Gentian
WRI Herb: Gentian (Long Dan Cao, Qin Jiao)
Botanical Name: Western – Gentiana lutea. Eastern – G. scabra, G. macrophylla.
There are many varieties of gentian. The species used most in the West is yellow gentian (yellow Gentiana). However, Yellow, Japanese, Autumn, Field, Marsh, Spring, Cross-Leaved, and Five-Leaved Gentian are used interchangeably as they all have similar characteristics. There is no better stomach tonic than gentian. It is considered extremely useful in treating jaundice. The Chinese use two different species of gentian: Gentiana scabra (Long Dan Cao) and G. macrophylla (Qin Jiao), attributing slightly different characteristics to each.
Watch a short video, from Ann Christensen, Founder and Creator of White Rabbit Institute of Healing™ – Gentian East & West Varieties, What’s The Difference?
Below is an overview of gentian, combining the best of Western Science, Oriental Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shamanism, Folklore, and a wide range of healing modalities. Gain a balanced and thorough understanding of the healing properties of gentian.
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Western
Western Name: Gentiana
Also Known As: Digestive System, Nervous System, Fever
Organs/Systems: Blood, Liver, Cardiovascular, Digestive, Skin, Kidney, Bladder
Key Actions: Anti-toxic for liver, Tonic, Digestive, Stomachic, Febrifuge, Emmenagogue, Anthelmintic, Antiseptic, Antibiotic, Antihepatotoxic
Medicinal Uses: Fever, diarrhea, gastritis, heartburn, PMS, digestive disorders, protects the liver, cleanses the liver.
Eastern
Pin Yin: Long Dan Cao (“Dragon’s gall”), Qin Jiao
Also Known As: Long Dan Cao (aka Lung Tan), Qin Jiao (aka Chin-chiu)
Meridians: Long Dan Cao – Liver, Gallbladder, Stomach. Qin Jiao – Gallbladder, Liver, Stomach
Key Actions: Long Dan Cao – Drains Damp-Heat from the Liver and Gallbladder channels, Drains Excess Liver Fire. Qin Jiao – Dispels Wind-Damp, Clears Deficient Heat, Resolves Dampness, and Moistens the Intestines
Medicinal Uses: Long Dan Cao – Red swollen sore throat and eyes, swollen ears, sudden deafness, jaundice, pain, swelling or dampness in the genital area, foul-smelling vaginal discharge and itching, headache, and red eyes or when Liver Wind-Heat is present, fever, spasms, convulsions, or flank pain.
Qin Jiao – Painful obstruction and cramping, especially in the extremities, Yin deficiency with fever, including steaming bone disorder, tuberculosis, malaria, jaundice, especially acute cases and in infants, unblocks the bowels, dry constipation, commonly used to counteract the drying qualities of other herbs that dispel Wind-Dampness.
Basic Habitat / Botany:
Gentiana is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the Gentian family. This genus contains a remarkable 400 species. They have oppositely arranged leaves and sometimes, a basal rosette. The trumpet-shaped flowers are usually deep blue or azure but can be white, cream, yellow, and red. Many species are polymorphic and can bear flowers of different colors simultaneously. The tap root is thick and yellowish.
Gentian thrives in alpine habitats in temperate regions of Asia, Europe, and the Americas. There are also species located in New Zealand and Australia. Some plants are evergreen, some are not. They like well-drained, neutral-to-acid soils rich in humus and can take full sun or partial shade.
Parts Most Frequently Used: Root, Leaf
Flavors/Temps: Long Dan Cao – Bitter, Cold. Qin Jiao – Bitter, Acrid, Slightly Cold
Caution: A safe tonic herb that can be used by young and old, sick and healthy.
Key Constituents: Gentiin, Gentiamarin, Bitter glucosides, Gentianic acid (Gentisin), Gentiopicrin, Dextrose, Laevulose, Sucrose
History/Folklore: Japanese, Autumn, Field, Marsh, Spring, Cross-Leaved, and Five-Leaved are the most commonly used gentian. In Europe, Yellow gentian is used, though all species have similar properties, and are interchangeable. Blue flowered species predominate in the Northern Hemisphere, red flowers in the Andes, and white flowers in New Zealand. The yellow species (Gentiana lutea) is mostly cited in Western herbal texts, but all species have similar properties. The highly toxic white hellebore (Veratrum album) plant has been mistaken for white gentian. Proper plant identification matters, if in doubt, use the more commonly used yellow varietal (Gentiana lutea).
The plant is famous for its bitterness which is not diminished by drying or dilution. Many beverages are made with gentian roots. The herb is used in aperitifs, liqueurs, digestifs, and tonics. Bitter digestive drinks commonly use gentian root as an ingredient. The French liqueur Suze, the Italian liqueur Aperol, the German digestive Underberg, and the bitter drink Angostura Bitters, all contain gentian root.
The genus name Gentiana is attributed to the King of Illyrian (180-167 B.C.) who is said to have discovered the plant’s tonic properties. This ancient region is now modern-day Albania and Epirus, Greece. Many scholars believe modern Albanians are descendants of this ancient tribe.
Dioscorides, one of the first reliable Western herbalists to document herbal functions, recommended gentian for digestive issues and as a poultice to treat inflamed eyes.
The German “father of natural healing,” Sebastian Kneipp praised gentian for supporting stomach secretions and strengthening nerves. He recommended that if you only have a small garden be sure to grow sage, wormwood, and gentian.
The Chinese name, Long Dan Cao (G. scabra), translates as “Dragon’s Gall” and refers to the plant’s extremely bitter taste. A Chinese Materia Medica dating from ca. 500 A.D. categorized gentian as being an “upper class” herb due to its general efficacy and ability, if taken over time, to promote health and longevity.
Studies in China indicate that small doses of Long Dan Cao (G. scabra) affect the secretion of gastric juices.
In China, Long Dan Cao (G. scabra) and Qin Cao (G. macrophylla) are differentiated from one another as follows: Long Dan Cao (G. scabra) is considered stronger in its heat clearing actions and Qin Jiao (G. macrophylla) is considered stronger in clearing Wind-Damp conditions. Long Dan Cao (G. scabra) is better at treating deficiency Heat syndromes involving Liver and Gall Bladder Fire channels. Qin Jiao (G. macrophylla), is better at treating excess Liver syndromes with Fire flaring upwards to the head and face (red eyes, headaches, etc.) Both are extremely bitter herbs with the same properties as all bitter herbs worldwide.
The most common disease that Qin Jiao (G. macrophylla) was used to treat before antibiotics was likely tuberculosis. The disease causes extreme deficiency, night sweats, intermittent fever, and general weakness and fatigue.
In the Middle Ages, the plants were used as an antidote for poisons, and in the 18th century gentian wine was served as an aperitif before dinner.
Only a few species can be cultivated, most occur in their wild habitats. They are popularly grown in rock gardens.
The roots have a strong, disagreeable odor and can taste slightly sweet at first, and then, they quickly become extremely bitter.
Gentian roots and leaves are used in traditional Austrian medicine to treat skin, liver, flu, rheumatism, and more.
Bitter herbs are known by science to stimulate and heighten nervous function, support the immune system, and aid recovery from various chronic illnesses.
Gentian is related to the gentian violet dye (methylrosaniline chloride).
A Pure, Bitter Herb
Gentian is likely the best-known and most-studied pure bitter herb worldwide!
Liver's Helper
Text: Gentian protects the liver, stimulates liver function, helps restore liver cells, and increases the flow of bile flow.
Best Combined with Aromatic Herbs
Because gentian is so bitter it is best combined with aromatic herbs such as orange peel and/or crushed cardamon seeds.
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