Gentian Root Digestive Health. This is the yellow gentian – Gentiana lutea. Gentian root, is considered the king of the bitter herbs with many health benefits. In tests, it was found that the bitter taste from Gentian can still be perceived even when diluted down to 1 part in 12,000. Hildegard von Bingen described the medicinal use of gentian “who has fever in the stomach, often drinks powdered gentian in warm wine and his stomach is cleansed of fever”. After Hildegard, in 1551, the German botanist and physician Hieronymus Bock described yellow gentian as the most important and most common healing root for stomach disorders.Gentian is used for digestion problems such as loss of appetite, fullness, intestinal gas, diarrhea, gastritis, heartburn, and vomiting. It is also used for fever, hysteria, and high blood pressure. It is said that during the reign of King Gentius, Illyria was devastated by the plague. So great was the mortality among his subjects, the pious king appointed a season of fasting and prayed that if he shot an arrow into the air, the gods would direct its descent, guiding it to a herb possessed of sufficient virtue to arrest the course of the disease. The king shot the arrow and it fell to the root of a plant which, when tested, was found to possess the most astonishing curative powers, and did much to lessen the ravages of the plague. The plant from that time on became known as the Gentian, in honor of the good king, whose supplications brought about the divine manifestation of its medicinal properties. Gentian has a long and esteemed history of traditional use, primarily as a digestive aid and to strengthen the digestive system. The ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Arab physicians all used Gentian Root as a herbal medicine, it was especially indicated for health issues where a weakened digestive system was involved. Gentian Root is also popular in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the Indian healing system of Ayurveda, where it is commonly used to treat liver disorders, support detoxification and to stimulate the digestive system.
A healthy digestive system is the cornerstone of overall vibrant health. Throughout history it has been widely known that bitter herbs support this important bodily process, and Gentian Root is one of the top bitter herbs used to stimulate the production of saliva, bile and stomach acids. It is widely used in digestive tonics, such as angostura bitters, which are taken before a meal. Gentian works on the stomach, liver and gall bladder – organs which each play a part in the digestive process. This root’s digestive benefits are in part attributed to the phytochemical amarogentin, which is mainly responsible for the bitter taste. It is believed that bitters such as Gentian work by stimulating the mouth’s taste receptors. When bitters hit the tongue the saliva glands produce more saliva (the first element of digestion), which informs the digestive tract to release digestive enzymes that help to break down food. Gentian also stimulates bile production, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.
As in the past, in modern herbalism Gentian is considered a powerful protector and ally to the liver. It supports the overall function of the liver and gallbladder and blends well with other liver protective herbs.Gentian stimulates the production of bile, which not only helps to promote digestion; it prevents a sluggish liver by preventing the accumulation of waste and speeding up the digestion of proteins and fats. This in turn can help to allay the sense of fatigue that can be felt after consuming a heavy meal. As a liver protective agent, Gentian has been observed to increase levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, superoxide dismutase and GSH peroxidase in various settings of toxin-induced oxidative damage.
Whilst inflammation is a valid response by the body in its quest to heal itself, persistent low-level inflammation is becoming increasingly known as one of the root causes of most disease. Gentian Root contains several constituents with anti-inflammatory properties: secoiridoidal, iridoid glycosides, gentiopicroside, xanthones, polyphenols and flavones, which are of particular benefit to the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems. The anti-inflammatory properties of Gentian also make it useful in wound healing. It soothes inflamed tissues and has anti-bacterial and ant-microbial actions and improves blood flow to damaged tissue, speeding up the healing time.Finally, the active compounds of Gentian not only lower inflammation, they can provide relief from pain by positively modulating pain pathways in the brain.
In addition to the benefits of bitters for digestive health, research shows that gentian ingredients can loosen blocked mucus from the airways. For this reason, root extracts are also used to treat inflammation of the nose, throat and bronchi, such as sinusitis. In monastic medicine and klosterheilkunde, yellow gentian is mainly used to treat mild cases of fatigue, weight, anaemia and lack of appetite in convalescence, fever, gout, malaria, intestinal parasites and alcoholism.
Gentian Root Powder can be taken 1 – 2 grams before a meal, or as recommended by a Herbal Practitioner. Or make a Gentian Root Tea – Combine half a teaspoon (1 gram) of dried gentian root with 150 millilitres of boiling water and allow 5 to 10 minutes to steep. To prepare cold: add half a teaspoon of gentian root (1 gram) to 2 glasses of water, allow 8 hours to steep, and drink the extract 30 minutes before meals.
Gentian seems to be safe for most people when taken by mouth in small amounts, but if pregnant or lactating, or taking prescribed drugs, a talk with your midwife or GP would be sensible. Always Thoroughly research any new herb you are thinking of using.