Gentian Root • (Gentiana lutia)
“Called yellow gentian, not the same as gentian violet (used for thrush); an ingredient in Angostura Bitters liqueur, and ingredient in many digestive remedies and combinations, including Swedish bitters; easiest to take in capsules (very bitter taste) and usually directed to be taken thirty minutes before eating; fortifier and tonic for all the systems of the body, particularly the digestive and eliminative systems; strengthens the function of liver, gallbladder, stomach acids, spleen, pancreas, kidneys, and circulatory system; for aiding digestion, assimilation of fats; use for indigestion, stomach cramps, too-full heavy feeling after eating, gas, dizziness, diarrhea and constipation, bowel cleansing, including from chronic constipation, toxin and poison antidote, malnourished people including the elderly; increases secretion of digestive juices and liver bile, increases blood supply to the digestive organs (and all the body), aid for digestive weakness; stimulant and tonic for debilitated people; aid for recovery from surgery or with chronic dis-eases, for exhaustion, fatigue, weakness, anemia, lack of appetite, anorexia nervosa; increases energy, strength, endurance, and vitality; expels worms and parasites, and is more effective than quinine for malaria; also for venomous bites (snakes, insects), jaundice, liver inflammation; reduces fever, cools the body brings on menses, aids reproductive organ weakness in women, eases morning sickness, clears sinus and mucus conditions (usually used with other herbs); use externally to dissolve skin tumors. Antacid, tonic bitter, anti-inflammatory, liver stimulant, antiseptic. Not for use by those with excess stomach acid conditions, heartburn, ulcers, gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux dis-ease (GERD); no known drug interactions or side effects.”
Excerpt From
Healing Herbs A to Z
Diane Stein
