Christopher Hobbs Media

Online Database of Ailments and Herbs


Information on Centaury

Latin Name
Centaurium erythraea
Other Names
Lesser centaury
Part Used
Flowers
Affects
Digestive system, Liver
Herb Forms
Tincture, bulk herb, powder.
Dosages
Tincture: 1/2 teaspoon before meals, diluted
Cautions
None noted.
Botanical Information
An annual herb in the Gentian family with small pink flowers on upright stems branching near the top with opposite leaves.
Description
Centaury stimulates the flow of gastric secretions, thereby stimulating the appetite, relieving dyspepsia and flatulence, and improving digestive function. For this bitter herb to be truly effective, it needs to be taken consistently over a long period of time. Centaury has also been used traditionally for liver and gallbladder complaints and gastritis.

Centaury has a taste of BITTER and a temperature of COOL.
References
  • Blumenthal, Mark et al. 1998. The Complete Commission E Monographs. Austin: American Botanical Council.
  • Newall, C. et al.. 1996. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-care Professionals. London: The Pharmaceutical Press.
  • Leung, A. and S. Foster. 1996. Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients. New York: J. Wiley & Sons.
  • McGuffin, M. et al. 1997. Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton: CRC Press.
  • Felter, H.W. and J.U. Lloyd. 1983. (1898). King's Dispensatory. Portland, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
  • Weiss, R. 1988. Herbal Medicine. Beaconsfield, England: Beaconsfield Publishers.
  • Wren, R.C. 1988. Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs. Essex: C.W. Daniel Co. Ltd.

  • Ailments treated by Centaury

    Ailment
    Treatment Support
    Application
    Heartburn digestant tincture, capsule, tea
    Indigestion digestive stimulant tincture, capsule
    Lice, head bitter tea as a wash
    Appetite, lack of aperient tincture, tea