ENGLISH NAME: Common Centaury
LATIN NAME: Centaurium
erythraea
LOCAL NAMES:
Czechia: Zeměžluč
lékařská
Turkey: Kırmızı kantaron
Bulgaria: Червен кантарион (Cherven
kantarion)
Georgia: წითელი კენტარიონი (Tsiteli
kentarioni)
COUNTRY: Turkey,
Bulgaria, Czechia, Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Common
throughout temperate Europe and the Caucasus
Elevation: 100–1,200 meters
Terrain: Glades, dry
pastures, open forest meadows, sunny clearings, roadsides
DESCRIPTION:
Common Centaury is a biennial or annual herb that grows 20–50 cm tall. It
features slender, upright stems and pairs of narrow, lance-shaped leaves. The
plant produces flat-topped clusters of small, star-like pink flowers with five
petals. Blooming from midsummer into autumn, it is known for its strong bitter
taste.
USABLE PARTS: Stem (Aerial
parts including flowers and leaves)
MEDICINAL
PROPERTIES:
Known as a bitter tonic, it has been traditionally used to stimulate
appetite, improve digestion, and relieve indigestion or bloating. It also
exhibits mild sedative and antipyretic effects, and is sometimes included in
liver detox or fever-reducing formulas.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Excessive intake can cause nausea. Not recommended during pregnancy. May
interfere with acid-reducing medications.
COMBINING WITH
OTHER MEDICINES:
Often used with gentian, yarrow, or dandelion in bitters and digestive herbal
blends.
PREPARATION:
Dried aerial parts are used to make teas, tinctures, or digestive bitters. It
can also be infused in wine or alcohol for tonics.
HARVEST TIME:
Mid to late summer, ideally just before or during full bloom when medicinal
compounds are most concentrated.
HARVEST METHOD:
Cut upper aerial portions with scissors or shears. Avoid harvesting entire
populations in wild areas to ensure sustainability.
CONSERVATION
(STORAGE):
Hang to dry in bunches or lay flat on racks in a shaded, ventilated area. Store
in airtight containers in a cool, dark location. Effective up to 12 months.