Yellow Gentian Root vs Aucklandia lappa

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Yellow Gentian Root

Gentiana lutea radix

Digestive

Digestive

Yellow Gentian Root

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Aucklandia lappa

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Root form of yellow gentian, the most bitter substance in European pharmacopoeia, for digestive support.

Fragrant TCM herb that moves liver and spleen qi; used for abdominal pain and digestive stagnation.

Active Compounds

amarogentin, swertiamarin, gentianine, gentiobiose, xanthones

costunolide, dehydrocostus lactone, aplotaxene, cynaropicrin, inulin

Traditional Uses

Alpine digestive tradition, European bitter liqueur base, apéritif herb root

abdominal pain, digestive stagnation, nausea, liver qi stagnation

Modern Uses

digestive bitters, liver stimulant, appetite enhancement, gastric acid stimulation

carminative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, prokinetic

Adult Dosage

0.6-2g dried root as decoction or 1-3ml tincture

1.5-6g dried root or 200mg extract daily

Contraindications

peptic ulcers, hypertension, pregnancy

yin deficiency heat, excessive fire conditions

Side Effects

nausea, headache, GI irritation

GI upset, generally safe at therapeutic doses

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E