Gentian

(Gentiana lutea L., Gentianaceae), Yellow Gentian. G. purpurea = Purple Gentian and G. punctata are also used.

Description: Perennial plant, may be over 60 years old.
Very small in early years, later forming at intervals of several years a basal rosette of handsome elliptical leaves with prominent veins on the lower surface.
A floral axis develops at intervals of 4-8 years, bearing yellow flowers inserted in the axils of strongly keeled leaves.
Leaves of basal rosette and on stem are opposite (distinction from white hellebore, a very poisonous plant growing in the same environment, which has alternate leaves in threes in the basal rosette).
The root is more than 1 m (3ft) long.

Part Used: Dried root.

Habitat and Collection: Native to the mountains of central and southern Europe; it is both cultivated and wild-harvested.
A typical plant of pastures on calcareous soil in the Alps, Jura and other mountains of Europe between 700 and 2,400m (2,200-7,800ft).
Not found in Britain.
The roots are dug up in the autumn, they are left in heaps to develop the yellowish-brown colour and distinctive odour.
The Swiss Pharmacopoeia requires the root to be dried immediately after collection; it is then yellowish-grey.
The British Pharmacopoeia stipulates the fermented rhizome and root, which are yellowish-brown.

Constituents and Action: Bittei principles, volatile oil, abundance of sugar.
The first two groups of substances stimulate the secretion of gastric juices.
A febrifuge action has been attributed to the drug, but it is extremely weak.
Dyspepsia, loss of appetite, flatulence, bloating, digestive tonic.

Forms available: Teas, capsules, tinctures, liquid extracts, combination products.

Usage: As an infusion (10g (0 3oz) of finely sliced roots in 1 litre (1.75pt) of water, raise to the boil, allow to stand) for lack of appetite and stomach disorders.
The powdered drug and the tincture have similar action.
Much gentian is used to prepare a brandy by distillation after fermentation; it has similar properties but is less active since it contains no bitter principles.
The powdered drug is widely used in veterinary medicine as an appetiser.

Caution: Do not use gentian if you have stomach or duodenal ulcers. Some people experience headaches from using gentian.

Important information: May be at risk in the wild, but needs further study.