what is a gentian flower

Gentiana / ˌdʒɛntʃiˈeɪnə / is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the gentian family

(Gentianaceae), the tribe Gentianeae, and the monophyletic subtribe Gentianinae. With about 400 species it is considered a large genus. They are notable for their mostly large, trumpet-shaped flowers, which are often of an intense blue.

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What is a gentian plant?

Plants in the Gentian species range from a small herb to a tree that grows in the rainforest. Growing gentian is pollinated by moths, bees, birds, bats and flies. An unusual aspect of gentian flowers is that the buds on some types do not open until the right pollinator forces them to expose their inner pistils and stamens.

What does the gentian flower mean in Japanese?

The gentian flower was used as the emblem of the Minamoto clan, one of the four great clans that dominated Japanese politics during the Heian period and went on to establish the first Shogunate in the aftermath of the Genpei War. It is the official flower of the German-speaking community of Belgium .

What is Gentiana flower used for?

They are great for cut flowers and flower arrangements. The genus was named after King Gentius of Illyria (180-167 B.C.), the last Illyrian King who discovered the medicinal benefits of Gentiana. Gentiana symbolizes passion, charm, loveliness and sweetness. The flower is used as an emblem or symbol of countries, cities and various organizations.

What is Gentian used for in perfumery?

Gentian has had a limited use in perfumery, most notably as a glycerine soap (Crabtree & Evelyn) and a perfume (Corday's Possession, 1937). This section needs more medical references for verification or relies too heavily on primary sources. Please review the contents of the section and add the appropriate references if you can.

What is special about when a gentian blooms?

An unusual aspect of gentian flowers is that the buds on some types do not open until the right pollinator forces them to expose their inner pistils and stamens. Many gentian wildflowers have trumpet-shaped blooms. Growing gentian can be found in a range of colors, depending on their location and species.

What does the gentian flower symbolize?

Gentian's flower languages mostly represent justice and victory, thus along with Gladiolus, Gentian is sometimes called “flower of victory” because of its upward flowering shape.

What flower is gentian?

Gentiana lutea of the Alps is prized for its yellow flowers; its root is locally considered medicinal and is used to flavour herbal bitters and aperitifs. Centaury (Centaurium) has pink flowers that close in the afternoon; yellow-wort (Blackstonia) has bright yellow flowers and broad leaves.

Where do gentian flowers grow?

Gentian grows best in moist, rich, cool, well-drained soil and part shade. It thrives in planting locations that receive morning sun and afternoon shade.

What do orchids mean in flower language?

While orchids mean thoughtfulness, refinement, fertility, beauty, charm, and love, they're the perfect bloom to celebrate all of life's precious moments. With a wide array of colors to choose from, the orchid is nothing short of special.

What does cornflower symbolize?

The cornflower has also been used as a symbol of tenderness, of fidelity, and of reliability (Beuchert, 2004).

What does gentian smell like?

These same roots are also used to make a medicinal essential oil used to overcome stomach aches and other gastric goodies However, gentian essential oil is also appreciated by perfumers for its floral fragrances tinged with anise and a light a touch of bitterness while offering musky or honeyed facets.

What flower symbolizes betrayal?

Black dahlias Most dahlias stand for elegance and prosperity, but the striking black variety (really a deep burgundy) is a well-known symbol of betrayal. It's a shame its flower meaning is so negative, because it's stunning.

How do you identify gentian?

Plants of the Gentian Family Gentians have distinctive, bell-shaped blossoms. They are usually bisexual and regular with 4 or 5 separate sepals, 4 or 5 united petals and 4 or 5 stamens. The stamens are inserted on the corolla tube and alternate with the lobes. The ovary is positioned superior.

What are the benefits of gentian?

Gentian is used for digestion problems such as loss of appetite, bloating, diarrhea, and heartburn. It is also used for fever and to prevent muscle spasms. Gentian is applied to the skin for treating wounds and cancer.

Are gentian poisonous to dogs?

The Gentian Violet, also known as a German violet or Persian violet, is considered non-toxic to cats and dogs, per the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Do Gentiana plants come back every year?

Gentiana in winter In fall, you may cut the stems and withered leaves back short. Protecting the foot of the plant with a nice layer of dried leaves will allow your gentiana to overwinter without any issues and it will bloom back in the following spring.

What color are gentian flowers?

Gentian. A North American native, gentian bears showy clusters of blossoms at the top of the plant in shades of white, purple, and sometimes nearly blue. The tubular flowers, which resemble large, closed buds, debut in midsummer and continue coloring the garden through autumn.

Why is Gentian hard to grow?

Gentian is tough to start from seed, because germination is erratic at best.

How tall is Gentiana andrewsii?

Gentiana andrewsii carries pairs of dark green oblong leaves on stems that may reach 2 feet tall. The flowers are borne in clusters at the tops of the stems. They are bottle-shape, never open, and are mostly dark blue. Zones 3-7

Can you transplant Gentian from seed?

