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Information about the herb Gentian

Gentiana lutea, also known as Bitter Root is part of the Gentianaceae plant family. It is a native of the Alpine and sub-Alpine areas of central and southern Europe, the mountains of Spain and Portugal, the Pyrenees, Sardinia, Corsica and as far as Bosnia and the Balkan countries.


General Information

The Gentians number about 180 species, distributed widely throughout the world.

Botanical Name: Gentiana lutea

Plant Family:  Gentianaceae

Common name: Bitter Root, Bitterwort, Enzian, Pale Gentian, Yellow Gentian

History: The plant is named after an ancient king of Illyria, King Gentius (180-167 BC) who is thought to have discovered its medicinal value.

During the Middle Ages it was used as an antidote to poison

Culpepper writes: 'It is under the dominion of Mars....'

Tradition:

  • Before the introduction of Hops it was used in brewing

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Plant Constituents of Gentian

Contains:

The glycosides:

  • Amarogentin
  • Gentiamarin
  • Gentiin
  • Gentiopicrin

as well as:

  • dextrose
  • Gentianic Acid (Gentisin)
  • gentianose
  • laevulose
  • pale yellow crystalline substance
  • sucrose

Action:

  • anthelmintic [an agent that destroys or expels intestinal worms and/or parasites; vermicide; vermifuge]
  • antiseptic [an agent for inhibiting the growth of microorganism on living tissue or destroying pathogenic or putrefactive bacteria]
  • bitter [applied to bitter tasting drugs which act on the mucous membranes of the mouth and stomach to increase appetite and promote digestion]
  • cholagogue [an agent for increasing the flow of bile into the intestines]
  • depurative [an agent that cleanses and purifies the system, especially the blood]
  • emmenagogue [an agent that promotes menstrual flow]
  • febrifuge [an agent that reduces or eliminates fevers]
  • gastric stimulant [an agent that excites or quickens the functional activity of the tissues giving more energy]
  • refrigerant [an agent that lowers abnormal body heat, relieves thirst and gives a feeling of coolness]
  • stomachic [an agent that strengthens, stimulates or tones the stomach]
  • tonic [an agent that tones, strengthens and invigorates organs or the entire organism giving a feeling of well-being]

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Usage of Gentian

Medicinal Parts Used:  The Root and Rhizomes

Gentian is used for:

Blood Conditions

  • blood cleanser
  • raises the white blood cell count

Brain and Nervous System Conditions

  • hysteria

Gastrointestinal Conditions

  • dyspepsia
  • fainting spells
  • flatulence (gas/wind)
  • catarrhal gastritis with diarrhea
  • gastro-intestinal inflammations
  • griping pains and stitches
  • heartburn
  • improves appetite and poor digestion
  • indigestion
  • promotes the flow of digestive juices and bile
  • stomach ache
  • strengthens the activity of the stomach (take half an hour before meals)
  • vomiting
  • weakness of the digestive organs

Female Conditions

  • female weaknesses

Liver Conditions

  • biliousness
  • jaundice
  • promotes the flow of bile

Other

  • anorexia
  • counters poisons, putrefaction and pestilence
  • general debility
  • discourages the smoking habit
  • intermittent fevers
  • relieves a fever

Externally Gentian can be used:

  • for soothing inflammation
  • in footbaths
  • to wash wounds

Other Uses:

  • in bitter liqueurs

Dosage:

Recommended dosage is as follows:

  • 5-15mL per week of 1:2 fluid extract

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Precautions

Caution:

  • excess doses can cause irritation

Products

Global Herbal Supplies has Gentian available in the following forms


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Research


Articles

Information given by our website  is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by a physician or other medical professionals. You should not use the information given for diagnosing a health problem or disease. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. The above information is just a guide to general circumstances and in no way should it contradict the advice that you have been given by your naturopath, medical doctor or specialist.

     
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