Centaury Small or Common.

Centaury Small, Or Ordinary: Properties and Applications

Centaury Small, or Common, is a small plant of the Gentian family, which is widespread in the southern and central zones of the European part of Russia, in Central Asia and Altai. This biennial or annual plant, up to 20 cm high, has a simple stem, branched at the top, and leaves that vary depending on their location on the stem. The basal leaves are lanceolate, and the stem leaves are elliptical-oblong, entire, with five veins.

Small centaury blooms from June to August, and its flower is a long tubular corolla with a beautiful bright pink limb. The fruit is a bivalve capsule, and the seeds ripen in August - September.

Centaury Lesser is used as a medicinal raw material, and this plant is mainly used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Centaury contains glycosides, the alkaloid genocionine, ascorbic and oleanoic acids, essential oil, mucus and other substances. Preparations from this herb stimulate appetite, enhance the secretion of digestive glands, intestinal motility, and have a laxative effect. The alkaloid genocionine exhibits an antihelminthic effect.

Centaury infusion is used for gastritis with low acidity, bloating, diseases of the liver, gall bladder and kidneys, as well as heartburn and vomiting. It has the most pronounced effect on the gastrointestinal tract and in anemia. There is evidence of the use of centaury for the treatment of alcoholism.

To prepare the infusion, pour 2 tablespoons of raw material into 1 glass of hot water, boil over low heat for 15 minutes and filter. Take 1/3-1/2 cup 2-3 times a day 30 minutes before meals.

It is recommended to harvest centaury during flowering, when the rosette of basal leaves has not yet turned yellow, and to fold the flowers in one direction. Dry in a well-ventilated area or outdoors in the shade to avoid color loss in the sun. It is not recommended to dry grass in bunches to avoid rotting. Small centaury is stored in cloth bags in a dry place for no more than 2 years.

Centaury Lesser is also used in folk medicine to treat other diseases, such as bronchitis, asthma, cough, flu, colds, rheumatism, arthritis, etc. However, it must be remembered that self-medication can be dangerous. Before using Lesser centaury as a medicine, you should always consult your doctor, especially if you have any medical conditions or are taking any medications.

In conclusion, Centaury Lesser or Common Centaury is an interesting plant with many beneficial properties for human health. Its use as a medicinal raw material has a long history, and at present, it continues to be a popular folk medicine. However, before using Lesser centaury as a medicine, you should consult your doctor to avoid undesirable consequences.