Centaury

Useful properties

Preparations of centaury (tincture, infusion, and decoction) are used as a bitter to stimulate appetite and improve the functioning of the digestive organs in various dyspeptic disorders (nausea, vomiting, belching, heartburn, flatulence). They also have a mild laxative effect in case of constipation. Treatment with centaury is especially beneficial for low stomach acid levels. It is also used for liver and gallbladder diseases (due to its choleretic effect). It has been established that gentiopicrin, found in the plant, has a clearly pronounced anthelmintic effect.

How to use:

Infusion: 2 tbsp. of dry grass, pour 200 ml (1 cup) of boiling water, put on low heat and boil for another 15 minutes, cool, strain. Take ⅓-½ cup 3 times a day half an hour before meals in case of gastritis with low acidity; in case of liver, kidneys, gallbladder diseases; in case of flatulence and bloating, heartburn and vomiting.

Decoction for alcoholism: Mix 4 parts centaury herb and 1 part wormwood. Brew 1 tbsp. herbal mixture in 200 ml of boiling water (1 cup), make a decoction and take 1 tbsp. decoction 3 times a day.

Contraindications:

• patients with ulcerative lesions of the gastric mucosa, duodenum and intestines,
• for people with high acidity of the gastrointestinal tract, in case of reflux esophagitis,
• with a tendency to gastrointestinal disorders, obesity,
• women during pregnancy and breastfeeding,
• in case of allergic reactions to the components of the herb.