Witnessed by: TCM
Large-leaf gentian (Gentiana macrophylla), of the Gentianaceae family. Sturdy perennial of mountain grassland; native range: northern and north-western China. Globally recognized as qin jiao (秦艽) in Chinese. The part used is root. Twisted brownish root, bitter then acrid, with a slightly sticky, sinewy texture.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
LARGE-LEAF GENTIAN
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- large-leaf gentian
- Scientific name
- Gentiana macrophylla Pall.
- Family
- Gentianaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- pungent · bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral (slightly cool)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Stomach · Liver · Gallbladder
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- dispels wind-damp and relaxes the sinews, clears deficiency and steaming heat, clears damp-heat and reduces jaundice
Cautions
- Contraindications
- use cautiously in loose stool from cold-type deficiency and in chronic pain with marked blood deficiency
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