Gentian is tough to start from seed, because germination is erratic at best. You may be better off transplanting potted specimens into your garden. Nursery-grown transplants are sometimes difficult to find, so check with local nurseries that specialize in native plants. Water the transplanted gentian plants regularly for the first growing season to promote a strong, deep root system. Cover the soil around the plants with a 2-inch-thick layer of mulch to prevent soil-moisture loss.

What is Gentian used for?

Gentian is applied to the skin for treating wounds and cancer. Gentian is used in combination with European elderflower, verbena, cowslip flower, and sorrel for treating symptoms of sinus infections ( sinusitis ). In foods and beverages, gentian is used as an ingredient. In manufacturing, gentian is used in cosmetics.

Which xanthones are responsible for the vasodilator action of the roots of Gentiana?

Chericoni S, Testai L, Calderone V, et al. The xanthones gentiacaulein and gentiakochianin are responsible for the vasodilator action of the roots of Gentiana kochiana. Planta Med 2003;69:770-2. View abstract.

How long before surgery can you stop Gentian?

Stop using gentian at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Can Gentian cause stomach upset?

The combination product can cause stomach upset and allergic skin rash. There isn't enough information to know if applying gentian to the skin is safe . The highly toxic white hellebore (Veratrum album) can be mistaken for gentian and has caused accidental poisoning when used in homemade preparations.

Is Gentian safe to take?

Side Effects. Gentian seems to be safe for most people when taken by mouth in small amounts as part of a combination product containing gentian root, elderflower, verbena, and cowslip flower (SinuComp, Sinupret).

Does Gentian root extract help with weight loss?

Weight loss. Early research shows that eating a special pudding containing gentian root extract for breakfast once can reduce the number of calories eaten over the next 24 hours. But this does not reduce feelings of hunger or fullness.

Is Gentian a dye?

In foods and beverages, gentian is used as an ingredient. In manufacturing, gentian is used in cosmetics. Gentian root is not related to the gentian violet dye (methylrosaniline chloride). If you plan to make your own gentian preparation, be sure you identify gentian correctly. The highly toxic white hellebore (Veratrum album) ...

What is Stemless Gentian used for?

The extracts are used in a variety of foods, cosmetics, and some antismoking products. The plant has been used externally to treat wounds , and internally to treat sore throat, arthritic inflammation, and jaundice.

Where is G. lutea native to?

lutea is a perennial herb that produces a cluster of fragrant orange-yellow flowers. G. acaulis (stemless gentian) is native to the European Alps at higher elevations. The roots and rhizomes are nearly cylindrical, sometimes branched, and are longitudinally wrinkled.

Can Gentian be used for digestion?

General uses. No clinic al trials support traditional use of gentian to stimulate appetite, improve digestion, or treat GI complaints. Gentian has also been used to induce menstruation and to treat wounds, sore throat, arthritic inflammation, and jaundice.

Is G. lutea acaulis a gentian?

The roots and rhizome of G. lutea are used medicinally, where as the entire plant of G. acaulis is used. Numerous other species of gentian native to China are used in Chinese traditional medicine. Radix Gentianae Scabrae (Chinese or Japanese gentian) contain chemical constituents similar to those of G. lutea.

What is Gentian root used for?

People have traditionally used gentian root to fight inflammation and swelling, treat infected wounds, and serve as an antidote to animal poison. However, there are few scientific studies on its uses ( 1 ).

Where did the name Gentian come from?

In fact, the name gentian comes from the ancient Illyrian king Gentius, who identified that the herb could be used as a tonic ( 1 ).

Why is Gentian root used in aperitifs?

The possible appetite-stimulating effects of gentian root are one reason why it’s a common ingredient in aperitifs and bitter liqueurs.

What is the root of moxie?

It’s also an ingredient in Moxie, one of the oldest brands of soda in the United States , which is known for its bitter aftertaste. Summary. Gentian root comes from plants of the Gentiana genus.

What are the compounds in Gentiana?

These compounds include gentiopicroside, amarogentin, and amaroswerin ( 1 ).

Can you take Gentian root with a multi ingredient?

While gentian root may be acceptable in small amounts in a multi-ingredient product or drink, taking supplements may not be worthwhile. Some supplements can also be expensive. Speak with your healthcare provider before trying gentian root supplements. If you experience any side effects, stop using them.

Is Gentian root safe to take?

Therefore, it’s difficult to assess its potential side effects and downsides. Gentian root appears to be safe when taken by mouth in combination with the other herbs in Sinupret.

What does the gentian flower mean?

The Symbolic Meaning of Gentian. The flower is used as an emblem or symbol of countries, cities and various organizations. It can also be found on many souvenirs and art works. Gentian is one of the three symbolic flowers of the Alps in Europe. The plant is also popular in Japan.

Where did the gentian plant originate?

