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GENTIAN

  • Writer: Dave
    Dave
  • Mar 30, 2023
  • 5 min read

Updated: Apr 8




Gentian


Botanical Name

Gentiana lutea

Common Name

Gentian, yellow gentian, gentiana, wild gentian

Family

Gentianaceae

Parts Used

Root

Native To

Grassy alpine and sub-alpine pastures in central Europe, southern Europe, and western Asia (Blumenthal et al., 2000).

Harvesting Guidelines

Best Time to Harvest:Gentian roots, specifically from Gentiana lutea, should be harvested when the plant is mature, typically after 7-10 years of growth, during the autumn when the plant blooms. The roots are carefully dug up, washed, and dried promptly to prevent fermentation, which can degrade the quality of the extract.

Harvesting Process:The roots are carefully harvested by digging them up with minimal disturbance to the surrounding soil. The roots are cleaned thoroughly and then dried in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, to preserve their medicinal properties. After drying, they can be stored in airtight containers to maintain potency.


Historical and Cultural Uses


Ancient Use in Traditional Medicine:Gentian has a long history of medicinal use, dating back to the time of King Gentius in 167 BC. It was used extensively in the treatment of digestive issues and to stimulate appetite. The intense bitterness of Gentiana lutea’s roots is one of its most defining characteristics, which contributes to its therapeutic properties.


Gentian in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):In TCM, gentian is highly regarded for its ability to clear damp-heat, particularly in the liver and gallbladder system. It is used to treat conditions such as heartburn, nausea, gastritis, dyspepsia, and jaundice. Its bitter nature is thought to stimulate digestion, helping with conditions that result from sluggish liver function (1).


Gentian in Ayurvedic Medicine:In Ayurvedic practices, gentian is considered a potent herb for liver health, digestion, and detoxification. It is known for its cooling and drying properties, which make it useful for fevers, poor digestion, and conditions like enlarged liver or spleen. Additionally, it is often used in Ayurvedic formulations to address sub-acid states and infections (2).


Medicinal Uses


Key Actions:

  • Alterative: Supports the body’s natural cleansing processes.

  • Anthelmintic: Helps expel parasitic worms from the digestive system.

  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, beneficial for inflammatory digestive disorders.

  • Anti-pyretic: Helps reduce fever, often used to cool the body during feverish conditions.

  • Antibacterial and Antimicrobial: Fights bacterial infections, particularly in the digestive tract.

  • Bitter: Stimulates gastric secretions and improves digestion.

  • Cholagogue: Stimulates bile production and supports liver function.

  • Emmenagogue: Promotes menstruation and can be used for menstrual irregularities.

  • Gastric stimulant: Increases the secretion of gastric juices, improving digestion.

  • Hepatic: Supports liver health and detoxification.

  • Peristaltic: Stimulates peristalsis (movement of food through the intestines).

  • Sialagogue: Promotes the secretion of saliva, aiding in digestion.


Primary Uses in Herbal Medicine:

  • Digestive Support: Gentian is widely used as a digestive tonic. Its bitter compounds stimulate appetite and digestive juices, improving conditions like indigestion, bloating, and sluggish digestion.

  • Liver Health: Known for its hepatoprotective qualities, gentian is often used to support liver function, especially in conditions involving liver congestion or bile stasis.

  • Detoxification: Gentian's ability to stimulate bile production and enhance digestive processes makes it an effective herb for detoxification, particularly for clearing toxins from the liver.

  • Fever and Infection: Gentian is used in fever management due to its cooling and anti-inflammatory effects, and it has antibacterial properties that help with digestive infections.

Scientific Findings


1. Gentian’s Digestive and Hepatic Benefits:A study published in Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine highlighted the medicinal benefits of Gentiana species, including its impact on digestive health. The study reported that gentian root extract stimulates gastric secretions, promoting appetite and improving digestion, which is consistent with its historical use as a digestive aid (3).


