) Constipation, improving bowel function, and general health;c) Both previous assertions are correct.

Correct answer: c. Read more in WP.