Plant Witchery: Discover the Sacred Language, Wisdom, and Magic of 200 Plants - Juliet Diaz 2020

Gentian Gentiana
A Compendium of Plants

ESSENTIAL PROPERTIES

spiritual development

Gentian is named for Gentius, an Illyrian king who supposedly first discovered her useful properties . . . around two thousand years ago. She is still consumed frequently today, most often in bitters like Angostura or Peychaud’s. She grows wild in grasslands and woods, and her flower is sometimes an intense, glorious blue.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES

Gentian can treat liver function, improve digestion, detox the kidneys, and eliminate parasites. She can also improve circulation by increasing blood flow to the extremities. She may also treat anxiety and help with concentration. Used topically, she can speed wound-healing. That said, overuse can cause overstimulation, so take care and don’t consume gentian for longer than two to three weeks.

MAGICAL PROPERTIES

Gentian isn’t really someone you do spells with; she is more of a spiritual partner. She will bring to light the lessons you have learned in life, showing you that you have always been capable of getting through whatever troubles come your way. Gentian helps you cope with life’s ups and downs.

PLANT WISDOM

If you are on a spiritual journey or simply want to develop your spiritual practice, create a relationship with gentian. She will help you seek the truth within. She is warmhearted and compassionate—you will find yourself basking in her serene energy. She encourages you to keep going, and fills you with the confidence to believe you will succeed, despite whatever setbacks, failures, and obstacles you may encounter. She teaches about the importance of having patience with ourselves and with life, reminding us to take things slowly and observe all that happens along the way. These obstacles that we encounter are not wasteful—they are tools for our life journey. If you are struggling with figuring out how to navigate through a difficult situation, invite gentian into your dreams. She will light your way.