In the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, we have high alpine Blue Fringed Gentian and the elegant
tall standing Green Gentian, also known as 'Monument Plant,' that can live for 20 to 50 years
but blooms only once, sometimes reaching nearly 10 feet, before it dies.
Green Gentian is common in high-altitude mountain meadows. It begins with a basal rosette of
leaves for the first few years. The barely detectable flower stalk begins forming 3-4 years before it actually erupts into its massive flowering stalk of beautiful green and white flowers 4-6 feet tall.
Green Gen-an has a large root that you can easily make medicine from, compared to the Tiny
roots of the Blue Fringed Gentian, but you can chew on those roots while hiking.
Gut Health at The Root of All Health
Hippocrates offered wisdom when he said, “All disease begins in the gut.” The majority of health problems we face these days can be traced back to some sort of nutrient deficiency or gut-related problem. When bitter foods are eaten, the body responds in a way that simulates digestion and tones the entire digestive system, which is our foundation for health and vitality.
Processed foods are a huge percentage of what most people eat every day. Cravings are for
sugar and salty foods, and the thought of eating something bitter is not a very favorable food
choice.
However, our tongue contains bitter taste receptors. When bitter foods stimulate these receptors, our brain perceives the bitterness, and our vagus nerve relays the bitter sensation to our salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and liver. This promotes the production of beneficial digestive juices and digestive enzymes that support organ system health.
Gentian root is extremely bitter, containing the bitter glycoside genBopicrin, making it the perfect ingredient in DigesBve BiEers, which are easy to take to get that beautiful bitterness into our bodies. (see recipe below)
Gentian is a powerful anti-inflammatory herb that aids digestion, stimulates appetite, supports liver and gall bladder function, relieves bloating and skin diseases, and reduces fever, jaundice, and gout. It has been used for over 3,000 years to revitalize the gastrointestinal tract by optimizing stomach acid levels and digestive enzymes. It is especially helpful for protein and fat digestion. Some studies suggest that gentian root has mood-stabilizing effects to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, potentially due to its influence on neurotransmitters in the brain.
Gentian Digestive Bitters
In a quart jar, place:
1 cup freshly chopped Gentian root. Or 2 tablespoons of dried root.
1⁄4 cup of dried Orange peel.
1 cup of fresh Dandelion root. Or 2 table spoons of dried root.
1⁄2 cup of Cardamom pods.
1 cup of Honey (optional)
Top off with Brandy.
Place the lid on the jar and occasionally shake well. Allow to extract for 3-4 weeks.
Strain out the herbs and place the bitters in a small bottle or jar with a label.
A Tincture bottle with a dropper is best. Take a few drops of this strong bitter tonic 30 minutes
before meals.
Contraindications:
Avoid if pregnant or on H2 receptor antagonists, like Zantac or other antacids.
It is to be taken in small doses, like 6-10 drops before meals.
Large amounts of the bitter alkaloids at one Bme can cause nausea, cramping, diarrhea, gas,
sore stomach, acid reflux, bloating, and heartburn.
Disclaimer:
Herbal supplements are not intended to prevent or cure any specific disease. Consult with your Health Care Provider, Herbalist, Nutritionist, or Registered Dietitian before taking an herbal supplement to determine the proper dosage and to clarify any contraindications for allergies, pregnancy, and/or interactions with medications.
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