Description :
Gentian is native to most of the temparate zones of the world. It is a short, waxy-stemmed plant with waxy leaves that usually only grows to about a foot tall. The leaves are bright green, small and oval-shaped; they clasp the opposite sides of the stems. There are annual and perenial varieties. The annuals tend to be single-stemmed while the perenials tend have two or more stems. The flowers tend to be bright blue-purple and are funnel-shaped. Gentian likes the rich soil of wet meadows and bogs at high altitudes. The roots of Gentian are dried, gound and used in teas and alcohol tinctures. Historically it was belived that taking a few drops of Gentian tincture before meals helps with digestion.
History and Folklore:
The herb is said to be named after the Illyrian king named Gentius (llyria was a region in the western part of the Balkan Peninsula that was conquered by the Romans around 160 B.C.). Records show that Gentius was one of the first to discover the plant’s medicinal properties and use it to make healing tonics.
Cultivation and Harvest:
Harvest the roots of mature plants in the fall. Do not take too many roots from any one stand of plants to allow the stand to remain strong.
Precautions:
Do not take if pregnant or nursing. Do not take with ulcers. Some people get headaches at higher doses.
Traditional Herbal Actions:
Antipyretic, Bitter, Cholagogue, Sialagogue, Antimicrobial, Antihelmintic, Emmenagogue
Other Names:
Gentiana, Bitter Root, Pale gentian, Felwort and Radix Gentiana, Blue Gentian, Purple Gentian
Related Species:
Gentiana affinis, G. algida, G. amarella, G. calycosa, G. parryi, G. tenella, G. simplex, G. thermalis
Tincture Ingredients: Gentian (Gentiana lutea)
None of these items or statements are approved by FDA. Consult your physician before taking any supplement. Do not take herbs or tinctures during pregnancy without consulting your healthcare provider. This product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease. All information here is for entertainment and educational purposes only.
*This statement has not been verified by the FDA and is only referenced here as a fun fact and/or for historical commentary, is not to be used as medical advice in any way. Consult your doctor before ingesting any herbal product.
Isaiah –