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 | Gentian Other Names:
Botanical Name:
Family: N.O. Gentianaceae |
Description: |
The Gentians are an extensive group of plants, numbering about 180 species, distributed throughout all climates, though mostly in temperate regions and high mountains, being rare in the Arctic. In South America and New Zealand, the prevailing colour of the flower is red, in Europe blue (yellow and white being of rarer occurrence).
The name of the genus is derived from Gentius, an ancient King of Illyria (180-167 B.C.), who, according to Pliny and Dioscorides, discovered the medicinal value of these plants. During the Middle Ages, Gentian was commonly employed as an antidote to poison. Tragus, in 1552, mentions it as a means of diluting wounds. |
Ancient Lore: |
GENTIAN (Autumn)
GENTIANELLA (= GENTIANA) AMARELLA
It is confessed that Gentian, which is most used among us, was brought from beyond the sea yet we have several sorts of it growing frequently in this country, which, besides the reasons so often alleged, why English herbs should be fittest for English bodies, has been proved, by the experience of divers physicians, not to be a whit inferior in virtue to that which comes from beyond the sea.
There are two sorts of Gentian commonly found, known also as Gelwort and Bairnony. They are the Autumn Gentian and the-Field Gentian (G. campestris). The former bears large, bell-shaped, purple flowers, and the latter bears small blue flowers.
Where to find it: Pastures with chalky soils.
Flowering time: Midsummer to early autumn.
Astrology: Both are under the dominion of Mars.
Medicinal virtues: The virtues of both are similar. They resist putrefactions and poison and a more sure remedy to prevent the pestilence cannot be found. It strengthens the stomach, helps digestion, comforts the heart, and preserves it against Paintings and swoonings. The powdered dried root opens obstructions of the liver and restores the appetite.
The herb provokes urine and the terms exceedingly, and therefore should not be given to women with child. But it is profitable for those troubled with cramps and convulsions, to drink the decoction. This also breaks the stone and helps ruptures. To kill the worms, take half a dram (1g) of the powder in the morning in any convenient liquor. It will also instantly heal lites on cattle's udders.
Modern uses: Herbalists prefer to use the Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea), which they regard as one of the finest ofall tonic medicines. It has a very bitter taste even when greatly diluted.
It is used for all cases of general debility, anorexia, dyspepsia and jaundice. There are several official preparations listed in the British Pharmacopoeia; but as the root yields all of its medicinal properties in water, it can be used domestically in the form of an infusion. It is better to combine the powdered root with an aromatic herb, like Cardamoms, to reduce the bitterness. One-fifth to one-half a teaspoonful of the powder is infused in a cupful of boiling water, and sweetened with honey. |
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