Gentian
BITTER DIGESTIVE – LIVER & GALL – HEAT AND DAMP CLEARANCE
Gentian is your herbal ally when digestion is sluggish, bile is stagnant, and heat or dampness burdens the body. With roots that grow strong and bright in alpine soils, gentian anchors fiery imbalances, clears stagnation, and restores digestive clarity and liver function.
Traditional uses:
Digestive stimulant – traditionally taken before meals to awaken the appetite, increase saliva, and enhance digestion. Gentian strengthens weak or tired digestion and supports nutrient absorption.
Liver and gallbladder support – promotes bile production and flow, relieving sluggish liver, gallbladder congestion, and symptoms like bloating or reflux.
Dyspepsia and bloating – used to ease indigestion, flatulence, and that heavy, slow feeling after meals.
Clears heat and damp – supports detoxification when signs of damp heat appear, such as skin outbreaks, fevers, or infections.
Chronic fatigue – traditionally used to restore energy when low vitality is tied to poor digestion or liver burden.
Topical skin support – modern research explores gentian’s use in firming and rejuvenating mature skin.
As a tincture …
Take 5–15 ml per week in water, or 1–2 ml before meals to stimulate digestion. (Contains 45% alcohol).
Most like:
Wormwood – both are intensely bitter and used for stimulating digestion and clearing parasites, but wormwood is more aromatic and antiseptic
Yellow dock – also supports liver and bile, but gentian is more powerful and focused on upper digestion.
Dandelion root – a milder bitter for everyday use; gentian is more stimulating at mealtimes and not for long-term daily use.
Burdock root – both support liver and digestion; burdock is more nutritive and skin-focused.
Globe artichoke – another bile-mover and liver tonic, gentian is more potent for upper digestive reflux.
Caution:
Low dosage only
Not suitable for those with gastric ulcers or high stomach acid.
Avoid during pregnancy due to strong stimulation.
Do not combine with antacids or acid-reducing medications.
Rare risk of allergy or sensitivity to bitter herbs
BITTER DIGESTIVE – LIVER & GALL – HEAT AND DAMP CLEARANCE
Gentian is your herbal ally when digestion is sluggish, bile is stagnant, and heat or dampness burdens the body. With roots that grow strong and bright in alpine soils, gentian anchors fiery imbalances, clears stagnation, and restores digestive clarity and liver function.
Traditional uses:
Digestive stimulant – traditionally taken before meals to awaken the appetite, increase saliva, and enhance digestion. Gentian strengthens weak or tired digestion and supports nutrient absorption.
Liver and gallbladder support – promotes bile production and flow, relieving sluggish liver, gallbladder congestion, and symptoms like bloating or reflux.
Dyspepsia and bloating – used to ease indigestion, flatulence, and that heavy, slow feeling after meals.
Clears heat and damp – supports detoxification when signs of damp heat appear, such as skin outbreaks, fevers, or infections.
Chronic fatigue – traditionally used to restore energy when low vitality is tied to poor digestion or liver burden.
Topical skin support – modern research explores gentian’s use in firming and rejuvenating mature skin.
As a tincture …
Take 5–15 ml per week in water, or 1–2 ml before meals to stimulate digestion. (Contains 45% alcohol).
Most like:
Wormwood – both are intensely bitter and used for stimulating digestion and clearing parasites, but wormwood is more aromatic and antiseptic
Yellow dock – also supports liver and bile, but gentian is more powerful and focused on upper digestion.
Dandelion root – a milder bitter for everyday use; gentian is more stimulating at mealtimes and not for long-term daily use.
Burdock root – both support liver and digestion; burdock is more nutritive and skin-focused.
Globe artichoke – another bile-mover and liver tonic, gentian is more potent for upper digestive reflux.
Caution:
Low dosage only
Not suitable for those with gastric ulcers or high stomach acid.
Avoid during pregnancy due to strong stimulation.
Do not combine with antacids or acid-reducing medications.
Rare risk of allergy or sensitivity to bitter herbs