Gentian

Latin name:  Gentiana lutea

Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian family)

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DESCRIPTIVE CHARACTERISTICS 

Part of the Plant Used

Root and dried rhizome – Harvest late summer/autumn

Ornamental herb with large clusters of big, orange yellow flowers and stiff, pointy, yellow green leaves that resemble those on Lady Slipper. The root has been used since the first century as a bitter tonic to improve digestion. In medieval Europe, it was considered a poison antidote. In the mid-1800s, it was popularly mixed and billed as a patient medicine to curb tobacco use. Gentian was also an ingredient of the alchemical brew ‘Theriac‘ – a cure-all made to a highly secret recipe. Indicated for people “who feel tired after eating.”

CONSTITUENTS

• Amarogentian
• Gentiamarin – one of the most bitter constituents known in plants.
• Pectin, tannin, mucilage and sugars. 
• Potassium, iron, sodium.

THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

• Bitter
• Gastric stimulant – increases appetite (appetite stimulant)
• Sialagogue
• Cholagogue 
• Anti-inflammatory
• Febrifuge
• Stimulates digestive enzymes & tones up the stomach linings
• Decongest the liver & liver circulation – portal vein
• Promotes gastrin and somatostatin secretions
• Antioxidant

Clinical: Gentian is an excellent bitter that stimulates appetite and digestion via stimulation of gastric juices.  Promotes production of saliva, gastric juices and bile.  It also accelerates the emptying of the stomach. It can be used in cases where there is a lack of appetite and sluggishness of the digestive system – such as dyspepsia and flatulence.  It has a fortifying effect through this stimulation. It also facilitates the absorption of nutrients. 

• Low stomach acid
• Poor digestive enzyme secretion
• May promote gastric emptying and intestinal propelling – may act on vagus nerve within 5 minutes of digestion
• WILL INCREASE FAT & PROTEIN DIGESTION
• Potential use for constipation, abdominal fullness and itching of skin – in combination with rhubarb, cascara and boldo (Bone).
• Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, abdominal pain and constipation are also indicated.

Folk: Arthritis, bronchitis, diarrhea, jaundice, nausea, sore throat, anorexia, gout and intestinal worms.

Energetics: Very bitter, cold, astringent & drying.

HERB-DRUG INTERACTIONS

Contraindicated in cases of gastric and duodenal ulcers, hyperacidity and gastric inflammation. Very sensitive individuals may occasionally experience headaches. Doses at higher end of the recommended range may experience nausea in some people. Use caution with pregnancy.

FORMULARY

Dosage

One teaspoon of powdered gentian root in 3 cups of water, 20 – 40 drops of gentian tincture, ½  to one teaspoon of liquid extract, or ½  to one teaspoon of fresh roots daily.

DECOCTION: Put ½  teaspoon of shredded root in a cup of water and boil for 5 minutes. Should be drunk while warm about 15-30 mins before a meal, or any time when acute stomach pains result from a feeling of fullness.

TINCTURE: Take 1-4ml of tincture three times a day 0.7 – 2.0 ml of 1:2 Liquid extract per day – 5-15ml per week 

DROP DOSE: 20 – 30 drops 30 minutes before meals

Combinations: 

• Digestives such as Ginger and Cardamom.
• Rhubarb for treatment of postprandial bloating.
• Low stomach acid and poor digestive enzyme secretion – combine with Hops and Dandelion Root.
• Combine with wormwood for hypochloridia  – stimulates digestive secretions and peristalsis. Research has suggested that this combination increases vascular tone via sympathetic reflexes involving the vagus nerve within 5 minutes of ingestion. 
• Potential use for constipation, abdominal fullness and itching of skin – in combination with rhubarb, cascara and boldo.
• Chamomile, alfalfa, hops, dandelion.
• Nervines & flower essences.
• Mindful eating and smaller meal portions.

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