Plant Profile: Gentian

Gentian

(Gentiana lutea)

Family: GENTIANACEAE

Energetics: Cooling. Drying. 

Taste: Bitter. Acrid. 

Tissue States: 

Systems Affected: Gallbladder. Liver. Stomach. Endocrine system.

Parts Used: Dried rhizome/root. 

Key Components: Bitter principle (gentiopicrin, amarogentine). Glycosides. Flavonoids. Alkaloids. Xanthones. Pectin. Tannins. Mucilage. Sugar. 

Preparations & dosage: Decoction: 1/2 tsp simmered in 1 cup water for 5 minutes. Drink while still warm 15-30 minutes before or after a meal. Tincture: 1 dropperfull 3x per day or with meals. Liniment: Massage 1 tsp over abdomen as needed. 

Actions: 

Foundational: Bitter. Stimulant.
Primary: Sialagogue. Cholagogue. Digestive stimulant. 
Secondary: Antispasmodic. Antiparasitic. Antiseptic. 

Uses: 

Considered one of the best herbs for creating general wellness. Bitter component gives its affinity for the Gastrointestinal tract. It optimizes levels of hydrochloric acid & digestive enzymes leading to improved digestion & food absorption.Helpful for lack of appetite. Good for those who are weak physically or functionally & need strong support to gain nutrients from food being consumes. Stores high levels of oxygen in its roots causing feelings of revitalization. Supports large and small blood vessels especially in the abdomen. Improved digestion decreases burden on liver. Helpful for those who need to ton digestion & liver but also experience gallbladder colic because uncle other bitters it does not seem to stimulate the gallbladder & secretion of bile. Can simulate the endocrine system (possibly because of its affinity for fixing the digestive system as hormonal imbalances such as thyroid, reproductive or adrenal imbalances are often attributed to digestive insufficiencies)  

An intense bitter the strengthens the enteric brain (a.k.a. the autonomic nervous system). Stimulates digestive juices. Promotes the production of saliva, & gastric juices (hydrochloric acid & digestive enzymes), thus improving digestion and nutrient absorption. Improving digestion in this way, takes pressure off the liver.

Doesn't seem to stimulate the gallbladder and bile production unlike other bitters. 

Speeds the emptying of the stomach.

Indicated where this is a lack of appetite and sluggish digestion.  

For the endocrine system: JJ Pursell states that it seems to be more about the effects on the digestive system and correcting imbalances that brings the endocrine system back into balance. 

Flower Essence: Indicated for people who have difficulty handling setbacks and have rouble moving through them. People who feel hopeless and are sure things won't get better. Dr. Edward Bach indicated the flower essence for people who are making progress towards health then suffer a setback and being losing home and faith in their remedies and healers. Also for a client who needs constant reassurance that a remedy is going to work despite the fact that they are, in fact, feeling better. 

Combines well with: Ginger. Cardamom. 

Identifying: 

Growing:

Harvesting: Harvest in the fall. Cut into slices and dry slowly. Gentian develops its scent, color and taste while it is drying. 

Contraindications: Not for use if there is diarrhea caused by digestive weakness. Avoid gentian if taking H2 receptor antagonists such as Tagamet, Zantac or any other antacids as their purpose is to suppress the secretion of digestive juices and gentian stimulates, corrects and balances an deficiency in digestive juices. I should also state that most people on acid reducers are actually doing more harm than good and rarely actually produce too much digestive acids. 

Sources: 

The Complete Herbs Sourcebook: David Hoffman. Pg 260

The Herbal Apothecary: JJ Pursell. Pg 104-105

The Earthwise Herbal: Volume 1: Matthew Wood. Pg 274-277

Studies:

This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, nor is it intended to replace medical advice. For educational purposes only.