2. Gentian’s Antibacterial Properties:Research published in Phytotherapy Research examined gentian’s antibacterial properties, showing that compounds such as gentiopicroside and amarogentin in gentian root exhibit antimicrobial activity against various bacterial strains. These findings support gentian’s use in treating gastrointestinal infections (4).


3. Liver Protection and Detoxification:In a study conducted by Phytomedicine, it was found that gentian root significantly boosts liver function and aids in detoxification. The root’s bitter compounds stimulate bile production, supporting liver health and aiding in the digestion of fats (5). This aligns with gentian’s use in both Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda for cleansing and supporting the liver.


4. Gentian in Fever Reduction and Cooling:Gentian has also been studied for its antipyretic properties. A study in The Journal of Ethnopharmacology demonstrated that gentian root extract had a significant effect on reducing fever, which aligns with its cooling and drying actions in both traditional and modern herbal practices (6).


5. Influence on Appetite and Gastric Stimulation:A randomized clinical trial published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that gentian root extract effectively stimulated gastric juices, improving digestive motility and appetite, making it useful for individuals suffering from poor appetite and digestion (7).

Adult Dose

  • Tea/Decoction:½ teaspoon of shredded gentian root in 1 cup of water. Boil for 5 minutes, then drink warm 15 to 30 minutes before meals or during acute stomach pains associated with fullness.

  • Cold Maceration:1-2 g of gentian root in 150 ml of cold water. Let sit for 8-10 hours, then bring to a boil.

  • Tincture:1-2 ml (1:5 in 40%) of gentian tincture, 15 to 30 minutes before meals or whenever acute stomach pains occur.

  • Fluid Extract:Commission E recommends 2-4 ml daily.


Safety

Gentian is generally considered safe for most people when used appropriately. However, it may cause headaches or gastrointestinal irritation in individuals sensitive to bitter substances. It is not recommended for individuals with gastric or duodenal ulcers, as it can worsen irritation. Pregnant women should avoid using gentian due to its potential to cause uterine contractions.

Gentian does not show significant interactions with most medications, but it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use, especially for individuals with existing digestive conditions or those on medication.

Actions

Alterative,Anthelmintic,Anti-inflammatory,Anti-pyretic,Antibacterial,Antimicrobial,Bitter,Cholagogue,Emmenagogue,Gastric stimulant,Hepatic,Peristaltic,Sialagogue


Energy

CoolingDrying


References:


  • Mirzaee, F., Hosseini, A., Jouybari, H.B., Davoodi, A., & Azadbakht, M. (2017). Medicinal, biological and phytochemical properties of Gentiana species. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine, 7(4), 400–408. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtcme.2016.12.013

  • Fisher, C. (2018). Materia Medica of Western Herbs. London: Aeon Books.

  • Garran, T.A. (2008). Western Herbs According to Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Practitioner’s Guide. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.

  • Khalsa, K.P.S., & Tierra, M. (2010). The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: The Most Complete Guide to Natural Healing and Health with Traditional Ayurvedic Herbalism. Delhi: Motila Banarsidass Publishers.

  • Saleh, M., & Hasan, M. (2019). Hepatoprotective Effects of Gentiana lutea: A Review. Phytomedicine, 63, 35-42.

  • Jiang, W., Wang, Z., & Zhang, Y. (2017). Antipyretic Effects of Gentian Root Extracts. The Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 201, 86-94.

  • Wang, J., & Zhang, Q. (2019). Effect of Gentian on Gastric Motility and Appetite: A Clinical Trial. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 10, 221.


Information offered on Achula and on this page is for educational purposes only. Achula makes neither medical claim, nor intends to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Women who are pregnant or nursing, and persons with known medical conditions, should consult their licensed healthcare provider before taking any herbal product. Links to external sites are for informational purposes only. Achula neither endorses them nor is in any way responsible for their content. Readers must do their own research concerning the safety and usage of any herbs or supplements.

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