Gentian root, a root that comes from yellow gentian plants, is a bitter herb that is native to Europe. The root is commonly used to make health supplements in tincture, powder, and tea forms. The gentian root has been used for so many years as bitters to improve appetite, boost digestion, and to treat a range of gastrointestinal problems (eg, vomiting, heartburn, diarrhea, and stomach ache. Gentian root, without its stem, is often consumed as an alcoholic or tea.
Gentian root extracts are used in a range of foods, cosmetics, and some antismoking products. The plant can be used externally to treat wounds, and internally to treat a sore throat, jaundice, and arthritis.
Gentian root has been used for treating various problems for several decades. Some of them include intestinal gas, gastritis, fever, diabetes, high blood pressure, and even cancer. The root contains several active ingredients with healthful properties. The most essential of those are the antioxidants, which wards off the free radicals and the potential damage.
The Health Benefits of Gentian Root
Aids in Digestion
Given that gentian is a bitter herb that stimulates saliva flow. It also encourages the release of bile and stomach acids, all of which contribute to a healthy digestive system. And as we already know, this root also stimulates gastric secretions. Studies also showed that human subjects taking gentian root experienced an improvement in their constipation and heartburn symptoms.
Combats Cancer
According to the US Food and Drug Administration, gentian root is considered one of the foods with cancer-combating abilities. This has proven to be particularly true in the case of breast cancer, where gentian root showed suppressive potentials against the disease. Using the root can even inhibit the formation of cancer cells. All this is because of the antioxidants found in the root.
Treats Oral Thrush
Gentian possesses antifungal properties that help treat various yeast infections – oral thrush being one of them. Research shows that the efficacy and the cost of gentian root are far better for treating oral thrush when compared to certain popular conventional medications.
The antifungal properties of the root also help treat other fungal issues like vaginal infections and toenail fungus and even diaper rash in babies.
Treats Anemia
The root stimulates the digestive system and allows for more efficient absorption of iron, thereby treating anemia.
Effective for Treating Warts and Canker Sores
Gentian extract can treat canker sores and warts. All you need to do is apply the extract to the affected areas to obtain relief. However, we recommend you consult your doctor before using gentian for this purpose.
Regulates Weight
Gentian root can be helpful in regulating weight. Thanks to its bitterness, gentian, when taken as a liquid, can stimulate gastric secretions that ultimately lead to fat and the breakdown of cholesterol. This results in healthy weight loss and optimal weight maintenance.
Gentian also improves digestion, and though it does not have a direct impact on weight, it sure can improve metabolism – which is one important contributor to optimal weight.
Beneficial as Hair Dye
While it is more commonly used in surgical procedures, gentian root can be effective as a hair dye. However, we advice that, before following the process of using this root as a hair dye at home, you should talk to a hair care specialist. You can actually blend gentian extract with your hair conditioner and apply it evenly on your hair with the use of gloves. Massage the herb slowly into the hair and allow the mixture to come in contact with your hair entirely. Wear a bathing cap and wait for a minimum of 5 hours. After this, wash your hair clean with warm water.
Speeds up Wound Healing
Gentian extract contains antibacterial properties that can help treat scrapes and cuts and inhibit the spread of infection. According to studies, gentian root can be used as an alternative topical agent for treating scabs and wounds.
Cures Ringworm
The antiseptic properties of the root are very effective. When applied topically, the gentian extract can offer relief to the affected areas. These antiseptic properties of the gentian root can also help in the treatment of athlete’s foot.
Safety and Precautions
When taken by mouth in small amounts, Gentian root appears to be safe for most people, especially when it is taken as part of a combination product that contains gentian root, cowslip flower (SinuComp, Sinupret), verbena, and elderflower. However, there isn’t enough information to suggest that gentian root is safe when consumed in medicinal amounts other than as part of the combination product. But, in fact, the combination product can result in digestion problems and in some cases, allergic skin rashes.
Also, there isn’t enough information about the safety of applying gentian root to the skin. And in addition, the very toxic white hellebore (Veratrum album) is often mistaken for gentian root and could lead to accidental poisoning when incorporated into homemade preparations.
The other precautions to take include:
- Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers: Since there isn’t enough information on the use of gentian root during pregnancy and lactation, it is advisable to remain on the safe side and avoid the use of the herb.
- Low blood pressure: There are concerns that the use of gentian root might worsen low pressure or interfere with medications to increase blood pressure.
- Surgery: With the knowledge that gentian root might affect blood pressure, there is a concern that the herb could interfere with blood pressure regulation during and after surgery. It is advisable to stop the use of gentian root for, at least, 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
The Bottom Line
Evidently, the gentian root contains a wide range of health benefits. The root of the plant and even the bark are popular for their medicinal benefits. Gentian root is used for its ability to treat digestion issues such as diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fullness, heartburn, intestinal gas, and gastritis. It is also used to treat diabetes, fever, high blood pressure, and hysteria. In fact, gentian root is also used to start menstrual periods, treat parasitic worms, kill germs, as well as prevent muscle spasms. Gentian is also applied to the skin for treating wounds and cancer.
With such an amazing list of health benefits, it is high time you started incorporating gentian root into your meals!
