Botanical: Gentiana lutea (LINN.)

Gentian is the subject of a German Commission E monograph, which found this herb effective for treating digestive disorders, including appetite loss and flatulence.

The American Botanical Council provided a summary article, confirming the effectiveness of Gentian for a variety of claims.  “Gentian extracts are used in tonic preparations.” They are also used to stimulate the appetite, improve digestion, and for the gastrointestinal tract.

Dr. Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. in his book, The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine, reports: “Gentian root is invaluable to the body’s circulation and overall health by bolstering its ability to digest and assimilate food. In two studies, Gentian root stimulated the digestive process and eliminated or overcame the cause of digestive problems.  In good health or bad, it increases absorption, assimilation and resorption.  The effect of Gentian on the vascular system is to help insure that the abdominal organs receive a rich supply of blood.  It has also been found that Gentian root increases the sensitivity of many glands and organs to the effect of adrenalin”.

Feather Jones, a clinical herbalist, in her book, Medicinal Herb Handbook, reports that Gentian “will increase assimilation of dietary proteins and fats.  It also stimulates appetite.

    The book, Elements of Health, describes Dandelion as a “bitter herb that cleanses the bloodstream and liver and increases the production of bile.  Used as a diuretic, improves function of the pancreas, spleen, stomach, and kidneys.” 

    A prominent herbalist, David Litell, concludes that Gentian provides support for the liver, stimulates bile and acts as a digestive aid.

   A prominent herbalist, Joanne Snow, explains that Gentian acts as a “digestive stimulant.”  It is used “as a tonic, especially in the treatment of anorexia, lack of appetite, and gastrointestinal atony.”

FDA has approved Gentian as a food ingredient

More about Gentian by Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D.