Centaury, Chilian

June 5th, 2009

Botanical Name: Erythraea chilensis
Family: N.O. Gentianaceae
Synonym: Canchalagua.
Part Used: The herb.
Habitat: Chile.

Description: A small, herbaceous plant, with branched stems and pink or yellow flowers, widely used in Chile as a mild tonic.

Medicinal Action and Uses: Stimulant bitter, tonic. Useful in dyspepsia and indigestion. An infusion may be made of 1 oz. to 1 pint of boiling water.

Dosage: Of infusion – a wineglassful. Of fluid extract – 1/2 to 1 drachm.

Other Species:
Erythraea acaulis, a native of Southern Algeria, has roots that yield a yellow dye.

Sabatia angularis, or American Centaury, is a simple bitter used as a tonic and antiperiodic, in doses of 1 drachm of fluid extract or decoction of the whole plant. It has been found to contain a small proportion of Erythrocentaurin. The root of S. Elliottii is used in a similar manner in the south-eastern United States, and the whole plant of S. campestris in the south-western. S. Elliottii is known as the Quinine Flower, its properties resembling quinin

Disclaimer:The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.

Source: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/cenchi47.html