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Gentiana andrewsii Closed bottle gentian (1 Page of 5) The Gentiana andrewsii plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Quebec to Manitoba, Georgia and Nebraska. It is a member of the Gentianaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Closed bottle gentian. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Gentiana andrewsii Common Name: Closed bottle gentian Family: Gentianaceae Author: Griseb. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 0.6 Mature Width: 0.3 Habitat: Meadows, damp prairies and low thickets[43].
Medicinal Information: The root is said to be an antidote to snakebites[61, 254].
An infusion of the roots has been used as a wash and also taken internally in the treatment of pain and headaches[257]. An infusion of the roots has been used as drops for sore eyes[257].
This N. American species has medicinal properties practically identical with the European gentians[4]. The following notes are based on the general uses of G. lutea which is the most commonly used species in the West[K].
Gentian root has a long history of use as a herbal bitter in the treatment of digestive disorders and is an ingredient of many proprietary medicines. It contains some of the most bitter compounds known and is used as a scientific basis for measuring bitterness[238]. It is especially useful in states of exhaustion from chronic disease and in all cases of debility, weakness of the digestive system and lack of appetite[4]. It is one of the best strengtheners of the human system, stimulating the liver, gall bladder and digestive system[238], and is an excellent tonic to combine with a purgative in order to prevent its debilitating effects[4]. The root is anthelmintic, antiinflammatory, antiseptic, bitter tonic, cholagogue, emmenagogue, febrifuge, refrigerant, stomachic[4, 7, 9, 14, 21, 165, 238]. It is taken internally in the treatment of liver complaints, indigestion, gastric infections and anorexia[238]. It should not be prescribed for patients with gastric or duodenal ulcers[238]. The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[4]. It is quite likely that the roots of plants that have not flowered are the richest in medicinal properties[4].
For further Gentiana andrewsii gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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