Gentian Extract
Species Name: Gentian comes from a genus of flowering plants called Gentiana.
There are about 400 species within the Gentian family know as Gentianaceae. The most common species noted for medicinal purposes is Gentiana lutea.
A few more of these species names are Gentiana asclepiadea (or Willow Gentian), Gentiana austromontana (or Appalachian Gentian), Gentiana autumnalis (or Pinebarren Gentian), Gentiana bavarica (or Bavarian Gentian), and Gentiana bellidifolia.
Also Known As: Gentian is commonly known as bitter root, bitter wort, gal weed, yellow Gentian, Sampsons Snakeroot, Longdan, and Qin Jiao.
What is Gentian Extract? The root of the Gentian plant is what is used for medicinal purposes. The yellow-brown root of this plant is thick, with several branches. The extract is made by soaking the roots in an alcohol extraction bath.
This flowering plant originates in alpine habitats in the temperate regions of North America, Europe and Asia.
There are also some species of Gentian that exist in New Zealand, eastern Australia, and in northwest Africa. These plants can be annual, biennial and perennial. The trumpet-shaped flowers are usually deep blue, but they can also be yellow, red, white or cream. The plants are often cultivated for rock gardens.
They generally do well in full sun to partial shade. Gentian is often used in making bitters. This alcoholic beverage has a bitter flavor and is flavored with herbal essences.
Bitters were historically marketed as patent medicines but are now considered to be digestifs, not medicines.
Home Remedies Using Gentian Extract:
Benefits of Gentian Extract:
Gentian Extract is commonly used to improve digestion and increase liver and pancreatic function.
The supplement is believed to increase circulation and to fight indigestion, dyspepsia, and gas. It is used to create a tonic that is beneficial for the gastrointestinal tract.
The extract can be used to fight infections, malaria, and as anti-venom for poisonous bites. It also has anti-parasitic properties and is used to kill worms and plasmodia.
Gentian Extract is considered to be a general strengthening tonic used to fight fatigue, exhaustion, female weakness, and anemia. It is also helpful in combating dizziness and light headedness.
Gentian extract is normally taken in the form of a pill or liquid. It is often used to help those who have lost their appetite, as an antacid, and internal antiseptic. Gentian extract is commonly used as a laxative.
One European study stated that, “It is well-known that the bitter constituents stimulate the gustatory nerves in mouth and possibly increase the secretion of gastric fluid and bile, thereby enhancing appetite and digestion.”
Side Effects of Gentian Extract:
Gentian Extract can cause headaches. It is recommended that this remedy not be taken by anyone who suffers from excess stomach acid, heartburn, peptic ulcer disease, or gastritis.