Some species are the source of a flavoring in liqueurs. Gentian liqueurs originated in the historical French region of Auvergne, where Gentian grows wild.

What is Gentiana used for?

Gentiana has been used in herbal medicine to treat menstrual bleeding, conjunctivitis, vitiligo, insect and snake bites, wounds, fever, muscle spasms and digestive problems. The plant has also been used to fight against anorexia, flatulence, nausea, anemia and depression.#N#It is believed that Gentiana lutea was introduced into herbal medicine by King Gentius. The plant was primarily used for cleaning wounds and to stimulate appetite.

What does the name Gentiana mean?

Gentiana. (Gentian) Name Meaning. Flower Symbolism. Interesting Facts. Plant Data. Gentiana is a large genus of about 400 species in the family Gentianaceae, distributed around the world. These plants grow in a wide variety of habitats and occur on all continents except the Antarctica.

What is the meaning of the name Gentius?

Name meaning: The genus was named after King Gentius of Illyria (180-167 B.C.), the last Illyrian King who discovered the medicinal benefits of Gentiana.

What is yellow gentian used for?

Great yellow gentian ( Gentiana lutea) is used in herbal medicine for digestive problems, fever, hypertension, muscle spasms, parasitic worms, wounds, cancer, sinusitis, and malaria, although studies have shown minimal efficacy beyond that of a placebo with regard to the treatment of anxiety and ADHD in children.

What is the bitter principle of gentian root?

The bitter principle of gentian root is primarily gentiopicrin (also called gentiopicroside), a glycoside. A 2007 paper by a Japanese group identified 23 compounds in fresh gentian root. Gentiopicrin was absent from fresh root, so it possibly develops during drying and storage of the root.

What is the root of Swiss apéritif?

The Swiss apéritif Suze is made with gentian. Americano apéritifs contain gentian root for bitter flavoring. It is an ingredient in the Italian liqueur Aperol. It is also used as the main flavor in the German after-dinner digestif called Underberg, and the main ingredient in Angostura bitters and Peychaud's Bitters .

What is Gentiana lutea used for?

Many beverages are made with gentian root. Gentiana lutea is used to produce gentian, a distilled beverage produced in the Alps. Some species are harvested for the manufacture of apéritifs, liqueurs, and tonics .

What are the colors of the trumpet flowers?

The trumpet-shaped flowers are usually deep blue or azure, but can be white, cream, yellow, or red. Many species are polymorphic with respect to flower color, bearing flowers of different colors. Blue-flowered species predominate in the Northern Hemisphere, with red-flowered species dominant in the Andes, where bird pollination is probably more often favored by natural selection. White-flowered species are scattered throughout the range of the genus but dominate in New Zealand. Most flowers are pentamerous, with five lobes in the corolla and five sepals. A few species have four to seven flower parts. The corolla has folds called plicae between the lobes. The style is short or absent. The ovary is mostly sessile and has nectary glands.

Where do Gentiana frigida live?

Gentiana frigida. This is a cosmopolitan genus, occurring in alpine habitats in temperate regions of Asia, Europe and the Americas. Some species also occur in northwestern Africa, eastern Australia, and New Zealand. They are annual, biennial, and perennial plants. Some are evergreen, others are not.

Where do blue-flowered birds live?

Blue-flowered species predominate in the Northern Hemisphere, with red-flowered species dominant in the Andes, where bird pollination is probably more often favored by natural selection. White-flowered species are scattered throughout the range of the genus but dominate in New Zealand.

What is gentian?

Gentian is an herb also known as Bitter Root, Bitterwort, Gall Weed, Geneciana, Gentiana acaulis, Gentiana kochiana, Gentiana lutea, Gentianae Radix, Gentiane, Gentiane Acaule, Pale Gentian, Racine Amère, Stemless Gentian, Yellow Centiyane, Wild Gentian and other names.

How should I take gentian?

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

What to do if Gentian doesn't work?

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with gentian does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Can Gentian harm a baby?

It is not known whether gentian will harm an unborn baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are pregnant. It is not known whether gentian passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this product without medical advice if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Can you use Gentian if you have certain medical conditions?

Before using gentian, talk to your healthcare provider. You may not be able to use gentian if you have certain medical conditions.

Is Gentian good for sinuses?

Gentian has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating symptoms of sinus infection (s inusitis) when combined with other herbs. Other uses not proven with research have included high blood pressure, stomach disorders, diarrhea, heartburn, vomiting, fever, menstrual disorders, cancers and others.

Does Gentian interact with other drugs?

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with gentian, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this product guide.

What Is Gentian?

• Common in the mountains of central and southern Europe, G. lutea is a perennial herb that produces a cluster of fragrant orange-yellow flowers. G. acaulis (stemless gentian) is native to the European Alps at higher elevations. The roots and rhizomes are nearly cylindrical, sometimes branched, and are longitudinally wrinkled. The darker brown roots ...

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