Digestive Health

A healthy digestive system is the cornerstone of overall vibrant 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. This root’s digestive benefits are in part attributed to the phytochemical amarogentin, which is mainly responsible for the bitter taste.

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" (composed mainly of the glycosides gentiopicrin and amarogentin), 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

As in the past, in modern herbalism Gentian is considered a powerful protector and ally to the liver. It supports the overall function of the liver and gallbladder and blends well with other liver protective herbs.

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

Whilst inflammation is a valid response by the body in its quest to heal itself, persistent low-level inflammation is becoming increasingly known as one of the root causes of most disease. 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.

Finally, the active compounds of Gentian not only lower inflammation, they can provide relief from pain by positively modulating pain pathways in the brain.