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CENTAURY
Centaurium umbellatum

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Digestive disorders, bloating, acid reflux, lack of appetite, anemia, fever, disorders of liver and gall bladder; to prevent stomach ulcers (but not for treatment) ...

Description

Composition :
100% Centaurium umbellatum - 200 mg/capsule

Part used :
Entire plant in bloom

Centaury (Centaurium umbellatum), also known as European Centaury, is a species of biennial herb in the Gentian family (Gentinaceae), native to Europe, western Asia and northern Africa. It is also naturalised in parts of North America and eastern Australia.

It reaches ½ meter (1.5in) in height and grows from a small basal rosette and bolts a leafy, erect stem which may branches. The triangular leaves are arranged oppositely on the stem and the erect inflorescences emerge from the stem and grow parallel to it, sometimes tangling with the foliage. Each inflorescence may contain many flowers. The petite flower is pinkish-lavender and about a centimeter (0.4in) across, flat-faced with yellow anthers. The fruit is a cylindrical capsule.

Centaury is used as a medical herb in many parts of Europe. The herb, mainly prepared as tea, is thought to possess medical properties beneficial for patients with gastric and liver diseases. It is also a powerful antioxidant which stimulates appetite, regultes the digestive tract, reduces fever and cleanses the blood.

The active ingredients of the centaury are mainly phenolic acids as ferulic and sinapic acids and bitterns (centapicrin, swertiamarin, centauroside, amarogentin), oleanolic acid, phytosterin and a number of minerals. The plant also contains amounts of sterols asbrassicasterol and stigmasterol.

History: Centaury was selected plant of the year in 2004.

Dosage

Take 3-6 capsules daily, with plenty of water.

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