Corpus way

Gentianella bicolor

A small, very bitter herb of the gentian family, related to hercampuri. Gentians contain bitter compounds that stimulate digestion. Clinical studies are lacking.

Safety notes

Very bitter; not in pregnancy and not with a stomach ulcer. Never replace diabetes medication. The plants grow in a small area high in the mountains and are over-harvested. Traditional use is no proof of effect; consult a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take medication or have a medical condition.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Curanderismo of northern Peru: Not in pregnancy or with a stomach ulcer. No substitute for medication.

Preparation

The whole herb boiled briefly as a very bitter tea.

Use in traditions

The name comes from Quechua. In northern Peru the tea is drunk for diabetes, high cholesterol, stomach complaints, liver and blood complaints and joint pain. Healers also put the herb in seguros, little bottles of herbs and perfume meant to bring luck and health. As with hercampuri, several bitter gentians are sold under this name.

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.

Curanderismo of northern Peru

Attributed effects

For diabetes, high cholesterol, stomach complaints, liver and blood complaints and joint pain; also in seguros for luck and health.

Preparation and amount

Boil the whole herb for a few minutes; the tea is very bitter.

Caution: Not in pregnancy or with a stomach ulcer. No substitute for medication.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)

Sources

All herbs from South America →