Gentian (Gentiana lutea) is a tall and stately plant, native to the grassy alpine pastures of Europe and Western Asia. It blooms July - August, showing off its whorls of yellow flowers covering its hardy stalks that can grow up to 4 feet tall and 2 feet wide. Its root can grow up to 3 feet long and end up weighing 15 pounds fresh! Like the other members of the Gentiana family, Gentian root became famous and popular for its intensely unapologetic bitter flavor, commonly used for digestive complaints and then as a flavoring for alcoholic beverages. Gentian was also a primary ingredient of the longest produced soda on the market, called Moxie, which originated around 1876. Gentian root can be decocted for very bitter tea, tinctured or combined with other roots and herbs in recipes for digestive or cocktail bitters.
Common names: Gentian, Yellow Gentian, Gentiana, Wild Gentian, Bitter Root, Bitterwort, Gall Weed
Precautions: Caution advised for people with ulcers or gastrointestinal irritation. Not recommended for use during pregnancy. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.