Japanese Gentian

A cosmopolitan genus of about 400 species of annuals, biennials, and deciduous or evergreen perennials. Gentians of many kinds are grown for their funnel-shaped flowers, which in some species are bright blue and in others may be purple, yellow, or white. Gentians contain some of the most bitter compounds known, against which the bitterness of some substances is scientifically measured. Bitter-tasting herbs benefit the digestive system, stimulating gastric secretions and improving digestion. Gentiana lutea is the classic bitter digestive, so much so that the taste can still be detected when diluted to 1 in 12,000 parts. Many different species are used similarly in different parts of the world, the choice being largely dependent on local availability. Wild collection of Gentiana species is subject to management measures in certain countries. Gentiana was named after king Gentius of Illyria (c.500BCE), who is credited with discovering the medicinal uses of G. lutea.

Perennial with leafy stems and paired, ovate to lanceolate, 3-veined leaves, to 3.5cm (1 3/8in) long. Deep blue, often spotted flowers appear in terminal clusters or axillary pairs, in summer.

Common Name:	Japanese Gentian
Other Names:	Ryntem Root
Botanical Name:	Gentiana scabra
Genus:	Gentiana
Family:	Gentianaceae
Cultivation:	Moist, light, well-drained, rich, neutral to acid soil in sun or partial shade. Gentiana lutea prefers alkaline soil. Plants may succumb to root rot in wet conditions.
Propagation:	By seed sown when ripe; by division or offshoots in spring.
Harvest:	Roots and rhizomes are lifted in autumn and dried for use in decoctions, tablets, and tinctures.
Native Location:	N Asia, Japan
Height:	30cm (12in)
Width:	20cm (8in)
Hardiness:	Z5-9
Parts Used:	Roots (long dan cao)
Properties:	A bitter, cooling, anti-inflammatory herb that stimulates the appetite and digestion, increases blood sugar leves, and potentiates the sedative and analgesic properties of other herbs.
Medicinal Uses:	Internally for liver disorders, eye complaints related to liver disharmony (such as conjunctivitis), acute urinary infections, hypertension with dizziness or tinnitus, and tantrums in children. Included in many Chinese patent remedies for "liver heat".
Bibliography:	Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 222-223