> Supplement Index > Gentian / Gentiana lutea / Bitterroot / Bitterwort / Gentian root / Yellow gentian / Pale gentian > Gentian General Information Gentian Uses & Scientific Evidence For Gentian Dosage Information Gentian Safety & Interaction Information Buy Gentian Supplements and Products - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Gentian General Information For reasons unknown, the most bitter plants have the capacity to stimulate the appetite, and Gentian ranks very high on the scale of bitterness. Gentiopicrin and amarogentin are the two constituents that make it so bitter. Traditional European herbalists believe that bitter herbs, taken over a long period of time, strengthen the digestive system; however in Chinese medicine, Gentian is regarded as an intense herb that should seldom be taken over the long term. It is hard to say which is right, but as a cautionary measure, it is recommended this herb be used on a short term basis. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Gentian Uses & Scientific Evidence For Today Gentian is used to aid in digestion. It stimulates the appetite, improves circulation, and can help prevent heartburn. Gentian can help normalize the functioning of the thyroid and may be useful in the treatment of ulcers. It kills plasmodia, the cause of malaria, and worms. Gentian is also good for pancreatitis. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Gentian Dosage Information Gentian works best as a digestive aid when taken about 30 minutes before meals. For a tincture, take 20 drops. To reduce the bitter taste, you can dilute tincture with juice or water. It is important to read and follow product label directions. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - - - Gentian Safety & Interaction Information Gentian can cause changes in the DNA of bacteria, therefore, it should not be taken during pregnancy. When taken in the short term there are generally no side effects, except the occasional worsening of ulcer pain and heartburn. Safety in young children, nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known. - - - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - Buy Gentian Supplements and Products Below