The roots of gentian herb are the parts which are used medicinally. The plant is cultivated all over Europe and is often used as an ingredient in alcoholic drinks.
The alcoholic extract is widely available, but most people will take the herb in the form of a tea.
The herb has a very bitter taste, but can be sweetened with honey and combined with other herbs such as licorice root to counteract this bitterness.
Its benefits for the digestive system mean that it is recommended for elderly people, whose digestive systems may not be functioning well.
Gentian root has a number of benefits including:
- Use as a tonic against exhaustion. Major illness can leave people suffering severely from fatigue, and gentian herb can combat these symptoms.
- As a tonic, gentian can be used to strengthen the systems of the body to help them cope with everyday stresses.
- It can relieve the symptoms of fevers and is a beneficial herb to take when suffering from a cold.
- Gentian root can encourage menstruation and blood flow and help to ease the symptoms of related conditions.
- It is useful for eliminating parasites from the digestive system due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties.
- It has antiseptic properties for wounds and other infections.
- It can encourage the appetite and help the digestive system to function properly. It is useful for combating indigestion and can prevent a build-up of gas in the digestive tract. It can increase the amount of nutrients that are absorbed by the body.
- The functions of the gallbladder and liver can be encouraged by taking gentian root. In this way it can purify the blood.
- Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder which can be helped greatly by taking gentian herb.
- It can be used to treat anemia by increasing the amount of iron that the body absorbs.
- Poor circulation can be improved by using gentian.
Gentian Side Effects
Over-consumption of the herb can lead to nausea and headaches. Those with blood pressure problems may find that gentian is not suitable for them.
Anyone suffering from ulcers is advised not to take the herb. Women who are pregnant should not take gentian root.
The herb should be obtained from an herbal practitioner and not gathered in the wild, as it looks very similar to white hellebore, which is poisonous.
As it can help to stimulate production of stomach acid, anybody already suffering from an excess of this should not take gentian.