Gentian: medicinal properties and contraindications

The delicate blue, purple, yellow bells of gentian open in the spring or fall, inviting herbalists to walk behind the useful plant. Its medicinal properties were used as early as the 2nd century B.C., curing the plague with its rhizomes. The ground part is also valued and used in many folk recipes.

What does it look like and where does it grow?

In total, there are 400 species in the family. In the European part, 96 of them are widespread. They have common features, but differ in size and flowering period. The smallest representatives grow no higher than 20 cm, and the giants reach 1.5 m. Basically they are semi-shrubs with straight stems and powerful rhizomes. Leaves are long, lancet-shaped, with a pronounced cleft in the middle of the leaf blade.

The flower corolla is most often colored purple, blue, yellow, or white. A darker shade predominates inside, the outer side is lighter, and there are often stripes running from the base to the edges of the petal. Compared to the length of the stems, the flowers are large, bell-like.

The habitat covers almost the entire globe, excluding the most northern regions. But most readily gentian or gentian, as it is called in our country, grows in temperate latitudes. And it is not afraid of heights and thin air, climbing sometimes to a mark of 5500 m above sea level. It is often found in alpine meadows as part of motley grasses. Glades of bitterroot hardly form glades; they are clustered in 3 or 4 bushes each.

As a medicinal plant it has long been cultivated in apothecary gardens so as not to run up mountains and hillsides for medicinal raw materials. It has a good decorative effect, it is planted separately or as part of flower beds. It is possible to combine varieties with different flowering periods, and provide an all-season bed with unusual delicate bells, obtaining a double benefit - aesthetic pleasure and easy collection of the necessary raw materials.

Types

There are annual and perennial varieties. In horticulture, perennials are preferred; in medical practice, several main species are used:

• stemless;
• spring;
• lungwort;
• Daurian;
• cross-leaved;
• yellow;
• large-leaved.

Species are characteristic of different natural conditions, most are not afraid of frosts and do not require close attention during cultivation. Gathered in natural conditions or cultivated in dachas and household plots.

Important: Some gentian species are considered rare and endangered due to human economic activity.

Vernal
The smallest, grows no more than 3-5 cm. One bright blue flower opens on a straight stem. The plant is perennial, not afraid of frost, undemanding to growing conditions, has analgesic, bactericidal and mild sedative effect. In folk recipes used rhizomes and leaves.

Stemless
The stem rises 9-10 cm above the ground, the flower is large, brightly colored, bell-shaped. It grows in one place for several years, it is resistant to frosts.

It is interesting: You can predict the weather by it, a few hours before it rains, the flower corollas close.

Lungwort
The height of the plant is 60 cm, the stem is one, it does not branch, the narrow leaves sit densely, arranged in frequent tiers. The flower is bell-shaped, deep blue in color. At the tip of the stem in late summer unfolds 1, rarely 2 flowers with characteristic dashed lines on the outer side.

Ground parts and root are used in folk medicine. Used to expel parasites from the intestines, stabilize the nervous system, reduce pain during menses, normalize uterine tone.

Daurian .
It differs from the others in the flowers, collected in inflorescences of 5-8 pieces. They are arranged in 2-3 tiers on an almost leafless stem. Mass flowering occurs in August. The main part of the leaf laminae grows from the root rosette. They surround the stem, which rarely extends above 40 cm.

Decoctions and infusions of roots and ground part have antipyretic, immunostimulating, antibacterial effect. They are used for rheumatism, muscle pain, to reduce pain during injuries, relieve vasospasms and migraine attacks. A good antiviral effect allows its use during viral epidemics of influenza, SARS. Decoctions are recommended for men as a supportive remedy for constant stress and emotional fatigue. Regular use of gentian returns potency, restores the mechanism of sexual arousal.

Cross-leaved
One of the most valuable in terms of herbalists. In recipes the root is used. The plant prefers rocky slopes, open sunny places. Feels great in the neighborhood with other meadow herbs. The semi-shrub reaches a height of 70 cm. It is characterized by nonbranched straight stems with a strong root rosette of leaves. Flowers are formed in bunches in the axils of leaves. They begin to open almost simultaneously, starting from the lower tiers. Flowering occurs in the summer, starting in the second half of June, the seed capsule is formed in September.

The rhizomes contain alkaloids, bitterness and essential oils. Infusion and decoction from them is used for gastrointestinal problems, heartburn, polyarthritis, anemia and poor appetite. Lotions and compresses stimulate regeneration in oozing and purulent wounds, the powder mixed with chamomile flowers is effective in skin lesions.

In hyperhidrosis of the legs use rhizomes together with crushed oak bark.

Yellow .
Used in ancient Greece and Rome to normalize digestion, the rhizomes were used to treat plague and prevent intestinal diseases. The rarest, endangered species, listed in the Red Book. It is difficult to cultivate, disappears in nature because it can live only in certain places, which are often exploited by humans.

