Gentian

 

Gentiana

macrophylla root

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Vitaklenz: 180mg

Vitaklenz for Kidz: not present

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Gentian is a tall, attractive perennial plant native to the mountainous areas of central and southern Europe. It may grow up to 140 cm (55 in) high with a single stem (no branches) from which long bluish-green leaves emanate in opposite pairs. On the upper section of the plant these turn into saucer-shaped subtending leaves from which the long-stemmed flowers appear. In early autumn or fall the root of the gentian plant is dug up and dried. 1 2

 

Our knowledge of gentian largely comes down to us from the Middle Eastern and Muslim traditions. It owes its name to a king (Gentius) who was reportedly cured of plague by the root of this plant. Overall, gentiana species, of which there are over 400, have been used throughout the ages for menstrual over-bleeding, conjunctivitis, vitiligo, poisoning from animal venoms, injuries, infected wounds, pain & swelling of the liver, spleen, stomach, and muscle sprains. 3

 

Gentiana macrophylla is one of the gentian species taken as the Traditional Chinese Medicine qin jiao (秦艽). This has been used traditionally to treat rheumatoid arthritis, tonsilitis, urticaria, sore throat resulting from cough and eliminating phlegm. This has owed to its anti-inflammatory effects that have been confirmed in studies. 4 Along with other gentian species, it produces some of the most bitter compounds in the repertoire, and as such has been long regarded as an excellent tonic for the whole digestive system with emphasis on the stomach, liver and gall bladder. 5 6 7

 

The most common medicinal uses for gentian include treating digestive orders such as loss of appetite, fullness and flatulence. It is used for a variety of other purposes, such as reducing fever, eradicating parasitic worms and as a general tonic (roborant). 8 9 10 11 Root extracts of gentian have antifungal activity, are anti-inflammatory, and have immunostimulating activities. 12 Expanded Commission E Monographs notes that gentian root stimulates the taste receptors resulting in an increased secretion of saliva and digestive juices. As such it is considered to be a roborant and tonic. It further notes applications for loss of appetite, anorexia, fullness, flatulence, atonic dyspepsia and as an anti-emetic. 13

 

Gentian root is useful for treating secondary anaemia due to its ability to increase white blood cell count, 14 and is said to stimulate muscles and nerves, and has been used as a tonic to revive and increase stamina and strength in American tradition, particularly amongst travellers, those with weak nerves and the elderly. 14 15

 

Gentian is regarded as safe when consumed orally in amounts commonly found in foods or in typical therapeutic amounts.  Gentian cannot be recommended for use during pregnancy due to its potential as a mutagen and as an abortive. 3 Due to a lack of reliable information gentian should be avoided while breastfeeding.

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