Gentian Root

What is the Gentian root?

The genus Gentiana has more than 400 flowering plant species that grow in the highlands of parts of Europe, Asia, and the Americas. These plants get their gentian root from their flowers. Gentiana has beautiful flowers in many colors, but only the root is used to make medicine. It is yellow-brown and can be dried and turned into pills, teas, tinctures, and extracts. People who use traditional medicine often mix it with water, put it on the skin, or drink it.

People have used gentian root-infused water to treat liver, spleen, and stomach swelling. They have also used gentian root and vinegar to make plasters to treat skin inflammation, infected wounds, and poisonous animal bites. People know that gentian root tastes bitter. In traditional medicine, it is often used as a digestive tonic to help the stomach, liver, and gallbladder work better. In fact, the name "gentian" comes from the ancient Illyrian king Gentius, who found that the herb could be used as a tonic. It is still a part of alcoholic aperitifs, which are served before a meal to make you hungry, and digestifs, which are served after a meal to help you digest. Bitters, which are added to some alcoholic drinks, are made from gentian root. It's also in Moxie, which is one of the oldest soda brands in the US and is known for having a bitter aftertaste.

How do I use Gentian root?

It has a yellow-brown hue and can be desiccated and processed into extracts, tablets, beverages, and tinctures. It is frequently diluted with water, applied topically or ingested in traditional medicine. Water infused with gentian root has been utilized to treat stomach, liver, and spleen enlargement.

Gentian root benefits:

Even though gentian root is used in many different ways in traditional medicine, there aren't many scientific studies that back up its supposed benefits. Iridoids, secoiridoids, xanthones, and flavonoids are the main compounds in gentian root that make it work. The amounts of these chemicals in the plant depend on the type of Gentiana plant, the time of year when it is picked, and how it is dried. So, not all forms of gentian root may have the same health benefits. 

◉ May help with arthritis: Gentian root may have anti-inflammatory properties and help with conditions that cause inflammation because of this. For instance, gentiopicroside, one of the main iridoids in gentian root, may help treat rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term condition that causes inflammation. It happens when the immune system attacks healthy cells. This causes pain, swelling, and inflammation in the joints.

◉ Sinus infections: Researchers have looked at how gentian root affects people with sinus infections who have inflammation. Sinus inflammation causes symptoms like a stuffy nose, headaches, and pain in the face. Sinupret is a herbal treatment for sinus infections that has been on the market for more than 80 years. Gentian root is one of the herbs in Sinupret. Verbena, sorrel, elderflowers, and primula flowers are also in Sinupret.

◉ May Help Digestion: Iridoids and secoiridoids found in Gentiana species may make you feel hungry and help protect your digestive system. Some examples of these chemicals are gentiopicroside, amarogentin, and amaroswerin. These chemicals are a contributing factor in the bitter taste of gentian root. Bitter foods may help the body make more saliva and gastric juices, which can increase appetite and improve digestion.

◉ Supports the Nervous System: Gentian seems to help the central nervous system by easing muscle tension and acting as a natural sedative. At the same time, it helps fight fatigue. According to studies on animals, gentian compounds called gentiopicroside, swertiamarin, and sweroside have been shown to make muscles stronger and less tired.

Where can I buy Gentian root?

Buy gentian root from the health food store in the USA, Alive Herbals.

Gentian Root information (at a glance):