medicinal herbs
Centaury
Centaurium erythraea

• Medicinal herbs
• Natural herbs
• Latin names
• Common names

Herb: Centaury

Latin name: Centaurium erythraea

Synonyms: Centaurium minus, Centaurium umbellatum, Erythraea centaurium

Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)

Medicinal use of Centaury:

One of the most useful bitter herbs, centaury strengthens digestive function, especially within the stomach. By increasing stomach secretions it hastens the breakdown of food, it also stimulates the appetite and increases bile production. The plant needs to be take over a number of weeks and an infusion should be slowly sipped so that the components (their bitterness can be detected at a dilution of 1:3,500) can stimulate reflex activity throughout the upper digestive tract. The whole herb is appetizer, aromatic, bitter, cholagogue, diaphoretic, digestive, emetic, weakly febrifuge, hepatic, stomachic and tonic. It acts on the liver and kidneys, purifies the blood and is an excellent tonic for the digestive system. Externally, the fresh green herb is said to be a good application to wounds and sores. It is often used in combination with other herbs such as camomile (Chamaemelum nobile), meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and marshmallow (Althaea officinalis). The whole plant is harvested when in flower and can be dried for later use. The plant is used in Bach flower remedies - the keywords for prescribing it are "Weak willed", "Too easily influenced" and "Willing servitors". A homeopathic remedy is made from the plant. It is used in the treatment of liver and gall bladder ailments.

Description of the plant:

Habitat of the herb:

Open woods, meadows and dry grasslands, often on chalky soils.

Edible parts of Centaury:

The plant is used as a flavouring in bitter herbal liqueurs and is an ingredient of vermouth.

Other uses of the herb:

A long-lasting bright yellowish-green dye is obtained from the flowers.

Propagation of Centaury:

Seed - sow February to May in situ or as soon as it is ripe in situ. Germination is usually rapid.

Cultivation of the herb:

Open woods, meadows and dry grasslands, often on chalky soils.

Known hazards of Centaurium erythraea:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.