Western Bulk Herbs – Gentian Root

Gentian Root

All the known species are remarkable for the intensely bitter properties residing in the root and every part of the herbage; hence they are valuable tonic medicines. That most commonly used in Europe is Gentiana lutea, the Yellow Gentian. The root of this species is the principal vegetable bitter employed in medicine, though the roots of several other species, including our native ones, are said to be equally efficacious. Before the introduction of hops, Gentian, with many other bitter herbs, was used occasionally in brewing.

Gentian roots are collected and dried in central and southern Europe, much of the supply for this country having formerly come from Germany, though it is also imported from Switzerland, France and Spain, and French Gentian is considered of special excellence.

Yellow Gentian is one of the many herbs so far not cultivated in England for medicinal use, though preparations of the root are in constant use in every dispensary, and it is much prescribed also by veterinary surgeons. Though the plant is indigenous in central Europe, it can readily be grown from seed in England, and could quite easily be cultivated as a garden or field crop in this country. Though not often met with, it has been grown in gardens since the time of Gerard, who tells us that a learned French physician sent him from Burgundy plants of this species for his garden on Holborn Hill. It is a highly ornamental plant, forming one of the stateliest hardy herbaceous perennials for the garden border, and when successfully treated will grow luxuriantly, even if in the neighborhood of London.

Latin Name:
Gentiana lutea

Common Names:

Parts Used:
Dried rhizome and root

Properties:
Bitter, gastric stimulant, sialagogue, cholagogue

Traditional Uses:

Culinary Uses:

Chemical Properties:

Cautions:

Folk Lore:

*Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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