Used as an infusion, decoction, extract and tincture.

Gentian is a digestive aid and appetite stimulator.

The 1997 Commission E on Phytotherapy and Herbal Substances of the German Federal Institute for Drugs, reflecting the opinion of modern scientific herbalism, recommends Gentian root for 'Digestive disorders, such as loss of appetite, fullness, flatulence.'

'Contraindications: Gastric and duodenal peptic ulcers. Side Effects: Especially sensitive persons may occasionally experience headaches.'

'Daily dosage: Tincture: 1 - 3 g; Fluidextract: 2 - 4 g; Root: 2 - 4 g. Mode of Administration: Comminuted drug and dried extracts for infusions, bitter-tasting forms of medications for oral administration.'

'Actions: The essential active principles are the bitter substances contained in the herb. These bring about a reflex excitation of the taste receptors, leading to increased secretion of saliva and the digestive juices. Gentian root is therefore considered to be not simply a pure bitter, but also a roborant and tonic. In animal experimentation there are indications that bronchial secretion is increased.'

Gentian's bitter glycosides gentiopicrin and amarogentin stimulate secretion of saliva in the mouth and hydrochloric acid in the stomach, and may also stimulate bile production, which aids in the body's assimilation of fats.

Grieve's classic 'A Modern Herbal': 'Gentian is one of the most useful of our bitter vegetable tonics. It is specially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of general debility, weakness of the digestive organs and want of appetite. It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system, and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative to prevent its debilitating effects. Many dyspeptic complaints are more effectually relieved by Gentian bitters than by Peruvian Bark. It is of extreme value in jaundice and is prescribed extensively.'

'Besides being unrivalled as a stomachic tonic, Gentian possesses febrifuge, emmenagogue, anthelmintic and antiseptic properties, and is also useful in hysteria, female weakness, etc. Gentian with equal parts of Tormentil or galls has been used with success for curing intermittent fever.'

'As a simple bitter, Gentian is considered more palatable combined with an aromatic, and for this purpose orange peel is frequently used. A tincture made with 2 oz. of the root, 1 oz. of dried orange peel, and ½ oz. bruised cardamom seeds in a quart of brandy is an excellent stomachic tonic, and is efficacious in restoring appetite and promoting digestion. A favourite form in which Gentian has been administered in country remedies is as an ingredient in the so-called Stockton bitters, in which Gentian and the root of Sweet Flag play the principal part.'

'The dose of the fluid extract is ½ to 1 teaspoonful in water, three times daily.'

'Fresh Gentian root is largely used in Germany and Switzerland for the production of an alcoholic beverage. The roots are cut, macerated with water, fermented and distilled; the distillate contains alcohol and a trace of volatile oil, which imparts to it a characteristic odour and taste.'

Preparations and Dosages: Fluid extract, ½ to 1 drachm. Compound infusion, B.P. ½ to 1 oz. Compound tincture, B.P. and U.S.P., ½ to 1 drachm. Solid extract, B.P., 2 to 8 grains.

King's 1898 Dispensatory: 'A powerful tonic, improves the appetite, strengthens digestion, gives more force to the circulation, and slightly elevates the heat of the body.'

'When taken in large doses it is apt to oppress the stomach, irritate the bowels, and even produces nausea and vomiting, as well as fullness of pulse and headache. Its administration is contraindicated where gastric irritability or inflammation are present.'

'Used in cases of debility and exhaustion, and in all cases where a tonic is required, as dyspepsia, gout, amenorrhoea, hysteria, scrofula, intermittents, diarrhoea, worms, etc.'

'A tincture made by percolation of 1 part of podophyllum and 5 parts of gentian, diluted alcohol being the menstruum, was prized by Prof. Scudder as one of the most efficient remedies for 'atony of the stomach and bowels with feeble or slow digestion' (Spec. Med.).'

'Gentian is valuable to relieve irritation and increase the appetite, after protracted fevers, where the powers of life are depressed and recovery depends upon ability to assimilate food.'

'Dose of the powder, from 10 to 30 grains; of the extract, from 1 to 10 grains; of infusion, 1 or 2 fluid ounces; of tincture, 1 or 2 fluid drachms; of specific gentiana, 5 to 40 drops.'

American Materia Medica, 1919 (Ellingwood): 'This is a popular stomachic tonic in cases where enfeeblement has occurred as the result of protracted disease. It has long been given in combination with other tonics or in wine, as an agent in the dyspepsia of the aged, or of gouty patients, and in the gastric inefficiency of infants and children, and to a good advantage in catarrhal diarrhoea.'

'As a tonic to the stomach, and the other organs of digestion and appropriation, in those cases where the system is greatly debilitated by protracted disease, it is one of the best remedies, especially by exhausting fevers of malarial origin. It is of much value in malarial conditions generally and has been used to a great extent instead of quinine.'

'When the periodicity has been overcome by quinine this is a rapid restorative to the system.'

'The tincture of gentian is given freely in conjunction with other tonics and with alteratives. It is given with the tincture of iron in the treatment of anemia complicating malarial disease. It is given in conjunction with the iodide of potassium where a tonic and alterative is demanded, and given alternately with hydrocyanic or hydrochloric acid, it is sometimes of great value in the vomiting of pregnancy.'

'This agent is perhaps the most valuable of this class. It can be depended upon as a bitter tonic and constant use will establish a confidence in it.'