Description:  Native to the Alps & other European mountain regions, Bitteroot is also cultivated in North America.  The root is used medicinally.  Several other similar species can be used interchangeably.

Growing naturally at an elevation of from 3,000 to 4,500 feet, it is a characteristic species of many parts of France and Switzerland, where, even when not in flower, the numerous barren shoots stand out.

All the known species are remarkable for the intensely bitter properties residing in the root and every part of the herbage, hence they are valuable tonic medicines.

The root is long and thick, generally about a foot long and an inch in diameter, but sometimes even a yard or more long and 2 inches in diameter, yellowish-brown & very bitter. The stem grows 3-4 feet high or more, with a pair of leaves opposite to one another, at each joint. The lowest leaves have short foot-stalks, but the upper ones are stalkless, their bases almost embracing the stem.

Main constituents:  Gentiin & Gentiamarin, bitter glucosides, & Gentianic acid (gentisin; inactive). Gentiopicrin, another bitter glucoside, a pale yellow crystalline substance, occurs in the fresh root, and may be isolated from it by treatment with boiling alcohol.  The saccharine constituents of Gentian are dextrose, laevulose, sucrose and gentianose, a crystallizable, fermentable sugar.

Gentian contains some of the most bitter substances known, particularly the glycosides gentiopicrin and amarogentin.  The taste of these can be detected even when diluted 50,000 times. 

Besides stimulating secretion of saliva in the mouth and hydrochloric acid in the stomach, gentiopicrin may protect the liver.

Properties:  Stomachic, Tonic, Appetite Stimulant

Uses:  Internally-Gentian is one of the most useful of our bitter vegetable tonics.  It is specially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of general debility, weakness of the digestive organs & lack of appetite.

It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system, and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative to prevent its debilitating effects.  It is of extreme value in treating jaundice.

Besides being unrivalled as a stomachic tonic, Gentian possesses febrifuge, emmenagogue, anthelmintic and antiseptic properties.

As a simple bitter, Gentian is considered more palatable combined with an aromatic, and for this purpose orange peel is frequently used.  A tincture made with 2 oz. of the root, 1 oz. dried orange peel, & 1/2 oz. bruised cardamom seeds in a quart of brandy is an excellent stomachic tonic, & restores appetite while promoting digestion.

NOTE:  When treating liver disease with tinctures, first remove the alcohol!

Safety Considerations:  Bitteroot should not be used by people suffering from excessive stomach acid, heartburn, stomach ulcers, or gastritis.

Magical:

Folk Names:  Bitter Root, Yellow Gentian, Hochwurzel

Gender:  Masculine

Planet:  Mars

Powers:  Love, Power

Uses:  Add gentian to love baths and sachets; adds power. It is also breaks hexes & curses.

Back to Herbs