GENTIANA LUTEA
Gentiana Lutea is commonly known as Gentian and Stem less Gentian. These plants are native to major parts of Europe and a few parts of Western Asia. This perennial herb has erect stems and uncommon oval shaped leaves. The height of this medicinal herb can go up to 1.8 meters. This plant is known for producing pleasantly fragrant orange yellow colored flowers.
The medicinal plant is recognized to be used as a bitter tonic.
CHARACTERISTICS OF GENTIANA LUTEA
The Gentian is a medicinal plant which has a basal decoration of lance shaped leaves. This arrangement grows up to a height of 10 cms only. This popular herb grows widely in the Alps at a height between 3000 to 5000 feet above sea level. The roots of the Gentiana are cylindrical in shape and can vary in thickness. They can be anywhere between 5 to 40 mm of diameter. The roots rhizomes are longitudinal and can be of dark to light brown in color. The roots of this plant have a bitter tasting content in them. The entire Gentiana Lutea plant is used for making medicines.
THERAPEUTIC POWERS OF THE PLANT
The use of this plant has been done for centuries. It is known to stimulate the appetite of a person suffering from problems such as anorexia, improve digestion by working directly on the metabolic activity in the body, useful for relieving problems of vomiting, stomach pain and chronic cases of diarrhea.
There have been several studies that have proven the fact this herbal plant is appropriate for consumption by humans. The stem of the Gentian is used popularly as a tea infusion and as Angostura Bitters. The extract of the Gentiana Lutea is also used in variety of foods, anti smoking products and also in cosmetics.
Other popular therapeutic uses of the Gentiana Lutea are in relieving problems of sore throat, arthritic inflammation and in severe cases of jaundice.
The bitter substance in the Gentiana Lutea is known for improving appetite and in aiding problem of digestion. It also stimulates the flow of bile and other vital gastric juices. This juice is also consumed as an alcoholic beverage. The Gentianine is also known to exert a measurable anti inflammatory effect especially in animals.
NUTRIENT COMPOSITION
The Gentian Lutea has a peculiar bitter taste. This is majorly because of gentipicroside, gentipicrin, amarogentin and swertiamarin. The plant also contains numerous alkaloids, triterpenes, common sugar, volatile oil and Xanthones.
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONARY TIPS FOR USING THIS HERB
The extract of the plant of Gentiana Lutea must be consumed in small doses and only after proper consultation. It is important to note that the highly poisonous plant of white hellebore grows really close to the plant of Gentiana Lutea. Thus, keeping this important detail in mind is necessary for avoiding any toxic reactions while plucking the plant.
The yellow gentian can also cause headache if used in excess. Individuals suffering from gastro duodenal ulcer or high blood pressure should not consume yellow gentian.
CARE FOR AILMENTS
The most popular uses of this plant are to stimulate desire for eating, improve the digestive system and relieve GI problems. It has also been used for relieving wounds, arthritic pain and sore throat.
The part that is used to make medicines is the roots of the Gentiana Lutea. The roots are collected at the end of the summer season from plants that are 7 to 10 years old. They are washed, cut and then dried before using. After which the roots is powdered, tinctured or extracted for making pharmaceutical products. The preparation of this plant is used as a drinkable solution, tablet, capsule, medicinal wine or syrup.
The yellow gentian stimulates the flow of saliva and gastric juices even if it is consumed in very small amounts. A study in 1967 verified the medicinal qualities of the yellow gentian. The plant is also known to be used as a tonic for relieving stomach pains, lowering temperature during fever and improving sluggish digestion.
DOSAGE OF GENTIANA LUTEA
- 0.6 gms to 2gms of dried root of the plant added to 1 cup boiling water can improve gastric issues.
- Another method of consuming: Infusing the plant for 10 minutes and then drinking 3 cups a day should be consumed before meals.
- Tincture prepared from the plant can be consumed before eating.
PLANET AYURVEDA PRODUCTS THAT USE THIS HERB
Currently there are no Planet Ayurveda Products that use this herb as an ingredient in them; however the team of Planet Ayurveda offers its customers with the perfect substitute for Gentiana Lutea. These are:
We at Planet Ayurveda are working continuously to provide the best to our clients. We use only organically grown ingredients in our products. All our products are vegetarian and do not contain any chemical or preservative. We do not practice or endorse the testing of our products on animals. We at Planet Ayurveda are researching on various plants and their extracts to come out with revolutionary managements.