Latin name: Gentiana luteaGenera: Gentian family, protected folk names: Bitter Root, Yellow Gentian, Aphids, SaurootPlant description: Stately, tufted yellow flowering plant, up to over knee height. Leaves facing each other. The root of older plants can become up to arm-thick. Flowering time: July and AugustOrigin: Mainly on the calcareous soil of the Alps.
Medicinally used plant parts
The root
Ingredients
Bitter substances, mainly gentiopikrin and among others amarogentine (the bitterest substance known so far) which tastes bitter in extremely high dilution. Also tannins, little essential oil and many carbohydrates.
Healing effects and use of fenugreek seeds
Gentian is a pure bitter substance drug. The low tannin content eliminates unwanted irritating effects. Gentian root is used to treat lack of appetite, stomach acid deficiency, flatulence and cramps in the gastrointestinal tract.
The bile secretion is positively influenced. The bitter substances have a positive effect already on contact with the oral mucosa by triggering healing reflexes. Gentian is the remedy of choice in cases of insufficient gastric juice production, in contrast to excessive gastric juice production and heartburn.
Gentian is not indicated here but rather drugs such as anise, caraway, lemon balm, chamomile or fennel. Gentian is also not indicated for stomach and small intestinal ulcers. Gentian is also used to make gentian schnapps, which is considered to aid digestion
Application in homeopathy
Gentia lutea is used in low potencies (D1 to D4) for loss of appetite, bloating and digestive problems.
Preparation of gentian
Gentian tea: Pour 1⁄4 l water over 1 teaspoon of cut gentian root, heat and boil for 5 minutes, strain and drink moderately warm 15 minutes before main meals. Cold extract: Pour 2 cups of water over 1 teaspoon of sliced gentian root, cover and leave to stand overnight, strain and drink moderately warm.
Side effect
With normal dosage there is no need to fear side effects.
