Gentian

What is Gentian?

Gentiana Lutea is a perennial herb that is commonly found in the high pastures of South and Central Europe. It grows up to three feet in height and is also found in places with high elevations in parts of Western Asia. There are more than 150 species of gentian but the medicinal properties of the various species are virtually interchangeable. Sadly, wild gentian has become almost extinct now. Hence Governments in Germany, Yugoslavia, France and many other countries label this as a ‘protected’ herb. The herb is widely cultivated in China, Spain, Portugal, Sardinia, Corsica, Bosnia and the Balkans.

Background of Gentius 

The name of the herb has an interesting story behind it. Accredited to King Gentius of ancient Illyria, the therapeutic value of the herb was discovered by none other than Pliny the elder during the reign of this king. Ancient Roman and Greek cultures also mention the therapeutic value of gentian. Its distant cousins are found in India too, and mention of this herb is found in the ancient Ayurvedic texts.

The most bitter of all the bitter herbs, gentian is fondly known as ‘bitter root’ too. The bitter taste of Gentian can be felt even if it is diluted more than 50,000 times. If a tonic made out of the roots is taken about half an hour before food, there is an immediate release of digestive juices and increase in appetite. Gentian also stimulates pancreatic activity and increases blood supply to the digestive tract. Gentian has a therapeutic effect on the stomach because it decreases parasitical invasion of the intestine and helps kill worms. Gentian is also supposed to protect the liver.

Benefits of Gentian

Studies have shown that gentian can stimulate digestion and increase appetite if it is ingested about 10 minutes before food. The digestive juices released carry out their action for 2-3 hours. It slightly raises stomach acidity and is helpful in the digestion of fats and protein. Additionally, the bitter taste of the root stimulates the production of bile. It is useful in treating morning sickness and helps relieve dyspepsia. It is also extremely useful in curing heartburn and indigestion. Gentian is used to combat gastritis.

Traditionally, gentian has been used to treat liver and spleen problems. It also has beneficial effects on women, as it was once used to regulate the menstrual cycle. In Germany, gentian even holds the license of standard medicinal tea. Medicinal preparations commonly include tea, tincture, percolate and dry extracts. Other folk use of the herb includes topical use on the skin to get rid of tumors. Gentian was also used to treat fever and diarrhea.

Chinese medicine uses Gentian root to treat conditions like sore throat, headache and arthritis. In Ayurvedic medicine, gentian has been used to treat venereal diseases, jaundice and problems associated with the liver. Gentian is supposed to strengthen the entire human body by promoting vascular circulation and stimulating the action of the glands and organs in the body. Gentian also has the ability to clean the bowel effectively by removing hardened morbid matter from the colon.