Gentian is a genus of flowering herbs that contain many species. Predominate to the northern hemisphere is Gentian that produces blue to blue violet colored flowers. Gentians are a hardy plant and are often placed in rock gardens.
Gentian Violet is a species that has become widely known for its medicinal qualities and is used to treat fungal infections such as thrush and Candida on the breast associated with breastfeeding infants. Gentian is messy and will often turn the baby’s mouth and everything that it comes in contact with very purple. This is a from the beautiful color of the gentian flower.
Although there are many species of Gentian most of them have similar medicinal uses to them. Be sure you know exactly what herb you are using and for what by consulting with a licensed herbalist before ingesting Gentian.
Gentian Benefits
Gentian Violet is used to treat thrush and Candida in breastfeeding infants and mothers.
Most Gentian root is used to treat digestive ailments and as an appetite stimulator. It can be used topically to treat wounds and painful inflammation or gargled to treat soar throats, such as Chronic Pharyngitis.
Gentian has been used to treat Malaria, Irregular Menstruation, Painful Menstruation, and to rid the body of worms.