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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.
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
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]
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
Caution:
- excess doses can cause irritation
Global Herbal Supplies has Gentian available in the following forms
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.
