Large-Leafed 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.

Erect perennial with a stout rootstock, and pale green, pointed, lanceolate leave, 20-40cm (8-16in) long. Violet-blue flowers appear in dense clusters in the upper axils in summer.


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