Gentian: botany, benefits and uses of this plant
Gentian, the essentials in 3 points:
-Promotes digestion and improves the whole digestive sphere -Soothes digestive disorders such as bloating and flatulence -Stimulates appetite and salivary activity Known for its bitterness, but also for its beautiful flowers, gentian is one of the most widely used medicinal plants in France. Thanks to the active ingredients it contains, gentian helps relieve certain digestive disorders.
Botanical description and origin of gentian
Gentian or gentiana is a genus of plants in the Gentianaceae family. There are over 300 known species worldwide, except in Central Africa. Some twenty varieties grow in France, particularly in mountainous areas. A perennial flowering plant, gentian comes in several forms, depending on the species. It generally produces beautiful, intense blue or purplish flowers. However, 3 species have a yellow corolla. These are commonly known as yellow gentians and are highly prized in herbal medicine. There is also a species of gentian with red flowers. Despite the great diversity of gentians, they all share common characteristics. These include deciduous foliage with rosette-shaped leaves. The flowers are trumpet-shaped and sometimes appear out of proportion to the plant. They can be solitary or arranged in clusters. Gentians flower mainly from summer to autumn. Gentians average around 1 m in height, but some can reach 2 m. These plants have sturdy, upright, unbranched stems that are attached to the ground by brownish roots that can be several centimetres thick.
Phytotherapeutic uses of gentian
Highly prized as an ornamental plant for the bright, luminous color of its flowers, gentian can be found in many gardens. Many also use it to enhance their terraces and balconies. But this flowering plant is also much appreciated by alternative medicine practitioners. Unknown in ancient times, gentian was popularized as a medicinal plant in 180 BC by King Gentius of Illyria. Its name derives from this Balkan king, who used the plant to treat his war wounds and those of his soldiers. While many species of gentian have therapeutic virtues, yellow gentian or gentiana lutéa is highly prized in phytotherapy. In particular, it is used to aid digestion and improve the entire digestive system. It is ideal for relieving digestive disorders such as bloating and flatulence. Considered a general tonic, gentian also has aperitive properties, stimulating appetite and salivary activity. Gentian is also recognized for its antioxidant properties. Yellow gentian owes its many virtues to the active ingredients it contains, including sericoids, iridoids, phytosterols and phenolic acids. The plant also contains oligosaccharides and pyridine alkaloids such as gentian.
How to eat and use gentian
To take full advantage of gentian’s benefits, we mainly use its dried roots. As it is forbidden to gather wild gentian in the mountains, it is advisable to buy it from specialized shops such as herbalists. You’ll find gentian in various forms of packaging: capsules, tablets, hydroalcoholic extract or herbal tea. In all cases, it’s advisable to take no more than 8 g of gentian root a day. For herbal tea, infuse 1-2 g of dried gentian root in a cup of boiling water for 10 minutes. If you prefer to use hydroalcoholic extract, generally dilute 25 drops in water. Always follow the dosage instructions on the product packaging. The same applies if you are taking gentian capsules or tablets. Overdosage may result in vomiting or diarrhea. Depending on your needs, you can take gentian before or after meals. If you have appetite problems, for example, it’s best to take gentian half an hour before a meal. To treat digestive problems, take gentian after meals. For effective treatment, take a 2-week course. Yellow gentian is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women, or for young children. It is also contraindicated for people with high blood pressure and those prone to stomach irritation, ulcers or gastro-oesophageal reflux.