Common Names

Centaury , Erythraea centaurium, bitterherb,

centaury gentian
Botanical/scientific Name
Centaurium erythraea

Medicinal Uses
One of the most useful bitter herbs, centaury strengthens digestive function, especially within the stomach. By
increasing stomach secretions it hastens the breakdown of food, it also stimulates the appetite and increases bile
production. The plant needs to be take over a number of weeks and an infusion should be slowly sipped so that
the components (their bitterness can be detected at a dilution of 1:3,500) can stimulate reflex activity throughout
the upper digestive tract. The whole herb is appetizer, aromatic, bitter, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive,
emetic, weakly febrifuge, hepatic, stomachic and tonic. It acts on the liver and kidneys, purifies the blood and is
an excellent tonic for the digestive system. Externally, the fresh green herb is said to be a good application to
wounds and sores. It is often used in combination with other herbs such as camomile (Chamaemelum nobile),
meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and marshmallow (Althaea officinalis). The whole plant is harvested when
in flower and can be dried for later use. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for
prescribing it are 'Weak willed.