Gentiana lutea L.

History

Gentiána is Latin and, according to Pliny and Dioscorides, refers to the last king of the Illyrian Labeatians, who are supposed to have discovered the plant's healing powers. Lutea derives from the Latin lúteus, which means ’yellow’. The Gentian root was thoroughly described by Dioscorides, Pliny, Celsus and Galen. It was regarded as a medicine against poisonous animal bites, pains in the side, liver and stomach ailments, cramps and fever. Leonhard Fuchs wrote in the 16th century: ‘In short, gentian root and the juice from it take away all kinds of constipation. Being an excellent medicine for all kinds of poison and is well tolerated by a weak stomach.

Botanical characteristics

The Gentian is a hardy plant that can live for up to 60 years. Over a period of several years, the enormous tap root forms a single basal rosette. The hollow stalk, which can grow up to 1 metre high, does not grow from the rosette until the 10th or 12th year. The large, bluish-green, broad lanceolate leaves are opposed.  They bear three to ten flowers in axillary clusters.  The golden yellow blossoms are wheel shaped and arranged in five-pointed corollas. The Gentian flowers from July to August.

Habitat

The Gentian is a mountain plant and grows on mountain meadows at  altitudes between 750 and 2500  metres. It is found in the Alps and Alpine foothill regions, in the medium altitude ranges of Central and Southern Europe, and in Asia Minor. Gentiana lutea is the only species of Gentian that can be cultivated to produce drugs.

Preparation

A.Vogel/Bioforce uses the fresh roots of perennial plants gathered wild to produce an alcohol mother tincture. For medicinal preparations, the roots are dug up in the spring or autumn and rapidly processed, to prevent fermentation. Fermented roots are more aromatic, but less effective, and are used in the manufacture of Gentian schnapps and other bitter liqueurs.