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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Cichorium Intybus
Brand Name
Bach Original Flower Remedies Chicory
Generic Name
Cichorium Intybus
Active Ingredient
Cichorium Intybus FlowerCategory
Standardized Chemical Allergen [EPC]
Variants
1
Different strengths and dosage forms
| Strength | Form | Route | NDC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 [hp_X]/.095mL | SOLUTION | ORAL | 57687-207 |
Detailed information about Bach Original Flower Remedies Chicory
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Before using any prescription or over-the-counter medication for Bach Original Flower Remedies Chicory, you must consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Cichorium Intybus Flower is a standardized and non-standardized allergenic extract used primarily in the diagnosis and treatment of type I hypersensitivity to chicory pollen. It belongs to the class of Standardized Chemical Allergens [EPC] and is essential for identifying Asteraceae-related allergies.
Dosage for Cichorium Intybus Flower extract is highly individualized and depends entirely on whether the extract is being used for diagnosis or treatment.
For a standard Skin Prick Test (SPT), a single drop of the extract (typically at a concentration of 1:10 or 1:20 w/v) is applied to the skin, usually on the forearm or back. A sterile lancet is then used to prick the skin through the drop. A positive control (histamine) and a negative control (saline/glycerin) are applied simultaneously for comparison. The results are read after 15 to 20 minutes.
If used for immunotherapy, the dosage follows a 'Build-up Phase' and a 'Maintenance Phase.'
Cichorium Intybus Flower extract can be used in children, but extreme caution is required.
No specific dosage adjustments are required for patients with renal impairment, as the systemic absorption of the allergen is minimal. However, the clinician should monitor for any delayed clearance of inflammatory mediators if a systemic reaction occurs.
No dosage adjustments are necessary for hepatic impairment. The metabolism of the protein allergens is not dependent on the cytochrome P450 system.
Elderly patients may have reduced skin reactivity (decreased mast cell density), which can lead to false-negative results in diagnostic testing. In these cases, intradermal testing may be considered. Additionally, the risk-benefit ratio of immunotherapy must be carefully weighed in seniors with underlying cardiovascular disease.
This medication is never self-administered by the patient at home. It must be administered by a trained healthcare professional in a facility equipped with 'crash carts' and emergency medications (epinephrine, oxygen, IV fluids).
In the context of immunotherapy, a missed dose can disrupt the desensitization process. If a dose is missed by more than one week during the build-up phase, the allergist may need to repeat the previous dose or even reduce the dose to ensure safety. If a maintenance dose is missed by several weeks, the dose is usually reduced before gradually increasing it back to the maintenance level.
An 'overdose' in the context of allergenic extracts refers to the administration of too much allergen, leading to a systemic allergic reaction or anaphylaxis.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions. Do not adjust your dose or attempt to use these extracts without medical guidance.
Most patients undergoing testing or treatment with Cichorium Intybus Flower will experience localized reactions. These are generally considered expected and indicate that the extract is biologically active.
> Warning: Stop the administration of Cichorium Intybus Flower and call your doctor immediately or seek emergency care if you experience any of the following:
Prolonged use of allergenic extracts in immunotherapy is generally safe; however, some patients may develop a persistent 'nodule' or small lump at the site of repeated injections. There is no evidence that Cichorium Intybus Flower extract causes long-term organ damage, malignancy, or autoimmune disorders. The primary long-term 'effect' is the desired modification of the immune system to reduce allergy symptoms.
Most allergenic extracts, including Cichorium Intybus Flower, carry a class-wide warning regarding the risk of severe systemic reactions.
Report any unusual symptoms or delayed reactions (occurring hours after you leave the clinic) to your healthcare provider immediately.
Cichorium Intybus Flower extract is a potent biological substance that must be handled with extreme care. It is intended for use only by physicians who are experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. Because the extract contains active proteins, it has the potential to induce life-threatening allergic reactions even in very small quantities. Patients must always inform their provider of any changes in their health status, particularly respiratory infections or changes in heart medications, before receiving a dose.
No specific individual black box warning exists for Cichorium Intybus Flower alone, but it falls under the general FDA mandate for all allergenic extracts. The warning states that these products should only be used by clinicians prepared to manage anaphylaxis. It highlights that severe systemic reactions can occur and that the risk is increased in patients with highly sensitive skin tests or those with symptomatic asthma at the time of injection.
In most cases, Cichorium Intybus Flower does not affect the ability to drive. However, if a patient experiences a systemic reaction or is given antihistamines to treat a local reaction, they may become drowsy and should avoid driving until the symptoms have fully cleared.
There is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and Cichorium Intybus Flower extract. However, alcohol consumption can cause vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), which may theoretically increase the rate of allergen absorption and worsen the severity of an allergic reaction. It is advised to avoid alcohol for several hours after receiving an injection.
