Gentian is a natural herb or botanical used in natural medicine. It can be found under various names such as Bitter Root, Bitterwort, Gall Weed, and many other names. It is from the family of herbs called Gentianaceae and offers a bitter flavour, making the Gentian herb beneficial for proper digestion. 

The Medicinal Properties Found In The Gentian Herb

The root, rhizome and less commonly the bark are used for their medicinal properties, which include, Secoiridoidal and iridoid glycosides such as gentiopicroside, xanthones, monoterpene alkaloid; polyphenols and flavones. 

It's these constituents that provide this herb with its anti-inflammatory, carminative, hepatic, anti-parasitic, emmenagogue, febrifuge and gastric benefits.

Key Health Benefits of The Gentian Herb

Gentian is used for many conditions, as a bitter it is used to treat digestive conditions such as: 

• Gastritis (inflammation of the stomach lining)
• Heartburn
• Reflux
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Bloating 
• Gas

Caution – do not use in cases of stomach and duodenal ulcers.

This herb is also commonly used:

• Topically to disinfect and treat skin infections and clean wounds.

And For:

• Fever
• Inflammation
• Stress
• Muscle Spasms
• Parasites
• High Blood Pressure 
• Start Menstrual Flow

Making Herbal Blends: Herbs That Mix With Gentian Herb

To enhance its medicinal benefits, it can also be used in combination with other herbs, like Elderflower, Verbena, Cowslip, and Sorrel to treat sinus infections and sinusitis. Or with Angostura Bitters to make a liver tonic. 

How Does The Gentian Herb Work In Your Body?

Gentian stimulates the secretion of digestive enzymes in the small intestine. In the stomach, it increases stomach acid and pepsin and also stimulates the liver to produce bile. This aids in overall digestion, decreasing symptoms of heartburn, reflux, gas, and indigestion, which are more commonly caused by low stomach acid and deficient digestive enzymes. 

As an antiseptic and anti-parasitic, it actively kills bacteria and parasites either internally or externally.

This herb can also ameliorate fever, and muscle spasms and helps blood pressure by affecting the circulation system in your body. By affecting the circulation system, hormonal system and liver, it also helps to initiate the menstrual cycle in cases of stalled menses or amenorrhea.

Understanding How To Use This As A Herbal Supplement

Gentian, like most herbs, can be made into a decoction (tea) from the dried or fresh herbs. In liquid form, it can be made into a tincture or extract or it can be dried and made into capsules or tablets. Topically, to cleanse wounds and treat infections it can be used in a liquid extract form.

Cautions & Considerations For Herbal Supplements

Caution should be exercised when collecting this herb as it appears similar in appearance to Veratrum Album which is toxic.

If you have low blood pressure or are taking high blood pressure medications, use caution as this herb can lower blood pressure further, resulting in possible dizziness. Do not use in cases of active stomach or duodenal ulcers as it increases the production of stomach acid and duodenal secretions which may aggravate these ulcers.