Common Name: |
Large-Leafed Gentian |
Botanical Name: |
Gentiana burseri var. villarsii syn. G. macrophylla |
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, China, Mongolia |
Height: |
40-70cm (16-28in) |
Width: |
60cm (24in) |
Hardiness: |
Z5-9 |
Parts Used: |
Roots (qin jiao) |
Properties: |
A bitter, pungeant, sedative herb that has a tonic effect on the liver, gall bladder, and stomach; increases blood sugar levels. It lowers fevers, releives pain, and reduces inflammation. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for rheumatism, arthritis, low-grade fevers associated with chronic disease, allergic inflammations, hepatitis, jaundice, and constipation-related to liver complaints. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown. Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited. pg 222-223
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