The Gentian Herb

(Western Herb)

Gentiana lutea

The Gentian herb is also known as Yellow Gentian, Chinese Gentian Root, Wild Gentian, Bitterroot and Bitterwort.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND INFORMATION:

The Gentian herb is a perennial plant that bears alternating leaves on a single stem that is topped with five-petaled yellowish-orange flowers that bloom from July to August.

It has a thick, branching, yellowish brown root that produces a hollow, erect stem that grows three to four feet high. The Gentian plant is native to Europe and some are also imported from Switzerland, France and Spain. It is during the summer when the herb is extracted from the roots and rhizome of plants that are 2 to 5 years old.

Gentian is approved for use in foods, cosmetics, and some anti-smoking products. It is also used to flavor vermouth.

The root of the Gentian plant has been used in different cultures for over 3,000 years to treat digestive disorders and to stimulate the appetite.

TARGET AILMENTS:

Take internally for:

* poor digestion

* loss of appetite

* gastritis

* heartburn

* stomachache

* fatigue

* increasing circulation

* dyspepsia

* irregular menstrual cycle

* help to stop smoking

* dysentery

PREPARATIONS:

The Gentian plant is available in bulk as dried roots, capsule, tablet, and tincture at health food stores or herb gardens.

It can be used as a decoction and tea.

Parts used: Dried rhizome and roots

Collection: The roots of the plant are harvested in late summer or autumn.

Constituents: Bitter principles gentiopircin and amarogentin, pectin, tannin, mucilage, sugar

Action: Febrifuge, emmenagogue, anathematic, antiseptic, heptic, tonic, bitter, gastric stimulate, sialagogue, cholagogue, anti-microbial

Combinations: Gentian can be used with Ginger and Cardamom for digestive disorders.

SAFETY AND SIDE EFFECTS:

* Children under the age of two should not be given this herb.

* Low-strength preparations should be used for children and adults over 65.

* Do not use if you have high blood pressure and if you are pregnant.

* An overdose of this herb can cause nausea and vomiting.