What is it used for?
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve digestive disturbances (such as dyspepsia) [Source note 2].
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine (as a digestive tonic and bitter) to help stimulate appetite and (as a stomachic) to aid digestion (Mills and Bone 2005; Wichtl 2004; Hoffmann 2003; Blumenthal et al. 2000; Bradley 1992; Williamson et al.1988; Felter and Lloyd 1983; Grieve 1971).
(Traditionally) used in Herbal Medicine (as an antiemetic) to help prevent nausea [Source note 3].
Used in Herbal Medicine (as a cholagogue) to help increase bile flow [Source note 4].
The above uses can be combined on the product label if from the same traditional or non-traditional system of medicine (e.g., Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help prevent nausea and to help relieve digestive disturbances).
For multi-ingredient products:
What this guide covers
The solidus (/) indicates that the terms and/or statements are synonymous. Either term or statement may be selected by the applicant on the label.
Who does this guide cover?
Adults 18 years and older
How is it taken?
Oral
Which forms are covered?
this reference excludes foods or food-like dosage forms as indicated in the Compendium of references Guidance Document.
Quantities
Methods of preparation: Dry, Powdered, Non-Standardized Extracts (Dry extract*, Tincture, Fluid extract, Decoction, Decoction concentrate, Infusion, Infusion concentrate)
0.1 - 6 grams of dried root, per day (Mills and Bone 2005; ESCOP 2003; Hoffmann 2003; Blumenthal et al.2000; Bradley 1992)
*Note: Solvents allowed for the method of preparation “Non-Standardized Extracts (Dry extract)” as part of this reference are ethanol and/or water only.
Direction(s) for use (optional)
Take 15 - 60 minutes before meals [Source note 5].
How long is it used?
The reference does not require an additional label statement in this section. This does not establish an absence of risk.
Warnings and precautions
Ask a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
Ask a healthcare professional before use if you are breastfeeding.
When should it be avoided?
Do not use if you are pregnant (Hoffmann 2003; Morimoto et al.1983).
Do not use if you have stomach or duodenal acute inflammation or ulcer [Source note 6].
Possible side effects
When using this product you may experience headaches [Source note 7].
Storage
Must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the applicable product regulations .
Preparation details
Ingredient identity, preparation requirements, and other details that define the scope of this guide.
Ingredients and preparations
| Proper name(s) | Common name(s) | Source information / Source material(s) | Source information / Part(s) | Source information / Preparation(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gentiana lutea |
| Gentiana lutea | Root | Dry |
References: Proper name: USDA 2024; Common names: Gardner and McGuffin 2013, Wiersema and León 1999; Source information: Blumenthal et al. 2000.
Other ingredients
Must be chosen from the current source ingredient database and must meet the limitations outlined in the database.
Preparation and quality requirements
The finished product specifications must be established in accordance with the requirements described in the source authority source’s product quality guidance.
The active ingredient must comply with the requirements outlined in the source ingredient database.
Guide change history
Updates to this SupplementSafety.org guide.
Minor updates
Updated guide wording, organization, and source presentation. Added our editorial change history.
Initial release
Initial SupplementSafety.org guide prepared from source reference material.
Validation: Not yet completed. Editorial updates do not constitute clinical validation.
Sources
Source information
This guide organizes source material about uses, preparations, amounts, and precautions. Read the conditions alongside each statement; the information may apply only to particular preparations or populations.
The source document includes supporting references. We have not independently summarized or assessed every cited study for this guide.
- Source document version
- January 10, 2025
- Source captured
- Aug 15, 2026
- Editorial work
- Editorial preparation. Independent clinical review has not been recorded for this guide.
Full citations are available through the link above. Verification is required to open them; reading this guide does not require verification.
Taking a medication too?
Explore our supplement–medication interaction checker. Its coverage and review status are shown with the results; a missing finding does not establish that a combination is safe.