Also known as gentian, yellow gentian, gingiva, gentian, or even unciana, gentian is a perennial plant with a thick root and an elliptical rosette of leaves. After 4 and 8 years, the plant develops a tall, hollow stem with sessile and opposite leaves, and the fruit has winged seeds.
Originally from the Carpathians, the plant, whose scientific name is Gentiana lutea, can still be found in mountain ranges in Europe and Asia. In several countries, it is protected and cultivated for medicinal purposes. Parts used for medicinal purposes can be found in compounding pharmacies and some health food stores.
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What are the properties and uses of the plant?
The plant has anti-diabetic, anti-emetic, antimicrobial, aperient, laxative, deworming, digestive, tonic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Thanks to these properties, it can treat vomiting, intestinal worms, colds, nausea, jaundice, gout, gastritis, general weakness, anorexia, diabetes, gallstones, heartburn, allergies, amenorrhea, diarrhea, anemia, rheumatic pain, and fever. It can also combat intestinal gas, stomach, and digestive problems – as it regulates peristaltic movements and stimulates the production of gastric juice –, or as saliva stimulants to treat constipation and inflammatory diseases.
How to prepare gentian tea?
To prepare the tea, you should use the leaves and roots and consume them before the main meals. In a container, place a cup of water and bring it to the fire. When it comes to a boil, add a teaspoon of the root and cover, letting it rest for about ten minutes. After this period, the plant will have released its active substances in an ideal amount to treat the diseases mentioned above. You can strain it, wait for it to become warm, and then consume it in a dose between two and three times a day.
Contraindications and side effects
When consumed gentian tea in excess, the herb can cause headaches and vomiting. Its consumption is contraindicated for pregnant or lactating women, hypertensive patients, stomach ulcers, or predisposed to headaches.
Before consuming natural medications, consult a specialist physician, as some plants have drug interactions potentiating certain medications’ effects or nullifying others’ effects. It is also essential that your doctor know all symptoms and everything used as a form of medicine, natural or industrialized.
