What is gentian?
The use of gentian in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Gentian is also known as gentianine, seamless gentian, yellow gentian, bitter root, bitter wort, pale gentian, and gall weed. The oral form of gentian has been used to improve appetite and digestion. Gentian has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of gentian may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or oth
