Genziana: properties, use, contraindications
Properties and benefits of the Genziana Genziana contains amarogentana, a bitter substance, and other active ingredients including gentianine (alkaloid), gentisine (coloring substance) and gentiopicrin (glucoside). These constituents act on digestion and on the production of gastric mucus, increase the amount of gastric juice since they affect the secretion of chlorine and pectins by the stomach and the motility of the digestive tract. There are a fair amount of mucilage, essential oils and enzymes. Thanks to its content of active ingredients, genziana is recognized for its digestive action, stimulating the gastric functions, tonic, anti-fermentative, useful against stomach problems, intestinal parasites and fever. Genziana is also useful against fatigue and anemia, so it is used to recover from long convalescence and as a defense against infections.
How to use The dried root in infusion or the dry extract, mother tincture or hydroalcoholic extract is used from the genziana. Fresh genziana root is poisonous, which is why it is used dried. If taken before meals, genziana is useful for stimulating the production of gastric juices and therefore to promote digestion. In some cases, when you have a very large meal, genziana can also be used after eating.
Genziana has always been used as a remedy for fever and in the case of wounds to accelerate the healing process. Genziana is useful against anorexia and general fatigue, while in natural cosmetics it is used as an infusion for cleaning oily skin.
Contraindications of the Genziana Gastric hyperacidity and abdominal cramps may appear after taking genziana. It is not recommended for pregnant women, where high doses of genziana could damage digestion and cause vomiting. It is also contraindicated in cases of gastroduodenal ulcer, acute gastritis, gastric hyperacidity, hiatal hernia and esophagitis. Do not consume fresh genziana root as it is poisonous.
Description of the plant The greater genziana (genziana lutea) is a perennial plant, belonging to the Gentianaceae family. It is a plant from 50 cm to 1.30 m high, has an erect, glaucous stem, with large and oval leaves. Genziana has small, yellow flowers that bloom in summer. Its root has a strong and recognizable smell and a bitter taste.
Habitat of the Genziana Genziana prefers calcareous soils and high altitude meadows and, although it is not very easy to find, it grows spontaneously in mountainous areas characterized by high acidity of the soil. Spontaneous harvesting is currently regulated in many regions because it is a protected species.
Background The term genziana has very ancient origins and probably derives from Genzio, king of Illyria, who was the discoverer of its medicinal virtues. Genziana was very popular with the Romans, and its spread began when its natural properties were discovered to treat intestinal and worm problems.