Harvestbells

Gentiana saponaria

Physical Characteristics

Gentiana saponaria is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.8 m (2ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. It is in flower from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bumblebees, butterflies. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Ontario to Minnesota, Connecticut, Florida and Louisiana.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antidote Appetizer Bitter Digestive Stomachic Tonic The root is said to be an antidote to snakebites[61]. This N. American species has medicinal properties practically identical with the European gentians[4]. The following notes are based on the general uses of G. lutea which is the most commonly used species in the West[K]. 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, stomachic[4, 7, 9, 14, 21, 165, 238]. 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 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].

Known Hazards

None known