Useful information about Gentiana Lutea
Botanical Name: Gentiana lutea, Gentiana scabraOther names: Yellow and pale gentian, bitter root, feltwort, bitterwort, gall weed, stemless gentian.
Gentiana lutea belongs to the Gentianaceae family. Growing to 1 or 2 meters tall with extended lanceolate to elliptic leaves, 1 to 30 centimeters long and 4 to 12 centimeters broad. Apparently, the flowers are yellow, with a separated corolla. Nearly 5 to 7 narrow petals. The main root can be more than 1 meter in length. Also, it can weigh up to 6.5 kilograms. It grows in grassy alpine and sub-alpine pastures most likely on uncultivated grounds in Germany, Spain, France and Balkan Mountains.
Gentiana lutea is under wildlife protection, thus it will be cultivated for a plant in most countries in Europe. The composition of the constituents is mainly relying on the time of harvesting.
Therefore, the content of sugar decrease in spring and increase to the maximum in July based on the growth of sugar content.
Historically speaking, Chinese herbalists were not able to distinguish between the species of Gentian and other species known at that time.
However, Gentiana lutea was called lung tan or dragon’s gall because of its unbearable bitter taste.
Benefits of Gentiana Lutea Home Remedies
Many species of Gentiana are used the same way in widely different cultures. They exist in the Indian Ayurveda herbal medicine, and traditional Chinese medicine, as well as the European herbal pharmacopeia.
Gentiana lutea has a very long history, especially as bitters. People used to take it so as to promote their appetite and digestion by a general stimulation of the digestive juices.
Gentiana along with other bitters are very crucial in terms of traditional herbal medicine as it is a remedy for physical and mental exhaustion.
Gentiana lutea is an effective herbal remedy for symptoms of sluggish digestion namely dyspepsia and flatulence. This herb can be used as a blood builder, traditionally used a convalescence. It is mainly used as a natural treatment for those people who are gaining weight, exhaustion, and anorexia.
Gentiana is believed to make the whole system strong by stimulating the digestive function and the general circulation as well as the other activities of many glands and organs.
Traditional herbalists strongly believed that gentian root could improve the digestive process through stimulating the flow of bile and saliva as well as stomach acids in case it is taken before meals. During the middle ages, it was used to treat wounds and it was considered as a natural antidote for different types of poisons. Also, it is used to relieve inflammations in the gall bladder.
Gentiana lutea or hung tan in traditional Chinese medicine contains as much as the same gentian in European herbal. It is particularly used for rheumatism, fevers, the toxicity of the bowels and general debility. It is said to boost memory, also used as a liver tonic.
Besides, it was traditionally used as a herbal treatment for wounds. Recent studies have confirmed that gentian has a measurable anti-inflammatory and effective wound-healing effect.
The herb is used internally as a remedy for people suffering from sore throat and arthritic inflammation.
It is also used in different kinds of alcoholic drinks as well as schnapps, and it is a crucial ingredient in Angostura bitters. It is used in combination with multiple digestive stimulants like ginger and cardamom.
Gentiana Preparation and Dosage
Decoction:
1 ounce fresh lemon peeled
1 ounce dried root
0.2 ounce dried orange
Make sure to simmer this mixture for one or two hours in a ¾ pint of hot water.
Tincture:
It can be made at home by using the following recipe:
0.4 ounce dried orange peel
0.2- ounce cardamom seed
1 ounce dried root
Macerate this mixture in one ounce of 100 proof vodka ( wine or other alcoholic drinks may be substituted for Vodka). Try to shake the mixture daily. Two weeks after, squeeze the liquid out and filter it. Take ½ to one teaspoon one half hour before meals.
Special Precautions and Side Effects of Gentiana Lutea
During pregnancy, women should AVOID Gentian as it may affect the health of the baby.
Gentiana has been reported to bring some adverse negative effects. In conclusion, STAY ON THE SAFE SIDE AND AVOID USE.
Gentiana is contraindicated to individuals with excessive gastric acid secretions, also people who are suffering from heartburn or high blood pressure, overdose may cause gastric irritation.
Therefore, it may result in vomiting.
People should be cautious when taking this herb, as it can be easily mistaken with the highly toxic white hellebore (the so-called Veratrum album L) which grows in the same area with Gentiana lutea.
Home Natural Treatment Solutions does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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