Discontinuing Cichorium Intybus Flower testing or treatment does not cause a withdrawal syndrome. However, stopping immunotherapy prematurely will likely result in the return of the patient's original allergy symptoms when they are exposed to chicory or related pollens in the environment.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially respiratory and heart issues, with your healthcare provider before starting Cichorium Intybus Flower.
Cichorium Intybus Flower extract does not interfere with standard blood chemistry or hematology tests. However, it is the primary agent used to perform the specific IgE lab tests. The presence of high levels of IgG 'blocking' antibodies in patients on immunotherapy can cause a false decrease in the measurement of IgE levels if using certain older laboratory assays.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially any heart or blood pressure medications.
Cichorium Intybus Flower extract must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
In these cases, the healthcare provider must perform a careful risk-benefit analysis:
Patients should be aware of cross-sensitivity with other members of the Asteraceae family. If you have had a severe reaction to ragweed (Ambrosia), mugwort (Artemisia), or chrysanthemums, you are at a higher risk of reacting strongly to Cichorium Intybus Flower extract.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history, including heart and lung health, before prescribing or using Cichorium Intybus Flower.
There are no adequate and well-controlled studies of Cichorium Intybus Flower extract in pregnant women. Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted. The primary concern during pregnancy is not the extract itself, but the risk of systemic anaphylaxis in the mother. Anaphylaxis can lead to maternal hypotension, which causes uterine hypoperfusion and fetal hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the baby), potentially resulting in fetal distress or death. Most allergists will continue maintenance immunotherapy for women who become pregnant but will avoid increasing the dose or starting new therapy until after delivery.
It is not known whether the allergenic proteins or their metabolites are excreted in human milk. Because these are large proteins that are likely broken down in the mother's lymphatic system and the infant's digestive tract, the risk to a nursing infant is considered very low. However, breastfeeding mothers should be monitored for systemic reactions, as the stress of a reaction could temporarily affect milk supply.
Cichorium Intybus Flower is approved for diagnostic use in children. It is highly effective for identifying the cause of 'hay fever' in pediatric patients. For immunotherapy, it is generally reserved for children aged 5 and older. Younger children may have difficulty describing the early symptoms of a systemic reaction (like an itchy throat or a 'funny' feeling), which makes the treatment more dangerous. Pediatric patients should be monitored for growth, although there is no evidence that allergenic extracts affect development.
Clinical studies of allergenic extracts often do not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently than younger subjects. In geriatric patients, the skin may be less reactive, leading to smaller wheals during testing. Furthermore, the higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease and the use of medications like beta-blockers in the elderly make them more vulnerable to the complications of an allergic reaction. Dose adjustments are not typically required based on age alone, but clinical monitoring must be more intensive.
There is no evidence that renal impairment significantly affects the safety or efficacy of Cichorium Intybus Flower extract. Since the extract is composed of proteins that are degraded into amino acids, the kidneys are not the primary route of clearance for the active components. However, patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) may have altered skin reactivity (uremic pruritus), which can complicate the interpretation of skin tests.
No specific studies have been performed in patients with hepatic impairment. However, since the metabolism of these allergens does not involve hepatic enzymes like the CYP450 system, liver disease is not expected to alter the drug's profile. Patients with severe liver disease should still be monitored for their overall ability to handle physiological stress.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment and a cautious approach to allergen exposure.
Cichorium Intybus Flower extract acts as a source of specific exogenous antigens. In the diagnostic phase, these antigens cross-link allergen-specific IgE antibodies bound to the FceRI receptors on mast cells in the skin. This triggers the release of pre-formed mediators (histamine) and newly synthesized mediators (leukotrienes). The resulting vasodilation and increased capillary permeability produce the characteristic 'wheal' (edema) and 'flare' (erythema). In the therapeutic phase (immunotherapy), the repeated, controlled exposure to these antigens induces a shift in the T-cell response from Th2 (pro-allergic) to Th1 (anti-allergic). It also promotes the development of T-regulatory (Treg) cells that produce IL-10 and TGF-beta, which suppress the allergic inflammation and induce the production of IgG4 antibodies that block IgE from binding to the allergen.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | Negligible (Epicutaneous); Slow/Incomplete (Subcutaneous) |
| Protein Binding | N/A (Interacts with IgE/IgG) |
| Half-life | Local wheal: 30-60 mins; Systemic proteins: Hours |
| Tmax | 15-20 minutes (Skin reaction) |
| Metabolism | Local and systemic proteolysis |
| Excretion | Renal (as peptides/amino acids) |
Cichorium Intybus Flower belongs to the class of Allergenic Extracts. It is specifically grouped under Standardized and Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extracts. Related medications include extracts for Ragweed (Ambrosia), Mugwort (Artemisia), and Timothy Grass (Phleum pratense).
