GREAT YELLOW GENTIAN
Gentiana lutea
Common name: Great Yellow Gentian
Latin name: Gentiana lutea
Other names: Bitter Root, Bitterwort, Gentian Root, Yellow Gentian, Pale Gentian, Felwort
Family: Gentianaceae
Habitat: Great Yellow Gentian is native to alpine and sub-alpine areas of central and southern Europe.
Description: It is is a perennial, herbaceous plant. It grows up to 2 meters in height. It has thick stem and a long, fleshy taproot. Broad leaves are lanceolate to elliptic in shape, and up to 30 centimeters long. Flowers are yellow, funnel-shaped, with five to seven narrow petals. They appear in whorled clusters during summer.
Parts used: Root, dried.
Useful components: Glycosides: gentiopicrin and amarogentin, tannins
Medicinal use: The Great Yellow Gentian root is generally very effective remedy against different ailments of the digestive system, liver disorders and various problems involving mucous membranes. It stimulates the liver and gall bladder and eases the digestive processes. By stimulating gastric acids, it combats feelings of gas and fullness, helping in cases of bloating and flatulence. It enables healthy liver function and soothes abdominal cramps and constipation. It is very often in treatment of loss of appetite and diseases including loss of appetite (such as anorexia nervosa) and different dyspeptic complaints.
Safety: The herb shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or lactation. Gentian can also worsen the cases of ulcers. Therefore, it is highly advisable to consult your doctor/herbalist before its usage.