Herb: Spurred Gentian


Latin name: Halenia elliptica


Family: Gentianaceae (Gentian Family)



Medicinal use of Spurred Gentian:

The entire plant is used in Tibetan medicine, it is considered to have a bitter taste and a cooling potency. It is cholagogue and febrifuge. It is used in the treatment of liver inflammations, stomach complaints and fevers from contagious diseases.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
60 cm
(2 feet)

Flowering:
July to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Beside streams in valleys, grassland slopes, scrub, forest margins and forests at elevations of 700 - 4,100 metres.

Propagation of Spurred Gentian:

Seed - best sown in early spring in a cool greenhouse. Only just cover the seed. Prick out into individual pots once the plants are large enough to handle and plant out in late spring after the last expected frosts.

Cultivation of the herb:

Beside streams in valleys, grassland slopes, scrub, forest margins and forests at elevations of 700 - 4,100 metres.

Known hazards of Halenia elliptica:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.