Common questions about Bach Original Flower Remedies Chicory
Cichorium Intybus Flower extract is primarily used by medical specialists to diagnose and treat allergies to chicory pollen. In a diagnostic setting, it is applied during skin prick testing to see if a patient develops a localized allergic reaction, which confirms a sensitivity to the plant. It can also be used in immunotherapy, commonly known as allergy shots, where small, increasing amounts of the extract are injected to help the body build tolerance. This is particularly useful for patients who suffer from seasonal hay fever or asthma triggered by the Asteraceae family of plants. It is not used to treat the symptoms of an active allergy attack but rather to identify the cause or provide long-term desensitization.
The most frequent side effects are localized to the site where the extract was applied or injected. Most patients will experience a 'wheal and flare' reaction, which looks like a mosquito bite—a raised, itchy bump surrounded by a red ring. This is a normal part of the diagnostic process and usually fades within an hour or two. Some patients receiving injections may experience larger areas of swelling or redness that appear several hours later, known as a late-phase reaction. While uncomfortable, these local symptoms are generally not dangerous. However, any systemic symptoms like hives, itching all over, or trouble breathing are serious and require immediate medical attention.
It is generally recommended to avoid alcohol for several hours before and after receiving Cichorium Intybus Flower injections or testing. Alcohol causes blood vessels to dilate (expand), which can potentially speed up the absorption of the allergen into your bloodstream and increase the risk of a systemic reaction. Furthermore, alcohol can mask the early symptoms of an allergic reaction or make it more difficult for doctors to treat you if one occurs. While there is no direct chemical interaction between the extract and alcohol, safety is the priority. Always follow the specific 'wait time' and activity restrictions provided by your allergist after your appointment.
Cichorium Intybus Flower is classified as Pregnancy Category C, meaning its safety has not been fully established through clinical trials in pregnant women. The main concern is not that the extract will harm the baby directly, but that a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) in the mother could deprive the baby of oxygen. Because of this risk, doctors usually do not start new allergy testing or begin the 'build-up' phase of immunotherapy during pregnancy. However, if a woman is already on a stable 'maintenance' dose of allergy shots and is tolerating them well, many doctors will continue the treatment. You must discuss your pregnancy status with your allergist to create a safe plan for your specific needs.
The time it takes to see results depends on how the extract is being used. For diagnostic skin testing, the results are almost immediate, appearing within 15 to 20 minutes of application. If the extract is being used for immunotherapy (allergy shots), it takes much longer to see a clinical benefit. Most patients begin to notice a reduction in their allergy symptoms after 3 to 6 months of consistent weekly injections. Full effectiveness and long-term protection usually require a maintenance period of 3 to 5 years. It is a long-term commitment to changing how your immune system reacts to the environment.
Yes, you can stop receiving Cichorium Intybus Flower extracts at any time without experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms. Unlike some medications that require tapering, allergenic extracts do not create a chemical dependency in the body. However, if you are in the middle of an immunotherapy program, stopping suddenly will mean that your allergy symptoms will likely return when you are next exposed to chicory or related pollens. You will lose the progress you made toward building immune tolerance. If you need to stop due to side effects or life changes, discuss it with your allergist to see if a modified schedule is possible.
If you miss a scheduled allergy shot containing Cichorium Intybus Flower, you should contact your allergist's office as soon as possible to reschedule. Do not simply wait until your next regular appointment. The timing of these doses is critical for safety; if too much time passes between injections, your body may lose some of its tolerance, making the next dose potentially dangerous. Depending on how long it has been since your last shot, your doctor may need to reduce your dose slightly and then gradually build it back up. Never attempt to 'double up' on doses to make up for a missed one.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Cichorium Intybus Flower extract causes weight gain. The extract consists of proteins and a small amount of glycerin or saline, none of which have metabolic effects that would lead to increased body fat or water retention. If you experience weight changes while undergoing allergy treatment, it is likely due to other factors, such as the use of oral corticosteroids for asthma or changes in your activity level. If you have concerns about weight gain, you should discuss them with your primary care physician to rule out other underlying causes.
Cichorium Intybus Flower can be used alongside many medications, but there are some critical exceptions. You must tell your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or MAO antidepressants, as these can make allergic reactions more dangerous or harder to treat. Additionally, you must stop taking antihistamines several days before a skin test, as they will block the reaction and lead to a false-negative result. Most other daily medications for conditions like cholesterol, diabetes, or thyroid issues do not interact with the extract. Always provide your allergist with a complete and updated list of all your current medications.
Cichorium Intybus Flower extract is not available as a 'generic' in the way that pills like ibuprofen are. Instead, it is produced by several specialized biological laboratories (such as ALK, Greer, or Stallergenes) as a professional-use extract. While different companies may produce the extract, they are not always interchangeable because the concentration and protein 'recipe' can vary between manufacturers. Your allergist will typically stick with one brand for your entire course of treatment to ensure consistency and safety. These extracts are only available for purchase by licensed healthcare providers and are not sold directly to the public.
Other drugs with the same active ingredient (Cichorium Intybus Flower)