Papaya - a world class meat tenderizer, natural digestive aid, prevents ulcers, and also a soft contact lense cleaner.Gentian The Safety Factor
Gentian bitters are popular in Germany, where herbal medicine is considerably more mainstream than it is in the United States. German physicians discourage its use by people with high blood pressure They also echo the Eclectics’ warning that large amounts may cause stomach irritation with possible nausea and vomiting.
The FDA has approved gentian for use in foods and alcoholic beverages. For otherwise healthy non-pregnant, non-nursing adults, who do not have hypertension or chronic gastrointestinal conditions, gentian is considered safe in amounts typically recommended.
Gentian should be used in medicinal amounts only in consultation with your physician. If gentian causes minor discomforts, such as stomach upset or nausea, use less or stop using it. Let your doctor know if you experience any unpleasant effects or if the symptoms for which the herb is being used do not improve significantly in two weeks.
Hard to Start
Gentian is a striking o-foot perennial with branching medicinal roots, deeply veined, pointed oval leaves, and large, beautiful yellow flowers.
Once established, gentian requires little care other than abundant water and shelter from wind and excessive sun. But establishing this herb can be a problem. The seeds need frost to germinate, and even with frost, germination may take a year, if it occurs at all. Most authorities recommend using root cuttings. Gentian prefers rich, loamy, slightly acidic soil. An annual dressing of peat moss helps.
Harvest the roots in late summer. Desirable roots are dark reddish brown, tough, and flexible with a strong, unpleasant odor. They should taste rather sweet initially, then very bitter. Dry the roots, then reduce them to powder.