Gentian 5:1

History and Uses:
Gentian comes from Europe and Turkey and is also cultivated in North America. The rhizome and roots are collected in autumn and dried and used medicinally. Gentian root and other highly bitter plants have been used for centuries by herbalists in Europe as digestive aids (the well-known Swedish "bitters" often contain Gentian). Gentian contains some of the most bitter substances known, particularly the glycosides, gentiopicrin and amarogentin. Their taste may be detected even when diluted 50,000 times. Besides stimulating secretion of saliva in the mouth and hydrochloric acid in the stomach, gentiopicrin may protect the liver. Other folk uses included topical use on skin problems, decreasing fevers and treatment of diarrhea. Its ability to increase digestive function, including production of stomach acid, has been validated in modern times. Besides being unrivaled as a stomachic tonic, Gentian possesses febrifuge, emmenagogue, anthelmintic and antiseptic properties, and it is also said to be useful in cases of hysteria and "female weakness." Several other Gentian species can be used interchangeably, having similar medicinal properties to Gentiana lutea.