- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe, Asia (west), Africa (north)
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine
Europe · Herb · № 289
Centaurium erythraea
Herb · Europe
Centaury
Centaurium erythraea
Traditionally attributed effects: bitter, stimulates the liver.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
The flowering herb as tea or tincture, half an hour before meals. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
According to Greek myth the centaur Chiron healed a wound with it, which the name Centaurium recalls. It is one of the bitterest native herbs and was used for poor appetite and sluggish digestion. In folk medicine it was 'earth gall', a remedy for fever.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Bitter, stimulates the liver.
Preparation and amount
Aerial parts.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Tonic, bitter, fever-reducing; aids digestion and bile secretion, supports liver detoxification, general tonic for vitality.
Preparation and amount
Tea: 1–2 tsp per cup, 8–10 min, 1–3 cups a day; tincture 10–30 drops 1–3 times a day.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)TincturePowder and kitchen