Gentian

50g (1.76oz)

Medicinal Name: Gentiana lutea

Properties: bitter, gastric stimulant, sialagogue, cholagogue

Treatment: digestive tonic, gastritis, indigestion, gas, bloating, fever, weak appetite, nutrition deficiency, anemia, liver disease, gall bladder disease

Description:

Gentian contains amarogentin, the most bitter substance on the planet.

It has been shown that the bitter principles in gentian stimulate the bitter taste receptors on the tongue, causing an increase in the production of saliva and gastric secretions. This in turn stimulates the appetite and improves the action of the digestive system in general.

Gentian stimulates the action of the stomach, relieving many symptoms associated with weak digestion, such as: gas, indigestion, and poor appetite. Stomach and other secretions are improved, which in turn helps increase the absorption of nutrients. The herb also acts as a stimulant on the gallbladder and liver, encouraging them to function more efficiently. Gentian is therefore useful in almost any condition where the digestive system needs to be toned up. It is often taken as a digestive tonic in old age

Gentian increases the absorption of nutrients across the gut wall. It aids the absorption of a wide range of nutrients, including iron and vitamin B12, and is therefore useful for iron deficiency anemia (usually resulting from blood loss). It is often added to prescriptions for women with heavy menstrual bleeding.

Preparation:

Decoction- Put ½ teaspoonful of the shredded root in a cup of water and boil for 5 minutes. This should be drunk warm about 15–30 minutes before meals, or at any time when acute stomach pains result from a feeling of fullness