Dosage

Intervention: 5 to 10 drops per day.
Treatment: 10-15 drops, 3 times per day max.

Directions for use

Shake before using. Take directly on the tongue or in a half glass of water or tea, 15 to 30 minutes
before meals. For long-term treatment, use 6 days out of 7.

Mode of Action
The distinctly bitter taste of gentian, which has captured the attention of herbalists and liquor producers for centuries, is largely attributable to the presence of a chemical compound called amarogentin. This substance stands out as the most bitter natural compound ever isolated. Its intense bitterness can be perceived even at extremely low dilutions, making gentian one of the bitterest plants known. The primary function of amarogentin, in addition to conferring the typical taste, is to stimulate digestive functions through its action on taste receptors, triggering a series of beneficial responses within the body, such as increased secretion of gastric juices and promotion of digestion.

Helpful Associations
Oregano and Mugwort herbal tea
Liquorice extract (available at Blissdorf)
Wormwood extract (available at Blissdorf)

Ethnobotany
 

The genus Gentiana stands out for its extraordinary diversity, with about 400 varieties that differ in color, shape, and habitat. Gentiana lutea or greater gentian is commonly used in herbal medicine, but the list of species is long and varied:

• Lesser Gentian (Gentiana cruciata): known for its blue flowers and growth in temperate areas.
• Asclepius Gentian (Gentiana asclepiadea): has blue flowers and adapts to temperate climates.
• Gentianella (Gentiana acaulis): characterized by a vibrant blue, typically grows in mountainous areas.
• Gentiana purpurea: its reddish-purple flowers make it distinctive and are often found in mountainous regions.
• Gentiana pumila: a small gentian with blue flowers, suitable for cold climates.
• Gentiana pannonica: similar to purpurea in flower color, grows in mountain environments.

These plants maintain a similar appearance to the greater gentian, but they stand out for the shade of their flowers: blue predominates in the lesser, gentianella, pumila, and Asclepius Gentian, while the reddish-purple characterizes the purpurea and pannonica. While some varieties are appreciated in traditional medicines like Chinese medicine, others are cultivated for their ornamental value in gardens thanks to their beauty and hardiness. The purpurea and pannonica, along with the yellow gentian, grow wild and are considered protected entities.

History

The name Gentian is said to derive from Gentius, King of Illyria (died 167 B.C.), who is reputed to have discovered the medicinal value of Gentian and recommended it for the treatment of plague.

The bitter glycoside amarogentin contained in Yellow Gentian is the most bitter natural substance known. Mountain farmers in the Alpine regions used to place Gentian root in their shoes to combat weak, sweating feet. In veterinary medicine Yellow Gentian is also called appetite powder. The name speaks for itself.

Gentian root also played an important role in mythology. In the Middle Ages it was used for numerous incantations and rituals, often in place of mandrake which was very expensive in those days. In general, Yellow Gentian is considered a symbol of power and strength. In the Tyrol there is a saying: Wia die Enzianwurz is koani so stark. – No-one is as strong as the Gentian root.

Contra-Indications

Those suffering from gastric disorders such as gastritis, peptic ulcer, gastric hyperacidity, hiatal hernia, or esophagitis should refrain from using it, as gentian could worsen these clinical conditions. Furthermore, gentian is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding

Interactions 

it is important to consider that gentian extracts can influence the action of certain drugs, increasing the possibility of gastric irritation, that is, the tendency to cause lesions in the gastric mucosa. This effect could be particularly relevant if gentian is taken concurrently with other drugs or herbs that have a similar impact on the gastrointestinal tract.