GENTIAN

Gentiana lutea
(Gentianaceae)

HISTORY and USES

Native to Europe and Asia Minor, gentian properties as a medicinal plant go back to 180 B.C. Gentian is a powerful bitter that stimulates appetite and promotes digestion through the increased production of saliva, gastric juices and bile. It also decreases gastric inflammation and kill worms. Gentian is also used to treat liver and spleen problems and to promote menstruation. Medicinally, gentian strengthens a weak or under-active digestive system.

MAIN PROPERTIES: Bitter, digestive stimulant, eases stomach pain.