Gentian

The gentian belongs to a large plant family known as Gentianaceae that is native to Europe. It is cultivated either from its seeds or by splitting the larger root crowns. Its underground parts have the highest medicinal value and are usually dried and used in herbal medicinal preparations. These herbaceous, perennial plants grow up to 2 meters high and have a long thick stem and a fleshy taproot. The leaves are broad and long while the flowers are funnel shaped and yellow in color. The gentian root is a powerful natural remedy against a number of health problems and is therefore commonly used in herbal medicine.

Nutritional Information and Properties

The berries and roots of gentian are a rich source of vitamin F, B vitamins, inositol, and other trace elements. They also contain substances like amarogentin and gentiopicrin that give gentian its bitterness and the medicinal properties to fight an array of diseases and ailments. Gentian root is also a rich source of minerals like manganese, iron, niacin, sulphur, silicon, and zinc. These nutrients found in gentian give it powerful antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, hepatic, and blood purifying properties.

Health Benefits and Therapeutic Uses

Gentian has highly effective anti-helmintic, bacteriostatic, cholagogue, and choleretic properties that help in stimulating the glandular cells of the digestive organs in the body. This in turn helps in quickening the transit of food in the intestinal tract. Gentian is also good for curing a number of digestive disorders such as stomach upsets, constipation, indigestion, flatulence, and other gastrointestinal problems. It is also a good appetite stimulant. This property also makes it effective in the treatment of problems like anorexia.
Gentian helps in stimulating the growth of red blood cells and leucocytes in the body thereby boosting the immune system.
Gentian is commonly mixed with other depurative herbal tinctures for detoxifying the body. It helps flush out harmful toxins and excess uric acid from the body. Therefore, it is effective in maintaining good liver and kidney health.
Experts recommend using gentian tinctures for treating intestinal parasites, diabetes, and inflammation and infections of the pancreas. For hepatic and gastric diseases, this tincture is diluted in water. The hepatic properties of gentian help in regenerating hepatic cells and improve the functioning of the liver.
Gentian is also used for treating ulcerations and various other wounds. You can apply gentian sponges to the wounds and cover them with a gauze dressing that needs to be changed every 2-3 days.
This herb is used for treating biliary fits, dyskinesis, and for preventing biliary lithiasis. A teaspoon of gentian tincture is diluted in a glass of water and administered orally to the patient 3-4 times a day, usually an hour before mealtime.
Gentian is also used in the treatment of hypothyroidism. It helps in stimulating metabolism and enhances the secretion of the thyroid hormones.
Gentian is a great herb for aiding in recovery from various diseases and illnesses as it helps in boosting energy and activating the functioning of various organs in the body.
It helps in soothing an irritated gallbladder and normalizes its functioning.
Gentian root tea is a well-known herbal remedy for common colds, fevers, and related symptoms. It supplies the body with the necessary antioxidants and nutrients it requires to overcome these problems.
It regulates blood circulation thereby strengthening the entire cardiovascular system.