Gentiana andrewsii (Closed Gentian), G. lutea (Yellow Gentian), G. macrophylla, G. officinalis, G. scabra, G. villosa

Family

Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)

Etymology

The genus name Gentiana and common name gentian derive from that of the second-century Illyrian king Gentius, who is said to have introduced this herb as a medicine.

Range of Appearance

Gentian is an annual or perennial native to North America and Eurasia. It produces long, branched, opposite whorls or pairs of simple leaves and four to seven hermaphroditic, lobed, bell- or funnel-shaped flowers that are white, yellowish green, or blue-violet to purple. The seeds are long and winged. The fleshy rhizome is yellowish brown and wrinkled. The plant prefers moist soil in full sun to partial shade.

Parts Used

Root, rhizome

Physiological Effects

Alterative, anthelmintic, antiseptic, bitter, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, ophthalmic, refrigerant, siliagogue, stomach tonic

Medicinal Uses

Gentian has been used as a digestive aid for centuries; it improves the assimilation of nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12 and aids in the breakdown of proteins and fats. Gentian is used in the treatment of amenorrhea, anorexia, appetite loss, arthritis, dog bite, dyspepsia, flatulence, gout, hepatitis, jaundice, joint inflammation, and malaria. It is also used as a poison antidote. For greatest effectiveness as a digestive aid, take tincture of gentian 10 to 30 minutes before mealtime. Topically, a wash of gentian can be used to clean wounds and to treat snakebite.

Culinary Uses

Gentian is so bitter that even when it is diluted to 1 part bitter to 12,000 parts other fluids, the bitterness can still be tasted. It is not generally considered edible, aside from therapeutic use, though it is used to flavor beverages such as vermouth and bitters.

Other Uses

Veterinarians use gentian to stimulate the appetite of animals. Folk wisdom of Appalachia holds that carrying a piece of gentian root in your pocket will increase your physical strength.

Constituents

Bitter principles (amarogentian, gentiopricin), quinic acid, inulin, pectin, galacton, iron, phosphorous, resin

Contraindications

Gentian can aggravate hyperacidic conditions and ulcers. Large doses can cause nausea and vomiting.

Plant details were provided by iPlant by Brigitte Mars.

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