Centaury

A genus of about 40 species of annuals and biennials, occasionally perennials, found throughout temperate regions. One or two species are grown as ornamentals for their colorful flowers, and a few have medicinal properties. Best known is C. erythraea, which , in common with many members of the gentian family, is extremely bitter, prompting Nicholas Culpeper to comment, in The English Physician Enlarged, or the Herbal (1653) that "it is very wholesome, but not very toothsome". Its constituents include bitter glycosides that stimulate the liver and gall bladder, increasing bile flow and improving the appetite and digestion. Bitter compounds are also present in C. chilensis (canchalagua), a similar plant that grows on the west coast of N America. Bitters are at their most effective taken 30 minutes before eating.

Variable, small biennial or short-lived perennial with a basal rosette and elliptic, veined leaves to 5cm (2in) long. Five-petaled, pink flowers are borne in dense clusters on long, branched stalks in summer.

Common Name:	Centaury
Other Names:	Feverwort
Botanical Name:	Centaurium erythrae syn. Erythraea centaurium
Genus:	Centaurium
Family:	Gentianaceae
Location:	Dry grassland and dunes in Europe and SW Asia. Naturalized in N America
Cultivation:	Sandy, neutral to alkaline soil in sun.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe.
Harvest:	Flowering plants are cut in summer and dried for infusions and liquid extracts.
Height:	15-24cm (6-10in)
:Width	7-15cm (3-6in)
Hardiness:	Z4-8
Parts Used:	Whole plant
Properties:	A very bitter, dry herb that acts as a tonic for the digestive system and lowers fevers.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for dyspepsia, liver and gall bladder complaints, hepatitis, jaundice, anorexia, post-viral syndrome, poor appetite in convalescence, and feverish illnesses. Combined with Althea officinalis (See, marshmallow), Chamaemelum nobile (See, chamomile), and Filipendula ulmaria (See, meadowsweet), for dyspepsia, and with Berberis vulgaris (See, barberry) and Rumex crispus (See, curled dock) for jaundice. Not given to pregnant women.
Bibliography:	Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 162