Gentian
This product is the dried root and rhizome of Gentiana manshurica Kitag., Gentiana scabra Bge., Gentiana triflora Pall., or Gentiana rigescens Franch. The first three are commonly known as "Gentian," the last as "Hard Gentian." Harvested in spring and autumn, washed clean, then dried.
【Characteristics】Gentian rhizomes are irregularly shaped blocks, 1–3cm long, 0.3–1cm in diameter; surface dark grayish-brown or deep brown, upper end with stem scars or residual stem bases, surrounded and lower end with many slender roots. Roots are cylindrical, slightly twisted, 10–20cm long, 0.2–0.5cm in diameter; surface light yellow or yellowish-brown, upper part with prominent transverse wrinkles, lower part finer with longitudinal wrinkles and lateral root scars. Brittle, easily broken. Cross-section slightly flat, cortex yellow-white or pale yellow-brown, wood part lighter in color, arranged in scattered dots. Slight aroma, extremely bitter taste.
Hard Gentian lacks transverse wrinkles, outer skin membranous and easily shed, wood part yellow-white, easily separates from cortex.
【Taste and Nature】Bitter, cold. Enters liver and gallbladder meridians.
【Function and Indications】Clears heat and dries dampness, drains liver and gallbladder fire. Used for damp-heat jaundice, genital swelling and itching, leukorrhea, impotence, eczema itching, red eyes, deafness, rib pain, bitter taste, convulsions due to fright.
【Dosage and Usage】3–6g.
【Storage】Store in a dry place.
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