The herb contains very bitter substances with a beneficial effect on loss of appetite, poor stomach function, bloatedness, stomach- and intestinal cramps, and dizziness caused by stomach sufferings.
The bitter substances induce the digestion by means of a reflex that affects a large nerve down to the stomach - the vagus nerve - which promotes the production of gastric acid. Thereby, a message is sent to the liver and the pancreas to produce more bile and more digestive enzymes, so that the entire catabolization and absorption of food is promoted.
Gentian stimulates the digestion and can be used for relieving stomach ache and gastritis and counteract nausea, intestinal gas, and a slack gastrointestinal tract.
It increases the absorption of nutrients, fortifies the gall bladder, the liver, and the spleen, and increases the blood flow. It may be taken to prevent a sluggish digestion, constipation, bloatednesss after meals, or in cases where the food feels heavy in the stomach and makes you nauseous. Also used for food allergies, fever, colds, and rheumatism.
Since the absorption of nutrients is fortified, and you are thereby able to increase the absorption of e.g. vitamin B12 and iron, the herb is good for anaemia (iron deficiency) and strong menstrual bleedings.
Precautions
Never use herbal medicine if you suspect that you have symptoms that ought to be clarified by a doctor. If you do not feel any better within a month - contact a naturopath or a phytotherapist.
Contraindications
Please note: Should neither be used if you already suffer from too much gastric acid, nor if you suffer from diarrhoea, since the substance assists the entire digestion.
Should also not be used during pregnancy or while breast-feeding, and in case of acute stomach ulcer or bleedings in the gastrointestinal tract.
Side effects
None has been recorded when the recommended dosage is followed, but a few people find that the herb is too bitter and have problems tolerating it. In such cases, one may mix it with liquorice root, Glycyrrhiza glabra or syrup to subdue the bitter taste.
Dosage
3 ml. or a spoonful a day. To be taken with a little water. The herbs are strong - rinse with a beverage of choice.
Further fortification
In case of severe constipation: Cassia Complex.
In case of nausea: Peppermint, Mentha piperita or Ginger, Zingiber officinale.
Further information
www.phytotherapies.org
