- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Mountains of central and southern Europe, such as the Alps and Pyrenees. Gentiana lutea
- Other names
- Gele gentiaan
- Traditions
- Greco-Roman medicine, Western herbal medicine
Europe · Herb · № 76
Gentiana lutea
Herb · Europe
Great yellow gentian
Gentiana lutea
The root is one of the most bitter substances known and has long been used to stimulate appetite and digestion. Studies are small.
Safety notes
Avoid with stomach ulcers or heartburn. Overharvesting has made it protected in many countries; do not use wild-collected plants.
Preparation
The root in small amounts as tincture or in bitter aperitifs. No dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
The name honours King Gentius of Illyria, who according to Pliny discovered the herb. In the Alps the root is distilled into a schnapps (Enzian).
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, tonic, stimulates appetite and stomach, anti-inflammatory, fever-reducing.
Preparation and amount
Tincture up to 2 ml 3 times a day to stimulate digestion, for liver and gallbladder disease and jaundice; drops against sweet cravings; decoction (10 g in 500 ml, 20 min) before meals for bloating and stomach pain; Chinese species for liver complaints, high blood pressure, rheumatism and fever.
Western herbalism
Attributed effects
Tonic, stimulating, bitter, fever-reducing, antiparasitic, antispasmodic; improves digestion and nutrient absorption, strengthens the liver, supports the hormonal system.
Preparation and amount
Decoction: 1 tsp per cup, 12–15 min, 1–3 cups a day after meals; tincture 1 dropperful 3 times a day or with meals; liniment 1 tsp on the abdomen.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionTinctureSalve and balmPowder and kitchen