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GENTIAN
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
This hardy root may not taste great, but it sure gets the digestive juices flowing! ...
Gentiana lutea, or bitterroot, grows wild in the high mountain meadows of Europe and Western Asia. It is a "pure" bitter, meaning that it's bitter taste will survive drying, grinding into powder, and even dilutions of up to 1 part Gentian to 20,000 parts water. Gentian contains a constituent known as "amarogentin", a glycoside that is one of the most bitter-tasting substances known to date. So why would you want to take it? Well it turns out that Gentian's bitter taste gives it a number of health benefits as well.
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GENTIAN |
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Gentian can be of great benefit for those with PMS |
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Digestive Bitter
It is the bitterness of Gentian that allows it to aid in increasing appetite and digestion. It does this by stimulating the flow of digestive juices such as: stomach acid, pancreatic digestive enzymes, and bile from the liver and gallbladder. Increasing the flow of these juices helps the body to complete proper digestion and will help to reduce a number of symptoms associated with poor digestion such as: gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn. For more information on digestive bitters, please click here.
Liver benefit
Gentian is also commonly used to benefit liver pathologies. It is shown to increase bile flow from the liver and gallbladder, making it particularly helpful in the digestion of a heavy or fatty meal. This can also help to flush the gallbladder to reduce the risk of developing gallstones. For more information on liver health, please click here.
Antimicrobial and Anti-anemic
Gentian has been shown to stimulate production of both white and red blood cells. Stimulation of white blood cells results in a boosting of the immune system. Because of this and its anti-microbial abilities, Gentian can be used to help reduce fevers. It can also be used to treat anemia because of its ability to stimulate the production of red blood cells.
Skin
Because of its antimicrobial and immune boosting functions, as well as its ability to help proper digestive function, Gentian is also commonly used to help with skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, and eczema.
Stop Bleeding
Interestingly, a research team in Russia found that Gentian powder made from the above-ground parts of the plant, applied topically to a fresh wound can help to promote blood clotting and slow the bleeding.
How can I take Gentian?
Gentian is usually taken orally in tincture form at a dose of about 20 drops or 1 tsp mixed with water. Take at least 15 minutes prior to meals when using as a digestive aid. It is the taste of Gentian that provides much of its medicinal ability, so taking capsules would not provide the same benefit.
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Eucalyptus –
QUICK FACTS
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PARTS USED
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· Roots for digestion. Aerial parts for styptic (slow bleeding). |
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APPLICATIONS |
· Indigestion, Anorexia, liver pathologies such as Jaundice, Fever, Diarrhea, Menstrual problems, Anemia.
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OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
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Approx. 1 tsp. mixed with water 15 minutes before meals. |
WORKS WELL
WITH
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Other hepatic and bitter herbs such as wild yam, turmeric, licorice root, dandelion root and milk thistle. |
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IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
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· Do not use Gentian if you are suffering from gastric or duodenal ulcer.
· Do not take Gentian while pregnant or breastfeeding.
· Due to its potential MAOI content, Gentian should not be taken with some anti-depressant medications. Ask your healthcare practitioner if you are unsure about using Gentian.
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copyright National Nutrition 2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
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