It is the tallest of the species, reaching 1.5 m, with several upright, powerful stems rising from the rhizome. The leaves are green with a bluish tint, and the surface has clearly visible arched veins in relief. The lower ones are gathered in a fluffy rosette, the upper ones are arranged in pairs on the stem. Blossoms abundantly from the 3rd-4th year of life. Under favorable conditions the shrub lives up to 50 years. Appreciated rhizome, it is prepared decoctions, infusions, extracts for ointments.

Used as a disinfectant, antiviral, antibacterial agent. It is used in one-part recipes and gatherings for gastritis, achilias, disorders of the gallbladder and liver. Decoctions of rhizomes enhance immunity, accelerate regeneration, have a sedative effect. Recommended for pulmonary pathologies, urolithiasis, disorders of the sexual sphere.

Large-leafed .
Widespread in Siberia, the Far East and the Amur region. In addition to its medicinal properties, it is also a honeybee. The name fully reflects the appearance of the plant. The leaves, unlike other species, are really large, numerous. They grow 2.5-3 cm wide and sometimes as long as 40 cm. A lot of them are located in the root zone, as the stem stretches, with the height the number of leaves gradually decreases. Flowers, on the contrary, are small, about 2 cm in diameter, intense blue with a violet cast. Popular as an ornamental plant in tiered beds.

All parts of the plant are used for medicinal purposes, but after collection they are carefully separated into the ground part and rhizomes and dried separately. Decoctions improve digestion and potency, are used as a styptic and antibacterial agent. Infusions are good for regulating the secretory function of the stomach, eliminating pathogenic flora in the GI tract, improving intestinal peristalsis.

It is also used to treat lung disease, hypertension, neurasthenia, chronic gastritis.

Hare's gentian: harvesting and storage

Gentian grows in small clumps of a few bushes. You harvest it in the summer, choosing the clearings with the most foliage in the root rosettes. If the culture is grown on a homestead plot, it is worth planting several beds and collect the raw material from them one by one, making sure to leave a small part for further sprawl.

Important: The medicinal effect possesses plants only after 3-4 years, younger plants have not yet accumulated a complex of useful substances.

In most species, the most valuable component is considered the rhizomes together with the roots. Those varieties in which the ground part is also used, it is recommended to collect in 2 stages. The green mass is partially cut off during flowering, and the roots are dug up in the fall, after the leaves begin to fade.

After the rhizome is dug up, it is thoroughly shaken, cut off thin roots, damaged places and only then washed in several waters. Small roots are dried as a whole, longer ones are cut into pieces, and those that have reached a thickness of 2-3 cm are better divided lengthwise. It is more convenient to dry at a temperature of 50 degrees. An electric dryer is used for this purpose. With natural drying, the process of gradual fermentation begins, and some of the useful bitterness is destroyed. Qualitatively dried rhizomes can be identified by a light honey-grassy smell and a very bitter taste.

The shelf life of the finished raw material is 3 years. It is best after drying to place the rhizomes in a cloth bag and hang them in a dry, dark place, noting the year and month of collection.

Chemical composition

Each species has a slightly different ratio of beneficial substances, but the common ones are:

• cachetins;
• pectins;
• bitterness;
• gum;
• flavonoids;
• resins;
• mucus;
• tannins;
• iridoids;
• sucrose;
• essential oils;
• fatty acids;
• coumarins;
• gentianin;
• alkaloids;
• ascorbic acid.

The coloring of the root is due to the coloring substances. The level of therapeutic effect is due to the presence of bitter glycosides, concentrated in the rhizome.

Gentian's medicinal properties

Decoctions and infusions of the root part are used as part of complex therapy:

• for low appetite;
• anemia;
• anemia;
• diathesis;
• avitaminosis;
• scurvy;
• bronchitis;
• chronic cough;
• low strength;
• low immunity and slow regeneration;
• joint pain.

Decoctions of herbs and rhizomes have been successfully used to treat plague and malaria due to their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Gentian yellow is included in gastric elixirs, Bittner's balm, Swedish Gentian, Aflubin. Poultices and lotions help relieve itching and irritation for hives, insect bites, effective for treating festered wounds and cuts.

The main area of application of gorchanka - problems in the gastrointestinal tract. It relieves spasms of smooth muscles, eliminates constipation, flatulence and heartburn, stimulates the separation of bile and the secretion of digestive glands.

Gentian applications in folk medicine

Rhizomes and leaves are used for internal and external use depending on the type and severity of the disease. Mostly prepare water infusions, less often alcoholic. Decoctions retain useful properties only one day, even if stored in the refrigerator. Prepare them in small portions, and what's left will have to be poured out after 24 hours. The powder from the dried rhizome is best stored, it is sure to be placed in a jar with a well-sealed lid to protect it from moisture. For each segment of the disease there are effective and time-tested folk recipes.

