Yellow gentian – uses and health benefits

The yellow gentian has a herbaceous shape that can reach a height of up to 50 to 150 centimeters. While the leaves have a greyish-green hue, the petals of the flowers are, contrary to the well-known song, yellow. The yellow gentian needs some time before it develops its first flowers. It can take about 10 years until then. Overall, the life expectancy of the yellow gentian is relatively high. So he can be about 40 to 60 years old. In order to withstand all kinds of weather for so long, it has a rhizome the thickness of an arm.

If the yellow gentian is of an advanced age, the length of its roots is one meter and a diameter of around 3 to 5 centimetres. The green leaves of the yellow gentian reach a length of 30 centimeters and a width of 15 centimeters. Overall, the plant looks shiny due to its light hairiness. The yellow gentian blooms between June and August. A capsule fruit can be discovered during its flowering period. A single fruit can contain about 100 seeds, each weighing 0.001 grams. The seeds are spread with the wind. A yellow gentian produces an average of 10,000 seeds.

The leaves of the plant are arranged in such a structure that cisterns are formed, which in turn provide a habitat for smaller organisms. If the plant decays, additional nutrients are made available to the animals. The yellow gentian can be found, for example, in the Alps and other regions that are characterized by mountains. Southern and Central Europe should be mentioned here in particular. In general, the plant prefers soils with a lot of lime. In the Tyrolean Alps, the yellow gentian can even be found at an altitude of 2100 meters.

Ingredients, effect and dosage

Only the roots of the yellow gentian are used for medicinal purposes. The leaves and stems of the plant, on the other hand, are not suitable. The main reason for the soothing effect on various ailments is primarily the contained secoiridoid bitter substances. Part of these bitter substances are, for example, gentiopicroside and amarogentin. The latter also triggers the typical, bitter taste of the root.The xanthones color the components of the gentian yellow. In addition, carbohydrates , especially glucose and fructose, as well as essential oil can be found in the plant. The yellow gentian can be taken in the form of a tea or by drops. Drunk half an hour before a meal, the plant increases appetite by affecting the digestive structures.

For a tea, half a teaspoon of the dried root is added to a cup of hot water. After about 10 minutes, the remaining components should be removed. It is also possible to produce a cold extract. For this, the root is poured over with cold water and left overnight. The tea can be slowly warmed up and drunk the next morning. A tincture of yellow gentian is particularly intensive. This can be bought or made yourself. For this, a piece of the roots of the yellow gentian is put in schnapps and left to stand for a few weeks.

What does yellow gentian help against?

• gas

• bloating

• loss of appetite

• Gastrointestinal complaints

• gastric ulcer

• constipation

importance to health

The yellow gentian primarily affects the digestive system and can alleviate existing symptoms here. For example, it helps with flatulence, a feeling of fullness and loss of appetite. Yellow gentian causes the salivary glands to produce more fluid. On the one hand, this stimulates the appetite, and on the other hand, longer chains of carbohydrates or proteins can be broken down more efficiently in the mouth. However, if a patient suffers from certain gastrointestinal complaints, such as an ulcer, the application should be avoided.

In addition, the yellow gentian affects the stomach . About every third person states that they regularly suffer from gastrointestinal complaints. The bitter substances in the yellow gentian stimulate the taste buds in the tongue area . This triggers a reflex, which in turn results in increased production of saliva and stomach acid . What may sound uncomfortable at first has greater medical benefits.

For example, food that is difficult to digest can become easier to digest. The yellow gentian intervenes in the production of gastric acid and regulates it. Furthermore , the ingredients ensure improved movement of the muscles . In this way, among other things, constipation is counteracted. Swelling of the gastric mucous membranes allows faster absorption of various food elements. If taken in good time, it also increases the production of bile. This makes fatty foods easier to digest. Accordingly, yellow gentian can be viewed as a remedy, but also as a preventive substance.