Gentiana lutea
Gentiana lutea Common name: Gentian
Family: Gentianaceae
Part used: Radix
Constituents: Glycosides, Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Iridoids, Xanthones, Phenolic acids
Medicinal actions: Bitter, Gastric stimulant, Cholagogue, Sialagogue, anti-microbial, antihelmintic, emmenagogue
Medicinal uses: Stimulating HCl acid and bile secretion. Tonifying to the digestive tract and should be considered for all persons who have weak digestion.
Pharmacy: Decoction .5-2 g/ 250 ml water, 1/2 cup prn. Tincture (1:5, 45%), 1-3 mls in 1/2 cup water prn, maximum weekly dose 40 ml.
Contraindications: Gentian is contraindicated in weak constitutions with nervous system irritability.
Toxicity: If given in large amounts, Gentian will suppress the stomach, irritate the bowels, cause N/V, and bounding pulse with headache.