Gentian ~ Gentiana lutea

Gentian

Latin name: Gentiana lutea

Family: Gentianaceae

Part used: root

Habitat: mountainous parts of Europe

Main constituents: iridoids, xanthones, alkaloids, phenolic acids

Energetics: cooling, drying

Main herbal actions: bitter, gastric stimulant and peristaltic

Minor herbal actions: cholagogue, anti-inflammatory

Main medicinal uses: dyspepsia, gastritis, heartburn

Minor medicinal uses: lazy digestion, atonic and sub-acid states

Preparations: decoction: ¼ tsp/cup water; 1:4 tincture: 1-30 gtt qd-qid ac; bitter aperitif: 30 ml; powder in capsules: 5 grams (Khalsa)

Contraindications: pregnancy (possible)

Toxicity: acute gastric inflammation and irritation; large doses for extended periods can harm digestion and induce frontal headaches

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations