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Herbal Glossary | Medicinal Glossary | Herbal Preparations | Ayervedic Formulas | Chinese Formulas CentauryContents:Common Names | Parts Usually Used | Plant(s) & Culture | Where Found | Medicinal Properties | Biochemical Information
Scientific Names
Common Names
Parts Usually UsedAerial portions
Description of Plant(s) and CultureA small plant of the gentian family, with flat-clusters of red or rose flowers. The stem is four-cornered and grows to a height of 4-20 inches (10-50 cm). The leaves are decussate. The red, star-shaped flowers, which open only when the sun shines, are arranged in umbellike panicles. Flower in July and seed within a month after. The small or lesser centaury has yellow flowers. Used the same as greater centaury. There is a centaury that has white flowers. Not found commonly in the wild. Where FoundGrows in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America. Found in damp meadows, pastures, and in thinly wooded areas.
Medicinal PropertiesTonic, stomachic, aromatic, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, febrifuge, emetic, stimulant
Biochemical InformationBitter principles, including gentiopicrine and erythrocentaurin, valeric acid, wax, etc.
Legends, Myths and StoriesRemember the old saying “Medicine has to taste bitter; otherwise, it won’t do any good” ? That applies double to centaury. Named after the Centaur, Chiron, who was said to have discovered medicinal properties of the plant. Culpeper says of Centaury, “Tis very wholesome; but not very toothsome.”
UsesThis is an herb that may be used for nearly any problem. A tonic for those who are unable to exercise in the open air. It is used for gas, colic, bloating, heartburn, dyspepsia, stimulate appetite, and constipation, and aids the proper assimilation and digestion of food. If taken in too concentrated an infusion, it will produce vomiting. Extract prepared with vodka is given for high blood pressure, liver and gall bladder problems. Lotions containing centaury have been used on the skin to remove different kinds of blemishes. It is used as a treatment for muscular rheumatism, gout, convulsions, tuberculosis, cramps, snakebites, helps vision. It kills worms as do most bitters. Externally, the juice applied to the eyes will clear the vision, and applied to wounds, ulcers, old sores, bruises, will help promote healing. The decoction applied to the skin regularly will clear the skin of freckles and spots. In ancient times it was a primary cure for intermittent fevers and malaria, as well as a remedy for snake poison and other animal bites. A decoction externally applied also will destroy lice and other parasites in the hair.
Formulas or DosagesUse 2 tsp. of the herb to 1 cup of boiling water; let steep for 20-30 minutes, cool, and take a cupful every day, one swallow at a time. Tincture: 1 tsp. taken before meals. WarningDo not collect this medicinal plant yourself under any circumstances, as European centaury, like all other members of the gentian family, is on the list of protected plants!
Bibliography
Herbal Gardening, compiled by The Robison York State Herb Garden, Cornell Plantations, Matthaei Botanical Gardens of the University of Michigan, University of California Botanical Garden, Berkeley., Pantheon Books, Knopf Publishing Group, New York, 1994, first edition
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American centaury
Back to Eden
, by Jethro Kloss; Back to Eden Publishing Co., Loma Linda, CA 92354, Original copyright 1939, revised edition 1994
, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; Keats Publishing, Inc., 27 Pine Street (Box 876) New Canaan, CT. 06840-0876. Copyright Verlag A. Vogel, Teufen (AR) Switzerland 1952, 1991Copyright © 1996-2010 Lynn DeVries, all rights reserved.