ENGLISH NAME: Cross Gentian, Star Gentian
LATIN NAME: Gentiana cruciata
LOCAL NAMES:
Bulgaria: Синя тинтява, Горчива трева, Мъжка тинтява, Прострел, Свещилка
Czechia: hořec křížatý
Turkey: yeşilken
Georgia: ნაღველა ჯვრისებრი
COUNTRY: Bulgaria; Czechia; Turkey; Georgia
WHERE TO FIND IT:
Region: Grasslands, meadows, open woodlands
Elevation: 200–1 600 m
Terrain: Dry, calcareous soils on forest edges, slopes, pastures, and meadows
DESCRIPTION:
A slender perennial 15–50 cm tall, with opposite lance-shaped leaves (2–5 cm long) forming pairs along an erect stem. Flowers are tubular, bell-shaped, vivid blue to violet, arranged in whorls of four around the stem, creating a cross-like pattern. Blooms June–August; fruit is a small capsule.
USABLE PARTS: Roots; leaves and flowers
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES:
Roots: High in bitter glycosides (e.g. gentiopicroside) that stimulate digestive secretions, increasing appetite and easing dyspepsia.
Leaves & Flowers: Contain smaller amounts of bitter compounds and antioxidants; may support digestion and provide mild antioxidant benefits.
UNDESIRED EFFECTS:
Bitter principles can cause nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort in sensitive individuals when taken undiluted or in high doses.
COMBINING WITH OTHER MEDICINES:
Often paired with other bitters (e.g., gentian root, dandelion) to enhance digestive stimulation; avoid combining with other strong emetics or gastric irritants.
PREPARATION:
Root Decoction: Simmer 1–2 tsp chopped dried (or fresh) root in 1 cup water for 20–30 min; strain and drink.
Root Tincture: Macerate chopped root in 5 parts alcohol for 4–6 weeks; strain and dilute before use.
Leaf/Flower Infusion: Steep a handful fresh or 1–2 tsp dried aerial parts in hot water for 5–10 min; strain and drink.
HARVEST TIME:
Roots: Late autumn to early winter, after aerial parts die back
Leaves & Flowers: Late spring to early summer, during peak bloom
HARVEST METHOD:
Roots: Carefully dig around individual plants with minimal disturbance; lift and shake off soil; harvest only a portion of the root mass per plant.
Leaves & Flowers: On a dry day, snip flowered tops and leaves with clean shears, leaving at least two-thirds of the plant intact for regrowth.
CONSERVATION (STORAGE):
Drying: Spread roots and aerial parts in a single layer in shade with good air circulation until crisp.
Storage: Keep fully dried material in airtight glass containers in a cool, dark place; label with harvest date; inspect periodically for moisture or mold.