Gentianella campestris

Gentianella campestris

Plant Family

Gentianaceae

Botanical Description

Field Gentian is a biennial plant growing 10-18 cm tall with relatively large violet-blue flowers. It blooms in July-August. The stem is stiff, ribbed, hairless, and often branched at the top. Leaves are oval to ovate-lanceolate, 2-3 cm long, hairless, with entire margins. The corolla is tubular, about 2-2.5 cm long, dark violet-blue. The calyx is deeply cleft with two broad outer lobes (5-7 mm) and two narrow inner lobes.

Cautions

Large doses of bitter herbs can cause headaches, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Avoid during pregnancy. Not recommended for people with stomach or duodenal ulcers.

Habitat

Found on dry grass banks and other short-grass areas.

Harvest Instructions

Harvest when flowering in July-August. Roots are dug in autumn and spring.

Geographic Distribution

Fairly common in lowland areas but less frequent in highland interior. Found up to 500-600 m elevation.

Growth Conditions

Dry soils, grass banks, ravines, slopes in sunny locations.

Plant Size

10-18 cm

Pests & Diseases

Generally free from pests and diseases.

Body Systems

Digestive

Effects on the Body

Stimulates appetite and digestion, promotes bile flow, supports digestive function. Bitter herbs stimulate gastric secretions and improve nutrient absorption.

Active Constituents

Bitter glycosides (amarogentin, gentiopicrin), xanthones, alkaloids.

Safety Information

Dosage

Tea: 1-2 g dried herb in 150 ml boiling water, steep 10-15 minutes, drink before meals. Tincture: 1-2 ml before meals.

Culinary Use

Not typically used in cooking due to intense bitterness.

Folklore & Historical Use

Gentians have been used as digestive bitters in European herbal traditions for centuries. Named after King Gentius of Illyria who reportedly discovered their medicinal properties.

Scientific Research

Limited clinical research available. Traditional use as a bitter digestive tonic is supported by phytochemical analysis showing bitter glycosides similar to related Gentiana species. European pharmacopeias recognize gentian bitters for appetite stimulation and digestive support.