The herbal and health information provided in this Web Site is intended as historical information only. The historical uses are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Nothing listed within this Web Site should be considered as medical advice for dealing with a given problem. You should consult your health care professional for individual guidance for specific health problems. Persons with serious medical conditions should always seek professional care.
Gentian (Gentiana officinalis), also known as Bitter Root, Sampsons Snakeroot, Longdan, and Qin Jiao, has been used historically for the treatment of sluggish digestion, loss of appetite, and dyspepsia. The common name Gentian also includes the species Gentiana lutea, Gentiana andrewsii, Gentiana villosa, Gentiana campestris, Gentiana macrophylla and Gentiana scabra, all of which are used interchangeably with Gentiana officinalis. The parts of the plant typically used include the root and rhizome.
Gentians are named for the Illyrian king Gentius (2nd Century B.C.) who was said to have introduced this herb as a medicine. The root of the plant was used in theriac, a brew of alchemists.
Gentian's primary properties are considered alterative, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, laxative, sialagogue, and stomach tonic. The known active constituents of Gentian include bitter principles (amarogentian, gentiopicrin), quinic acid, inulin, pectin, galacton, and traces of iron & phosphorous. It is believed that Gentian promotes the production of gastric juices, saliva, and bile within the body.
Gentian has been used in the past topically to clean wounds. Culinary uses have included use in alcoholic beverages such as vermouth, angostora bitters, and stockton bitters.
Gentian has been used as a digestive aid by the Germans for centuries. For greatest effectiveness as a digestive aid, they have been taken as a tincture 1/2 hour before mealtime. This helps with the breakdown of proteins and fats. It can even improve the assimilation of nutrients such as iron and vitamin B-12.
(This herbal ingredient can be purchased from Viable Herbal Solutions in powdered and capsule form as part of our Single Herb sales program.)
