Organic Connections Gentian Root (Organic Loose) - 227g

Gentian Herb
By: Naturopathic Doctor (N.D.)

A Natural Antiseptic and More!

What Is It?
Gentian is a natural herb or botanical used in natural medicine. The root, rhizome and less commonly the bark is used for its medicinal properties. It can be found under various names such as: Bitter Root, Bitterwort, Gall Weed, Geneciana, Gentiana acaulis, Gentiana kochiana, Gentiana lutea, Gentianae Radix, Gentiane, Gentiane Acaule, Gentiane Jaune, Gentiane Pâle, Gentiane Sans Tige, Gentiane Sauvage, as well as other names. It is from the family of herbs called Gentianaceae. It is classified as a: bitter, astringent, anti-inflammatory, carminative, hepatic, anti-parasitic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, and gastric stimulant. It has a bitter flavour.

What is it Used For?
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 and gas. Caution – do not use in cases of stomach and duodenal ulcers.

It is commonly used topically to disinfect and treat skin infections and clean wounds.

It is used for fever, inflammation, stress, muscle spasms, parasites and high blood pressure and to start the menstrual flow.

It can also be used in combination with other herbs (Elderflower, Verbena, Cowslip, and Sorrel) to treat sinus infections and sinusitis.

It is a liver tonic and is used in making Angostura Bitters.

How Does It Work?
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, indigestion, etc which are more commonly caused by low stomach acid and deficient digestive enzymes than too much as it is commonly thought.

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

It ameliorates fever, muscle spasms and helps blood pressure by affecting the circulation system in our body. By affecting the circulation system, liver and hormonal system it also helps to initiate the menstrual cycle in cases of stalled menses or amenorrhea.

How to Use It?
Gentian, like most herbs, can be made into a decoction (tea) from the dried or fresh herb. In liquid form it can be made into a tincture or extract or it can be dried and made into capsule or tablet form. Topically, to cleanse wounds and treat infections it can be used in a liquid in extract form.

Caution when collecting the herb as it appears similar in appearance to Veratrum Album which is a toxic herb.

Caution in low blood pressure or if taking high blood pressure medications as this herb can lower blood pressure further resulting in possible dizziness from too low blood pressure. 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.

Gentian - Quick Facts

Sources
· Plant – Root, Rhizome, Bark

Applications
· Digestive Upset, Amenorrhea, High Blood Pressure, Infection, Parasites, Fever, Sinus Infections

Dosage
· Use As Directed

Works Well With
· Peppermint, Chamomile For Digestive Symptoms; Elderflower, Verbena, Cowslip And Sorrel For Sinus Infections

Important Information
· Do Not Take With Low Blood Pressure, Digestive Ulcers Or In Pregnancy And Lactation