Gentian

Other names : Gentiana Asclepiadea,Gentiana Lutea, Gentiana Punctata, Bitterwort, Wild Gentian, Gall Weed

Discovered by Gentius, ancient king o Ilyria and used mainly as a poison antidote, Gentian has about 180 species, distributed mostly in high alpine regions of Europe, Asia and America. The best known Gentian species are Gentiana Asclepiadea, Spotted Gentian (Gentiana Punctata), Cross Gentian (Gentiana Cruciata) and a very rare species with yellow flowers, declared a natural monument in Romania called Gentiana Lutea (Yellow Gentian).

Used all over Europe as a bitter tonic, Gentian is a truly remarkable herb cure with anti-toxic properties and liver stimulating effects. In Romanian folk medicine, Gentian is highly valued, being called “the captain of herb remedies” and a precious tonic for the entire body and a traditional  Austrian medicine obtained from Spotted Gentian leaves and root was a powerful remedy for colds and flu, fever, liver, bile and gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatism and muscle spasm . Magical medicine places Gentian root and Angelica root in potions used to get the evil out of the body and soul, while some used to believe that a cure lasting 7 to 9 days with Gentian root only has exorcising powers, removing demons responsible for ailments from the body.

Mainly used for digestive difficulties such as anorexia, loss of appetite, dyspepsia, gastritis, intestinal gas, parasitic worms and diarrhea, Gentian root secrets an active principle (chemical) called amarogentin, considered the most bitter natural substance known, stimulating bile and gastric juice secretion and improving peristalsis. Helpful also in hepatic dysfunctions, Gentian inhibits type A hepatitis  and improves the regeneration of hepatic cells.

Other conditions Gentian might treat are high blood pressure, hysteria, hypothyroidism and sinusitis (in combination with Verbena, Sorrel, Cowslip Flower and European Elder Flower). Externally, Gentian prevents cancer cell multiplication in oral cancer and helps heal wounds.

Not related to the gentian violet dye, Gentian can sometimes be mistaken with White Hellebore (Veratrum Album), a highly toxic plant, causing accidental poisoning.