Gentian root is included in various tea mixtures under the indication of gastrointestinal disorders and loss of appetite. Teas are also available in filter bags containing 20-250 mg of gentian root per gram of tea mixture. Among herbal medicines, many gastrointestinal remedies contain dry and fluid extracts of the drug.
Commercially, gentian root is used mainly for flavoring alcoholic beverages (bitters).
Average daily dose
Unless otherwise prescribed, the mean daily dose is 2-4 g for the drug, 1-3 g for the tincture, and 2-4 g for the fluid extract accordingly.
Gentian: preparation as a medicine
To prepare a gentian root tea, 1-2 g of the finely chopped or powdered drug (1 teaspoon corresponds to about 3.5 g) is poured over boiling water and the whole is passed through a tea strainer after 5 minutes.
However, gentian root can also be prepared with cold water and boiled only briefly. For a cold water extract (macerate), the drug should be steeped in cold water for 8-10 hours.
Contraindications
Preparations containing gentian root should not be taken in cases of gastric acidity (hyperacidity) and known ulcers of the stomach or duodenum. Stimulation of gastric acid production may worsen such medical conditions.
How should gentian be stored?
Gentian root should be stored in a dry place away from light.
