Features ? This is, perhaps, best known of all wild plants, with its long-stalked, heart- shaped leaves, and delicate, characteristically-scented and coloured flowers.Part used ? Leaves and flowers.
Action: Antiseptic and expectorant.
Remarkable claims have been made for violet leaves in the treatment of malignant tumours. The case of Lady Margaret Marsham, of Maidstone, was reported in the Daily Mail for November 14th, 1901. This lady, suffering from cancer of the throat, used an infusion, which was left to stand for twelve hours, of a handful of fresh violet leaves to a pint ofboiling water. After a fortnight of warm fomentations with this liquid the growth was said to have disappeared.The same newspaper, under date March 18th, 1905, told its readers that violet leaves as a cure for cancer were advocated in the current issue of the Lancet, where a remarkable case was reported by Dr. William Gordon, M.D. Such accounts as these, although interesting, should be read with considerable reserve.... violet
Habitat: Grows abundantly throughout France, Spain, and large areas of Central
Europe.Part used ? Large quantities of Gentiana lutea root are imported into this country as it is preferred to the English variety (Gentiana campestris—see below) for no very apparent therapeutic reason. It is certain, however, that Gentian root, of whichever kind, is the most popular of all herbal tonics and stomachics—and deservedly so.Features ? Gentiana lutea root is cylindrical in form, half to one inch thick, and ringed in the upper portion, the lower being longitudinally wrinkled. It is flexible and tough, internally spongy and nearly white when fresh, an orange-brown tint and strong distinctive odour developing during drying. The taste is extremely bitter.A decoction of 1 ounce to 1 pint (reduced from 1 1/2 pints) of water, given in wineglass doses, will be found very helpful in dyspepsia and loss of tone, or general debility of the digestive organs. One of the effects of the medicine is to stimulate the nerve-endings of taste, thus increasing the flow of gastric juice. As a simple bitter it may be given in all cases when a tonic is needed.The English Gentian (also known locally as Baldmoney and Felwort) grows to six inches high and is branched above. Leaves opposite, ovate- lanceolate above and ovate-spatulate below, entire margins. Flowers are bluish-purple. The whole herb may be used for the same purposes as the foreign root, although here also the root contains the more active principles.... gentian
Gentian tea is a Chinese tea that has been recognized since many years for its medicinal properties. Gentian plant, also known as gentiana lutea, wild gentian or yellow gentian, grows mainly in pastures of the Alps and the Himalayas.
The constituents of gentian tea are amarogentin, gentiopicroside and gentiobiose that are known for being very helpful in digestion, encouraging the flow of bile and aiding the intestines to absorb fat.
How To Make Gentian TeaGentian tea is usually made from the dry roots of gentian plant. To make your own gentian tea, add one teaspoon of chopped gentian root into a kettle and let the mix boil for at least 20 minutes. When the time is up, let it cool until it reaches the room temperature. Gentian tea has a bitter taste, which is the reason why many tea drinkers combine it with other herbs for a more pleasant taste.
It is recommended to drink gentian tea 15-30 minutes before eating.
Gentian Tea Benefits
Calms stomach ache and aids in better disgestion.
Increases food appetite.
Remedy for liver problems.
Stimulates blood circulation.
Alleviates fever and helps treating common cold and flu.
Gentian Tea Side Effects
You should always consult your doctor before taking gentian, especially if you have stomach disorder, stomach ulcer or high blood pressure.
Also, stop drinking gentian tea if you start experiencing symptoms such as:
Allergic reactions that include difficulty in breathing; swelled lips, tongue or face; hives.
Stomach irritation.
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Menstrual disorders.
Gentian tea makes a wonderful choice, having a lot of health benefits. Just make sure you read the possible side effects listed above in order not to experience any of them!... benefits of gentian tea
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