Uses
Edible uses
Notes
The root is sometimes used in the manufacture of gentian bitters[1]. The root contains sugar and mucilage[2] (this is probably a reference to its medicinal properties).
The root was occasionally used as a flavouring in beer before the use of hops (Humulus lupulus) became widespread[3].
Unknown part
Material uses
There are no material uses listed for Gentiana lutea.Medicinal uses(Warning!)
Gentian root has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient of many proprietary medicines. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and is used as a scientific basis for measuring bitterness[4]. It is especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of debility, weakness of the digestive system and lack of appetite[3]. It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system, stimulating the liver, gall bladder and digestive system[4], and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative in order to prevent its debilitating effects[3].
The root is anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant and stomachic[3][5][6][7][8][9]. It is taken internally in the treatment of liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections and anorexia[4]. It should not be prescribed for patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers[4]. The root, which can be as thick as a person's arm and has few branches[10], is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[3]. It is quite likely that the roots of plants that have not flowered are the richest in medicinal properties[3].
Ecology
Ecosystem niche/layer
Ecological Functions
Nothing listed.
Forage
Nothing listed.
Shelter
Nothing listed.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a light position in a cold frame[11]. It can also be sown in late winter or early spring but the seed germinates best if given a period of cold stratification and quickly loses viability when stored, with older seed germinating slowly and erratically[11][10]. It is advantageous to keep the seed at about 10°c for a few days after sowing, to enable the seed to imbibe moisture[10]. Following this with a period of at least 5 - 6 weeks with temperatures falling to between 0 and -5°c will usually produce reasonable germination[10]. It is best to use clay pots, since plastic ones do not drain so freely and the moister conditions encourage the growth of moss, which will prevent germination of the seed[10]. The seed should be surface-sown, or only covered with a very light dressing of compost. The seed requires dark for germination, so the pots should be covered with something like newspaper or be kept in the dark[10]. Pot up the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow on in light shade in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. The seedlings grow on very slowly, taking 2 - 7 years to reach flowering size[10]. When the plants are of sufficient size, place them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer.
Cuttings of basal shoots in late spring[4].
Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Gentiana lutea. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.
Cultivation
In general, gentians require a moist well-drained soil in a sheltered position, a certain minimum of atmospheric humidity, high light intensity but a site where temperatures are not too high[10]. They are therefore more difficult to grow in areas with hot summers and in such a region they appreciate some protection from the strongest sunlight[11][10]. Most species will grow well in the rock garden[11]. This species is easily grown in any good garden soil so long as it is deep enough to accommodate its roots[12][10], though it prefers alkaline conditions[4]. It prefers full sun but succeeds in partial shade[13]. A slow-growing plant, it takes many years to reach its full stature[10].
A moisture loving plant, growing well by water, it prefers to grow with full exposure to the sun but with plenty of underground moisture in the summer and it grows better in the north and west of Britain[14]. Plants are very deep-rooted and are intolerant of root disturbance[3][11]. They are very long lived, to 50 years or more[6]. A very ornamental plant[14], it takes about 3 years to reach flowering size from seed[3].
Cultivated as a medicinal plant in Europe[3][15].Crops
Problems, pests & diseases
Associations & Interactions
There are no interactions listed for Gentiana lutea. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.
Polycultures & Guilds
There are no polycultures listed which include Gentiana lutea.
Descendants
Cultivars
Varieties
None listed.
Subspecies
None listed.
Full Data
This table shows all the data stored for this plant.
Taxonomy
Binomial name
Gentiana lutea
Genus
Gentiana
Family
Gentianaceae
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Ecosystems
Native Climate Zones
None listed.
Adapted Climate Zones
None listed.
Native Geographical Range
None listed.
Native Environment
None listed.
Ecosystem Niche
None listed.
Root Zone Tendancy
None listed.
Life
Deciduous or Evergreen
?
Herbaceous or Woody
?
Life Cycle
Fertility
?
Pollinators
Flower Colour
?
Flower Type
References
- ? 1.01.1 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
- ? 2.02.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
- ? 3.003.013.023.033.043.053.063.073.083.093.10 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
- ? 4.04.14.24.34.44.54.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
- ? 5.05.1 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
- ? 6.06.16.2 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
- ? 7.07.1 Holtom. J. and Hylton. W. Complete Guide to Herbs. Rodale Press ISBN 0-87857-262-7 (1979-00-00)
- ? 8.08.1 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
- ? 9.09.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
- ? 10.0010.0110.0210.0310.0410.0510.0610.0710.0810.0910.1010.11 Kohlein. F. Gentians. Christopher Helm. London. ISBN 0-88192-192-0 (1991-00-00)
- ? 11.011.111.211.311.411.5 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
- ? Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books ISBN 0-330-30936-9 (1991-00-00)
- ? Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
- ? 14.014.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
- ? Schery. R. W. Plants for Man. ()
- ? ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)
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