Medicinal Plants : Gentiana lutea

Name

Gentian

Biological Name

Gentiana lutea

Other Names

Gentian, bitterroot, bitterwort, gentian root, yellow gentian, pale gentian, felwort

Parts Used

Root

Active Compounds

Gentian contains some of the most bitter substances known, particularly the glycosides gentiopicrin and amarogentin. The taste of these can be detected even when diluted 50,000 times.

Besides stimulating secretion of saliva in the mouth and hydrochloric acid in the stomach, gentiopicrin may protect the liver.

History

Gentian root and other highly bitter plants have been used for centuries in Europe as digestive aids (the well-known Swedish bitters often contain gentian).

Other folk uses included topical use on skin tumors, decreasing fevers, and treatment of diarrhea.1 Its ability to increase digestive function, including production of stomach acid, has since been validated in modern times.

Remedies For

Stomachic, tonic, anthelmintic, antibilious

Useful for:

Indigestion
Poor appetite

Purifies blood, good for liver complaints, dysentery, jaundice, excellent for spleen, improves appetite an strengthen digestive organs. Also used for gastritis, indigestion, heartburn, stomach aches; it increases circulation, benefit the female organs, and invigorates the entire system.
Useful for fevers, colds, gout, convulsions, scrofula, and dyspepsia as well as for suppressed menstruation and scanty urine.

Description

This plant comes from meadows in Europe and Turkey. It is also cultivated in North America. The root is used medicinally. Several other similar species can be used interchangeably.

Dosage

Up to 20 drops of gentian tincture dissolved in a small glass of water should be sipped, at least fifteen minutes before meals.

Safety

Gentian should not be used by people suffering from excessive stomach acid, heartburn, stomach ulcers, or gastritis.