Yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea)
Other names: gentiana, gentian, gentian, gentian, yellow gentian
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea), also known by the names gentiana, gentian, gentian or yellow gentian, is a perennial plant belonging to the gentian family. With its unique appearance, its distinctive yellow flowers and its tall stature, which can reach up to two metres, it is one of the most popular ornamental plants. It flavours the landscape most often in the mountainous regions of central and southern Europe, where it is also very popular among beekeepers. Yellow gentian has a large amount of nectar, which makes it attractive to bees and other insects.
However, yellow gentian is also used in folk medicine and the pharmaceutical industry. Thanks to its bitter substances, which break down in the digestive tract and stimulate its function, yellow gentian is used in the treatment of digestive and liver problems. Gentiana extract is also used extensively in the production of alcoholic beverages such as liqueurs, vermouths or amara - bitter liqueurs typical of Mediterranean countries. Classic examples are the Italian liqueur Aperol and the Viennese liqueur Almdudler, which are among the most famous spirits containing yellow bitters. Less well known, but still important, is the use of yellow gentian in the cosmetics industry, where the extract of this plant is used for its properties that can help improve skin tone.