Benefits of Gentian Root

What is Gentian Root?

Gentian root, native to Europe, is a supplement that’s used to treat a variety of conditions and ailments. For over 3,000 years, gentian root has been used to treat problems plaguing the gallbladder and promote digestion. Considered a bitter herb, benefits of gentian root include promoting the secretion of bile, improving digestion, and stimulating the appetite.

Before using this supplement, as well as all other supplement, consult your physician. Gentian root should not be used in place of traditional medicine to treat any serious illness or condition.

Nutritional Value

The root of gentian plant is a great source of B vitamins and vitamin F. Gentian root is considered a bitter herb due in part to its content of gentopicin and amarogentin, two substances that not only produce gentian root’s bitter flavor, but also help give it its medicinal properties.

Also found in gentian root is a rich source of minerals, such as zinc, manganese, niacin, iron, and sulphur. The mineral content of gentian root also give it major medicinal power, giving the root the ability to help purify blood, reduce inflammation, reduce cramps, among many other benefits.

Benefits of Gentian Root

Due to its rich nutritional content, gentian root has been used over the years to treat a wide array of conditions and illnesses. This light brown root, wrinkled in appearance, has been associated with the following benefits:

1) Improves Digestion

For centuries, gentian root has been used to treat a variety of stomach ailments. It was believed in traditional folk medicine that bitter herbs like gentian root before a meal improved the digestive process by increasing gastric juices and saliva to help break down food.

Today, research has found that taking gentian root helps to reduce instances of heartburn, dyspepsia, and constipation.

To improve digestion and to prevent heartburn or indigestion, sip on a warm glass of water with 1-3 ml gentian root tincture 30 minutes before you eat. This mixture can also be consumed after a meal to help treat heartburn.

Gentian root also makes a soothing tea, which can help prepare your digestive system for a meal. Add a teaspoon on shredded gentian root to a boiling cup of water and drink a 15 to 20 minutes before enjoying a meal.

2) Stimulates Production of Red Blood Cells

Gentian root helps to stimulate the production of red blood cells, which helps to prevent anemia. How gentian root is responsible for boosting the red blood cell count starts in the gut. As we just mentioned, gentian root improves digestion but helping to facilitate the production of gastric juices to help break down food and absorb nutrients.

One very important mineral that gentian root helps your body absorb is iron, which is vital to red blood cell production. Frequently consuming gentian root helps keep your red blood cell count up and therefore helps boost your immune system and prevent the development of anemia. Boosting your red blood cell count also helps oxygenate your organs and tissues.

3) Liver Health

Gentian root helps to improve liver health by stimulating the production of bile. This not only helps to promote digestion, but also to prevent a sluggish liver, by expediting the digestion of protein and fat. As a result, people feel less fatigued after consuming a heavy meal.

Some Considerations and Precautions

Before taking gentian root, please consider the following:

• Consult a physician before taking gentian root.
• Gentian root should not be used in the place of traditional medicine to treat any condition.
• Gentian root is not recommended for the use of pregnant women.
• Those suffering from high blood pressure should avoid gentian root.
• Gentian root should not be consumed by people suffering from chronic gastrointestinal issues.