Gentian grows naturally around the world and is known for its herbal remedies and the striking color of its flowers. Already a well-known healing agent by the rise of ancient Greece and Rome, gentian has long been employed for human use throughout history.
Gentian has numerous compounds which give it its medicinal properties. First, amelogenin, a monoterpene, has antibacterial and antifungal attributes and is also mainly responsible for the plant's highly bitter taste that stimulates the gustatory nerves in the mouth, increasing saliva production and appetite. By stimulating gastric juices to prime the stomach, many gastrointestinal problems are relieved, such as flatulence and indigestion.