GENTIAN

(Gentiana lutea; GENTIANACEAE)

Part used:  Root

Therapeutic action:

Tonic, stomachic, febrifuge, emmenagogue, anthelmintic (vermifuge), antiseptic, antispasmodic, cholagogue, emetic (large doses), sialagogue, antibilious, antiperiodic, antivenomous.

This is one of the most valuable bitter tonics and best strengtheners of the human system in herbal medicine. It has the characteristic of storing vast quantities of condensed oxygen in the roots (the source of its bitterness and exhilarating tonic action), and therefore it is rightfully one of the most popular revitalizing tonic and stomachic agents for physical exhaustion from chronic ailments, general debility, female weakness, digestive weakness, and lack of appetite. It is intensely bitter, yet it is generally easily received by the stomach, wherein it tones the liver without influencing the secretion of bile. It is powerful, effective and reliable as a therapeutic tonic agent. As an antiperiodic, its action is similar to Peruvian bark (Cinchona calisaya).

Medicinal uses:

Atonic gout, amenorrhea, anemia, bites (mad dogs, poisonous insects, snakes, etc.), bruises, cancer (early stages), chills, chronic indigestion, colds, diarrhea, dizziness, dyspepsia, exhaustion, fainting, female weakness, fevers, general debility (especially of digestive organs), hysteria, indigestion, infections, intermittent fevers, jaundice, lameness, liver troubles, malaria, scanty urine, scrofula, side aches, sprains, suppressed menstruation, worms, wounds.

Preparation:

Decoction, fluid extract, infusion, liniment, powder, tincture.

Decoction #1

4 ounces        Gentian root, cut

3 pints Water

4 ounces        Glycerine

Steep the cut root for 12 hours in the unheated water; thereafter bring to a boil and simmer 15 minutes in a closely-covered vessel; remove the cover and simmer slowly down to 3/4 pint of liquid (making it a concentrate); remove from the heat and add the glycerine; cool, bottle, and keep in a cool place.

Decoction #2

1 ounce          Gentian root, cut

1/2 pints         Water

Place the herb in an appropriate vessel and in the water, bring slowly to a boil, simmer to 1 pint, cool, strain, bottle and place in a cool place.

Infusion #1

1 ounce          Gentian root, cut

1 1/4 pints      Water

Boil the water and pour over the root; cover and put in a hot place (but not on direct heat), steep for 30 minutes.

Note:  With gentian, the infusion is an all-around tonic that is generally more acceptable to the convalescent invalid than the stronger preparation, but if results are not satisfactory, resort to the decoction.

Infusion #2

1/2 ounce       Gentian root, cut

1 quart            Water

Soak the herb in the unheated water for 24 hours; bring to a boil and remove from the heat; cool, strain, bottle and keep in a cool place.

Dosage:

Use in reasonably small doses.