Gentiana lutea

Gentiana lutea [Image]. [2014]. Retrieved from: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gentiana_lutea_4.jpg

Common name: 
Gentian  
(Bone, 2002, p. 224).
  

Latin binomial:
Gentiana lutea
(Bone, 2002, p. 224).

Family:
Genrianaceae
(Bone, 2002, p. 224).

Parts used:
The dried rhizome and root
(Bone, 2002, p. 224).
 

Active constituents:

• Bitter principles including
• Gentiopicrin
• Amarogentine
• Pectin
• Tannin
• Mucilage
• Sugar 

(Hoffman,1983, 196)

Actions:

• Bitter
• Gastric stimulant
• Sialagogue
• Cholagogue 

(Hoffman,1983, 196).  

 

Indications:

• A Gentian is an excellent bitter it will stimulate the appetite and digestion via a general stimulation of the gastric juices. 
• It will promote the production of saliva, gastric juices and bile, and will also accelerate the emptying of the stomach. 
• Wherever there is a lack of appetite and sluggishness of the digestive system.
• Therefore useful in dyspepsia and flatulence. 

(Hoffman,1983, 196).     

 

Contraindications: 
Contrindicated in gastric and duodenal ulcers, hyperacidity and gastric inflammation 
(Bone, 2003, p. 224).  

Dosage:

• 0.7-2.0ml of 1:2 liquid extract per day
• 5-15ml of 1:2 liquid extract per week 

(Bone, 2003, p. 224).  

 

Combinations: 
It is often used with other digestives such as ginger and cardamom (Hoffman,1983, 196). 

References:

Bone, K. (2003) A clinical guide to blending liquid herbs; herbal formulations for the individual patient. Churchill, Livingstone: Missouri.

Hoffman, D. (1983) The holistic herbal. Element books: Dorset.