Yellow Gentian

Gentiana lutea

Physical Characteristics

Gentiana lutea is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees, flies, beetles, Lepidoptera (Moths & Butterflies). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

C. and S. Europe.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Condiment The root is sometimes used in the manufacture of gentian bitters[183]. The root contains sugar and mucilage[2] (this is probably a reference to its medicinal properties). The root was occasionally used as a flavouring in beer before the use of hops (Humulus lupulus) became widespread[4].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antiinflammatory Antiseptic Appetizer Bitter Cholagogue Emmenagogue Febrifuge Refrigerant Stomachic Tonic Gentian root has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient of many proprietary medicines. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and is used as a scientific basis for measuring bitterness[238]. It is especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of debility, weakness of the digestive system and lack of appetite[4]. It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system, stimulating the liver, gall bladder and digestive system[238], and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative in order to prevent its debilitating effects[4]. The root is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant and stomachic[4, 7, 9, 14, 21, 165]. It is taken internally in the treatment of liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections and anorexia[238]. It should not be prescribed for patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers[238]. The root, which can be as thick as a person's arm and has few branches[239], is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[4]. It is quite likely that the roots of plants that have not flowered are the richest in medicinal properties[4]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Gentiana lutea as a tonic (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Known Hazards

Contraindicated with gastric or duodenal ulcer patients. Possible headaches, nausea and vomiting [301].