Gentian

Species Name: This herb can go by many different species names. Gentiana lutea, Gentiana andrewsii, Gentiana villosa, Gentiana campestris, Gentiana macrophylla and Gentiana scabra.

Also known as: bitter Root, Sampsons Snakeroot, Longdan, and Qin Jiao.

What is Gentian: This herb is actually a flower plant. With almost 400 species in with this group there are a lot of types of different flowering plants that this herb can be made out of.

The flower part of these plants is hardy and like full sun or partial shade. They also like neutral to acid soil that is rich in humus.

This plant is very popular in rock gardens also. The part that is used for the actually herb how ever is the root part of the plant. Gentian is used as a flavoring also. There are some soft drinks that contain gentian root extractives.

Gentian is native to southern central Europe. It is well suited for growth in the Alps mountain range. This plant was named for King Gentius who ruled Illyria as 200 BC.

Home remedies using Gentian:

Benefits of Gentian:

The primary use for this herb is that it can be used as antibacterial, antiseptic; it will also make a bitter tonic. Also it can be used as a laxative, or a stomach tonic.

It is also believed that gentian helps the production of gastric juices, saliva and bile within the body. Gentian has also been used in the past to clean wounds. It can also be include in alcoholic beverages.

Uses of Gentian:

At this time this is used as a digestive aid. If you are going to use this as a digestive aid you'll have to make sure that you taken a half hour before mealtime.

This can help with the break down of proteins and fat while you eat. This herb can also help treat anemia, because it will improve the amount of iron that is absorbed from the food into the body.

This herb can come in the form of a liquid. You'll have to take two to five drops with water before a meal for it to help you with your stimulation of your digestive juices.

Side Effects of Gentian:

Don't take gentian if you have acid indigestion or a stomach ulcer. Make sure that you talk to your doctor before you do decide to take any kind of herbs.