GENGIBA
genciana gentiana lutea
GENGIBA
genciana gentiana lutea
Other Names:
Yellow
gentian
,
gentian
Mayor,
Gengiba
,
Junciana
.
The greed of some unscrupulous collectors
has
been in the process of extinction of this majestic plant, as it grows so slowly that it takes 10 years to give their first fruits. It is sad that
has
been systematically uprooting his large following, which can weigh up to six kilos for
alcoholic
liquor flavored with it.
Dioscorides, the great Greek physician and botanist from the first century AD, as stated in his monumental medical Matter, "the root of the
gentian
, drinking water, provide relief to patients of
liver
and
stomach
. " Nowadays,
almost
twenty centuries later, is still valid observation of the Greek sage, and
gentian
is one of the plants snacks and digestive most appreciated.
HABITAT:
grows in
meadows
and sunny slopes of mountainous regions of
central
and southern Europe. Prefers limestone soils. In Spain it is far rarer to the south. Cultivated in
America
.
Description:
perennial plant of the
family
of Gencianáceas, which reaches 60 to 100 cm in height. Stem upright, smooth and of the emerging leaves large, oval, opposite
a
front to another. Their flowers, which are born in clusters, are
yellow
alive.
Used parts:
the root.
Properties and indications:
the root of the
bitter
gentian
contains various principles, among which are the genciopicrina and amarogencina. The latter is the most
bitter
substance is known (
a
dilution of one part in 50 billion, still
bitter
taste) It also contains various sugars, tannins and pectin. These properties are:
Tonic
stomach
: the principles of the
bitter
gentian
root, excite the secretion of all digestive glands, including the salivary. Thus opened the appetite (aperitive action) and facilitate digestion (eupéptica action or digestive) It is especially indicated in
chronic
gastritis
attending with little secretion of gastric juices (hypochlorhydria) ptosis or weakness in the gastric (
stomach
down) the indigestion and vomiting in cases of inappetence and the convalescence of
febrile
illnesses.
Colerética and colagoga:
stimulates the secretion of bile by the
liver
, and emptying the duodenum. It is appropriate in cases of congestion of
liver
and bile dyskinesias (gallbladder lazy)
Febrífugo:
This is not very marked,
but
is especially effective in cases of
malaria
. It
has
been found that can destroy the
malaria
- causing protozoan parasites of
red
blood cells. It can be used associated with quinine and is particularly relevant in cases of
malaria
resistant to quinine.
Immunostimulant (stimulating defenses) have found that administration of
gentian
root causes an increase in the production of white blood cells (WBCs) so it is
thought
he may have
a
favorable action in cases of immune
depression
(low resistance to
infection
)
Use:
macerated by placing
a
piece of
gentian
root of the size of
a
walnut
(about 10 grams. In
a
liter
of cold water. Let macerate for 4 to 5 hours, 3 cups
a
day are taken before meals. He can add
a
few aniseed
grains
during the maceration, in order to make more bearable his intense
bitter
taste,
but
it should not sweeten. Decoction of 10 grams. per
liter
of water, boil for an hour, it takes half
a
cup before
each
meal. In the dry dust or ingested from 0. 5 to 1 gram before
each
of the 3 meals
a
day.
Precautions:
Not to be confused with
gentian
eléboro
white, toxic plant that grows near it, and it is distinguished from it by having the leaves alternate (emerging from
a
stem) and hairs on the underside, as well as its white flowers and unpleasant odor. Not be used or prepared
alcoholic
liquors based
gentian
, as the negative effects of
alcohol
offset the benefits of the plant. They should avoid those suffering from
gastro
- duodenal ulcers active, because by increasing the secretion of gastric juice, may aggravate the
disease
. Also to be avoided during breastfeeding, because its principles become
bitter
milk, and although they are not toxic, mean that the baby will reject it.
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