Gentiana saponaria Harvestbells (Gentianaceae)

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Gentiana saponaria
Harvestbells
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The Gentiana saponaria plant species is found in Eastern N. America - Ontario to Minnesota, Connecticut, Florida and Louisiana. It is a member of the Gentianaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Harvestbells.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
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Latin Name:  Gentiana saponaria
Common Name:  Harvestbells
Family:  Gentianaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  0.75   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Wet soils[235] in woodlands[200].

Medicinal Information: The root is said to be an antidote to snakebites[61]. 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].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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