Common Centaury (Erythraea centaurium syn. Centaurium erythraea)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Gentianaceae
• Common Names: Common Centaury, Feverwort, Bitter Herb
• Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, flowers)

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Description

Erythraea centaurium is a small biennial herb native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of western Asia. It thrives in grasslands, open woods, and roadsides, producing clusters of pink star-like flowers. Centaury is known for its intensely bitter taste and is traditionally used to stimulate digestion, liver function, and appetite.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used in traditional European medicine as a digestive and liver tonic.
• Historically taken to reduce fevers and promote recovery from illness.
• Considered a blood purifier and remedy for skin conditions.
• Often used in bitters formulas to improve digestive health.

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Constituents

• Bitter glycosides (including swertiamarin)
• Flavonoids
• Xanthones
• Tannins
• Alkaloids

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Actions

• Bitter tonic
• Stomachic (stimulates digestion)
• Hepatoprotective (supports liver function)
• Antipyretic (reduces fever)
• Mild laxative
• Anti-inflammatory

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Medicinal Uses

1. Digestive Stimulation:
Promotes bile production, improves appetite, and enhances digestion, making it useful for dyspepsia, bloating, and sluggish digestion.

2. Liver and Gallbladder Support:
Traditionally used to strengthen the liver, improve detoxification, and alleviate symptoms of sluggish liver function.

3. Fever Reduction:
Historically employed to lower fevers and support immune function during infections.

4. Skin and Blood Purification:
Used as a tonic for improving skin conditions linked to poor digestion and liver health.

5. Mild Laxative Action:
Can help relieve occasional constipation by stimulating bile flow and intestinal movement.

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Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

• 1 tsp of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes and drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

• 1-3 ml taken up to 3 times daily before meals.

Bitters Formula:

• Often combined with gentian and dandelion for digestive health.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid excessive use; consult a healthcare provider before use.
• Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): May worsen symptoms due to increased stomach acid production.
• Ulcers: Not recommended for individuals with active gastric or duodenal ulcers.
• Allergies: Use cautiously if allergic to plants in the Gentianaceae family.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and drying; strengthens digestion and liver function.
• Traditional European Medicine: Used in bitters formulas to restore appetite and support detoxification.
• Ayurveda: Balancing for Kapha and Vata, but may increase Pitta in excess.

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Combinations

• For Digestive Health: Combine with gentian and fennel.
• For Liver Support: Combine with dandelion and burdock.
• For Fever Reduction: Combine with yarrow and elderflower.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Collected during flowering in late summer.
• Drying: Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area.
• Storage: Store dried plant material in an airtight container away from moisture and light.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Erythraea centaurium’s digestive-stimulating and hepatoprotective properties, reinforcing its traditional use as a bitter tonic.

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Common Centaury remains a valuable herb in traditional medicine, particularly for digestive support, liver health, and fever reduction.