The properties of gentian, one of the main healing plants

Let's determine all the advantages and properties of genziana together, also illustrating the recipe to organize a superb natural amaro supported genziana.

When we mention genziana we ask a plant with marvelous blue-violet flowers, bellflower or root which will be bought in herbal medicine to form infusions or digestive drinks.

It is actually the common name, which refers to many species belonging to the genzianaaceae family.

In general, the genziana may be a perennial herb native to central-southern Europe, whose stem can reach a meter tall and flowering occurs mainly in summer.

The plant utilized in phytotherapy is that the genziana with yellow flowers, of which only the roots are used, dig pieces in autumn, between the second and fifth year of lifetime of the plant, then dried within the sun.

The best known for his or her splendid periwinkle-colored flowers are the varieties like the genziana ( gentianella ), the gentian of Koch ( gentiana kochiana ), the gentian of Clusio ( Gentiana clusii ), the gentian ciliata ( gentiana kochiana ).

Gentian with yellow flowers The yellow-flowered gentian ( great yellow gentian ) is that the variety whose roots are used as mentioned in herbal medicine. Native to Europe and therefore the Balkans, it grows along the Italian Alps, generally within the middle of the mountains, at an altitude between 800 and 1,500 meters. it's a perennial herb , which may reach 2 m tall .

It is easily distinguishable from the alpine genziana , which as known has deep blue flowers.

It is recognized by the yellow flowers and therefore the opposite veined leaves. Its flowering, which occurs from

June to August. Only ten years later the plant begins to supply yellow flowers with seeds wrapped in an ovoid capsule.

Its roots are quite thick and may be over 1 meter long . they're the sole part which will be utilized in herbal medicine along side rhizomes.

It is to not be confused with glassmaking, which is analogous but has alternating white flowers and leaves.

But take care to collect it within the mountain meadows: it's a protected plant and to urge its roots you want to necessarily contact the herbalists.

genziana cultivation This plant prefers calcareous soils and high altitude meadows and albeit it's not very easy to seek out it, it grows spontaneously in mountainous areas characterized by a high acidity of the soils.

History and origins The term genziana has very ancient origins and testifies to its use already in classical times . In fact, it derives from the name of the king of Iliria , Gentius , who consistent with tradition was the primary to get its virtues during the 2nd century BC.

Another legend, this point Hungarian, tells that it had been the plant chosen to save lots of the people from a significant famine. Others tell of knights victims of affection spells caused by the sweetness of the flowers and therefore the mystical charm of the plant.

Uses and properties of genziana root The virtues of gentian root are known since past , such a lot in order that within the Middle Ages it had been considered a panacea.

Healing properties of the plant It was actually the foremost common febrifugal herb before the introduction of quinine in Europe within the 17th century.

The roots of yellow genziana, because of the presence of mucilage, essential oils and alkaloids, have strong digestive, diuretic, tonic, antibiotic and carminative properties .

Even today in phytotherapy it's used for: • counteract feverish states , • strengthen the system • promote the elimination of acid • treat jaundice, cough , cold It also contains glucose, bitter substances, which stimulate gastric and salivary secretions. For this reason it's considered digestive and stimulant, used as a decoction in water or in alcohol infusion. this is often why it's used for: • stimulate the appetite • facilitate digestion • to favor the elimination of acid • treat digestive disorders (especially stomach pains, bloating and flatulence).

Its applications also are numerous within the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry and within the production of flavors and extracts. thanks to these

beneficial properties it's also included within the Bach flowers .

Uses of genziana The parts utilized in herbal medicine are its roots and therefore the rhizome.

For internal use, it are often drunk within the sort of a decoction or alcoholic infusion to cure: • Gastrointestinal disorders : gastritis, colic, flatulence, diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, difficult digestion, intestinal atony, elimination of intestinal parasites and worms.

• Liver problems : decongestion of the liver, stimulation of the gallbladder, jaundice.

• General well-being : tonic, body purification, asthenia, cell oxidation.

For external use, you'll brush the mother tincture on the skin to treat: • Dermatological affections : resorption of scars, inflammatory dermatoses, skin decongestion, infected wounds.

Thanks to the active ingredients like secoiridoids (amarogentina, stevioside), alkaloids (gentianine, genzianidin), glycosides (gentiopicroside) and flavonoids.

Dosages For diseases of the alimentary canal and liver, you'll take an infusion (or a decoction) prepared with 2 grams of dried root during a cup of boiling water for a couple of minutes .

You can take 4 to five cups each day , a minimum of half an hour before eating.

There are ready-made infusions sold in pharmacies and ready by pharmaceutical companies, with genziana extracts often combined with other medicinal plants.

For the treatment of skin diseases (scars, inflammatory dermatoses, infected wounds) brush several times each day directly on the lesions with a couple of drops of mother tincture, which may even be prepared alone by macerating 15-20 grams of root in 1 l of alcohol at 50 °.

Curiosity The gentiopicrina , also contained within the root, has proved effective within the treatment of malaria .

Gentian contraindications But concentrate to the toxicity of the plant: never eat the fresh leaves as they're highly poisonous! Given its dangerousness, it's good to require the extracts under medical indication.

The intake of gentian is contraindicated for patients with stomach and / or duodenal ulcers, esophageal or stomach cancer, and also just in case of high vital sign .

Pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot take genzianabased medications because it interrupts the milk supply. it's also not suitable for youngsters , as recommended by the ecu Medicines Agency.