Family Name: Gentianaceae
Botanical Name(s): Erythraea centaurium (PERS.)
Popular Name(s): Centaury Gentian, Red Centaury, Feverwort
Parts Used: The whole herb
Habitat: Centaury is found widely in Europe and North Africa.
Description: Centaury has an erect and stiff stem which
generally grows to 3 to 12 inches in height. The leaves of the plant are
pale green in colour and are smooth and shiny. The lower leaves of the
plant are broader than the upper ones. The flowers are generally
rose-coloured and star-like with five-cleft corollas and open only in
fine weather and not after mid-day.
Uses: Centaury is bitter in taste and is an excellent tonic. The
herb acts on the liver and kidneys and purifies the blood. The dried
herb is used extensively in dyspepsia and is used to cure indigestion
with heartburn after food. The herb finds its wide application to cure
muscular rheumatism.
