Latin Name: Centaurium erythraea
Alternate Names: Bitter Herb, Feverwort
Family: GENTIANACEAE
Parts Used: Above ground portion.
Properties: Alterative, Aromatic, Astringent, Bitter Tonic, Cholagogue, Emmenagogue, Febrifuge, Stomach Tonic, Tonic
Internal Uses: Anorexia, Bloating, Digestive Weakness, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Indigestion, Jaundice
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
This very bitter herb enhances the production of gastric secretions. It is excellent for stimulating the appetite and improving digestion. It is thus taken as a bitter tonic about ten minutes before meals. It promotes circulation and has a tonic effect on the blood vessels.
Topical Uses: Freckles, Lice, Warts, Wounds
Topical Applications: Decoction is applied to wounds, freckles and spots on the skin. It has also been applied as a decoction to kill head lice.
Culinary uses: Used in making Vermouth and other bitter, digestive liqueurs
Energetics: Bitter, Cold, Dry.
Chemical Constituents: Bitter glycoside (gentiopicrin, erythrocentaurine, amarogentrin), essential oil, caffeic acid, palmantinic acid, alkaloid (gentianin), resin.
Contraindications: Avoid during pregnancy.
Comments: The name Centaury is derived from a legend that the centaur, Chiron, when wounded by a poisoned arrow, cured himself with Centaury. In ancient times, Centaury was used to treat malaria.
Culpepper said of Centaury, ‘The herb is so safe you cannot fail in the using of it. Take it inwardly for inward diseases, and apply it outwardly for outward complaints; it is very wholesome, but not pleasant to the taste’.
It is a Bach Flower Remedy for those that are weak willed, overanxious to please others, and often exploited. The common name Centaury includes the species Centaurium minus, which is used interchangeably with Centaurium erythraea.