Tonic gentian

Part used Large quantities of Gentiana lutea root are imported into this country as it is preferred to the English variety (Gentiana campestris—see below) for no very apparent therapeutic reason. It is certain, however, that Gentian root, of whichever kind, is the most popular of all herbal tonics and stomachics—and deservedly so. 

As a general tonic for most of the purposes for which Gentian is used. Knapweed is held in some quarters to equal Gentian in all-round efficacy, but the latter is much more frequently prescribed. The ounce to pint infusion is taken in wineglass doses. 

In constipation, action similar to Senna, and sometimes preferred to the latter rarely gripes. Occasionally prescribed with diuretics, etc., for gravel and dropsy. Combined with tonics and stomachics such as Gentian and Calumba root, makes a first-rate family medicine. Dose, wineglass of the ounce to pint infusion. 

In feverish colds and faulty menstruation due to chills. Wineglass doses of the 1 ounce to 1 pint infusions are taken warm. Hool tells us that Wood Sage "combined with Comfrey and Ragwort, freely influences the bladder," and that it is "an appetiser of the first order, and as a tonic will be found equal to Gentian."... 

Ext, Gentians Fluldim (fluldextract of gentian) A tonic classed along with the simple bitters. ... 

The plants just mentioned, the blackberry, chinquapin, (Casta-nea) and dogwood to be used as astringents, the gentians, pipsissewa, Sabbatia, etc., as bitter tonics, can easily be obtained by our soldiers while in camp, and they will be found to fulfill aU the indications required in most cases of fever, dysentery, diarrhea, catarrhs, etc. In the formation of demulcent drinks, as substitutes for flaxseed and gum-arabic, the roots and leaves of the sassafras, and the leaves of the Bene (Sesamum) will suffice. The Podophyllum (wild jalap [i.e., mayapple]) will supply the purgative therefore, with the possession of opium and calomel, the surgeon in the field can himself obtain almost everything desired, and with comparatively little aid from the Medical Purveyors. Our chief desiderata now are the preparations of potash, viz nitrate chlorate and bicarbonate, and sup. carb. of soda. We may procure soda from our Salsola kali [saltwort]." 9... 

Gentian catesbei, American gentian. Tonic in comp, infusion. 10 to 30 grs. Solid ext. 4[lb.] 0[oz.]... 

Tonics (licensed) available in the UK include Gentian Mixture, acid (or alkaline) (gentian, a natural plant bitter substance, and dilute HCl or sodium bicarbonate) Labiton (thiamine, caffeine, alcohol, all in low dose). 

Gentian The rhizome and roots of the yellow gentian (Gentlana lutea), used as a tonic and stomachic. 

Bitter Essence. IV ormwood, 4 ports gentian root, bitter orange peel, and blessed thistle, of each 1 part alcohol, 4o parts digest for a week. Dose, drachm to 2 drachms, eoinbincd with mixtures. Tonic and stomachic. 

Tonic Pilis. Extract of gentian, 2 scruples sulphate of iron, 16 grains sulphate of quinine, 10 grains. Mix, and form mto pills. Take 1 pill three times a day. 

Gentian (the dried rhizome and roots of Gentiana lutea, Gentianaceae) has long been used as a bitter tonic in treatment of anorexia and dyspepsia. This preparation contains about 2% gentiopicrin. These products are also used to prepare alcoholic beverages (Tyler et al, 1981). 

At the beginning of the 1900s, at least 20 Gentiana spp. were commonly used. Gentianine (3), a widely studied alkaloid, is not particularly toxic and, in low doses, exhibits a central nervous system stimulant action. Gentianine also exerts hypotensive, anti-inflammatory, and muscular relaxant actions. The reputed tonic effects of gentian are probably due to the hypotensive and muscle relaxant actions. 

A tonic containing bitter matters from such substances as aloes, bitter orange peel, cinchona bark, gentian, or quassia. 

Gentian extracts are used in tonic preparations also used in certain antismoking formulas. They are also used in cosmetics. ... 

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