GENTIAN ROOT

PRODUCT INFORMATION 

Gentian has a long and esteemed history of traditional use, primarily as a digestive aid and to strengthen the digestive system. The ancient Greeks, Romans, Egyptians and Arab physicians all used Gentian Root as a herbal medicine, it was especially indicated for health issues where a weakened digestive system was involved.

Digestive Health
Throughout history it has been widely known that bitter herbs support this important bodily process, and Gentian Root is one of the top bitter herbs used to stimulate the production of saliva, bile and stomach acids. It is widely used in digestive tonics, such as angostura bitters, which are taken before a meal.

Gentian works on the stomach, liver and gall bladder – organs which each play a part in the digestive process. 

It is believed that bitters such as Gentian work by stimulating the mouth’s taste receptors. When bitters hit the tongue the saliva glands produce more saliva (the first element of digestion), which informs the digestive tract to release digestive enzymes that help to break down food. Gentian also stimulates bile production, which aids in the digestion and absorption of fats and fat-soluble vitamins in the small intestine.

According to research, the aforementioned "bitters" may activate not only bile but also hydrochloric acid, the major component of gastric acid, which helps the body to digest food more efficiently. This in turn leads to better nutrient absorption and a faster transition time through the digestive system. Additionally, special cells in the stomach - due to this stimulus - secrete the digestive hormone gastrin.

Liver Health
Gentian stimulates the production of bile, which not only helps to promote digestion; it prevents a sluggish liver by preventing the accumulation of waste and speeding up the digestion of proteins and fats. This in turn can help to allay the sense of fatigue that can be felt after consuming a heavy meal.

As a liver protective agent, Gentian has been observed to increase levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase, superoxide dismutase and GSH peroxidase in various settings of toxin-induced oxidative damage.

Anti-Inflammatory
Gentian Root contains several constituents with anti-inflammatory properties; secoiridoidal, iridoid glycosides, gentiopicroside, xanthones, polyphenols and flavones, which are of particular benefit to the cardiovascular, respiratory and digestive systems.

The anti-inflammatory properties of Gentian also make it useful in wound healing. It soothes inflamed tissues and has anti-bacterial and ant-microbial actions and improves blood flow to damaged tissue, speeding up the healing time.