Nervous exhaustion and chronic fatigue

Take 2 tablespoons of dry ingredients in 200 ml of water, over low heat and bring to a boil for 10 minutes. Then cool, strain and divide into 4 equal parts, which are consumed overnight. The course of treatment is at least 14 days.

Lack of appetite

Variants of reception 2, in decoction and powder. With a complete unwillingness to eat food, it is recommended to take the powder on the tip of a knife 3 times a day, drinking 100 ml of warm water half an hour before the planned meal.

For milder symptoms, it is better to prefer a decoction of 1 tbsp. water to 1 tsp. raw material. The simmering time in an enamel pan over low heat - 10 minutes. Take 20 ml for 15-20 minutes before a meal. The remainder of the remedy poured in the evening, the next day prepare a new portion.

Rheumatism, arthritis, gout.

Pour 300 ml of cold water over crushed dry root and after boiling, simmer over low heat for 15 minutes. After the decoction has settled for 2 hours, it is filtered, poured into a bottle or jar with a lid. Take equal portions 3 times a day. The remedy is not addictive, with regular use relieves joint pain, reduces the intensity of gout attacks, increases the flexibility and amplitude of movement of the limbs and lumbar spine.

Hyperhidrosis

The smell of sweat is easily stopped by daily baths from a mixture of 5 parts of gentian rhizome and 3 parts of crushed oak bark. Raw materials are poured 1 liter of water, boiled for at least 10 minutes. The decoction should be as warm as the foot can tolerate. The procedure is carried out until the liquid cools down. Legs are drenched with a cotton cloth, put on natural fiber socks at night. Within 3-4 days the odor disappears, after a week of procedures significantly reduces sweating. At this time it is desirable not to use socks and tights made of synthetic fabrics.

Heartburn

Instead of pills, it is much better to take a shot of tincture of the root on wine or vodka before eating. The tincture is prepared for 21 days from 1 tbsp of crushed rhizome for 200 g of liquid.

Diathesis .

Especially unfortunate is its manifestation in adults, and it is difficult to fight it. To relieve external symptoms, prepare a decoction from a mixture of yarrow herb, gentian root and elecampane in equal proportions. Pour 15 g of mixed material in 500 ml of water and boil for 10-12 minutes. Take only warm before eating 1 tbsp. spoon.

How to grow gentian in a garden

In addition to medicinal species, there are also amazingly beautiful decorative varieties. It is good to combine them, then if you remove some of the medicinal plants, the appearance of the bed will not suffer much. Undemanding to the conditions of cultivation and very effective are such species:

• Semi-divided;
• Chinese ornamental;
• ciliate;
• spot;
• narrow-leaved.

Experienced gardeners advise not to bother with seedlings, and sow the culture immediately in the soil warmed by the spring sun in early May. For species with a spring flowering period, choose shaded areas, for the autumn ones - sunny. Small seeds are scattered on the prepared soil and lightly covered with a very thin layer of sand.

Care for the plant is minimal and consists of timely watering, loosening and removing weeds. Feeding with special preparations is not necessary, it's enough to water 3-4 times a season with ash water or a very weak infusion of cowpea. In one place mustardgrass can grow up to 10-12 years. In winter in areas where there is little snowfall and frosts come sharply and for a long time, the plantation with the medicinal plant is covered with coniferous lapnik.

During the flowering period, gentian is the most vulnerable and demanding to water. It is best if the soil on her bed will be constantly slightly moist.

Sometimes dots or patches appear on the bushes. These are signs of gray rot, brown spot or rust.

Important: The plant with signs of the disease can not be used for medicinal purposes.

With a small area of damage, fungicides are treated, with significant damage to the green mass, the plant will have to be destroyed, and the place of growth will be treated with a solution of lime.

Gentian is not immune to the appearance of pests, and the bitter taste of the plant for them does not become a serious obstacle. Thrips, aphids, slugs and nematodes occasionally appear on bushes. Combat with them is carried out through spraying with insecticides. Fufanon, Aktara, Karbofos are especially effective.

Please note: most of the preparations are poisonous to bees, so if there is an apiary nearby, you will have to make do with folk methods.

Contraindications to use

A barrier to the use of any species will be intolerance to bitterness, pregnancy and breastfeeding. With caution are used decoctions and infusions with possible allergic reactions. To determine this, you need to apply a little remedy to the back of the hand. If within 2-3 hours there is redness or itching, you will have to refrain from such treatment. High blood pressure, peptic ulcer and hyperacidic gastritis in the acute stage are also considered contraindications.

Useful and beautiful plant - gentian - will become a decoration of the garden and at the same time a green medicine cabinet.

Photo of gentian