What is Gentian Root?

Gentian Root is the dried root of Gentiana lutea, Yellow Gentian, a tall alpine herb in the Gentianaceae family with bright yellow flowers. Its root is among the most intensely bitter plant materials known.

About the plant

Gentian is the reference point for bitterness in Western herbalism; its bitter compounds, gentiopicroside and amarogentin, are detectable at dilutions on the order of one part in fifty thousand. The root is a core ingredient in countless European aperitifs and digestifs, including Angostura Bitters, Aperol, Suze, and Salers. The genus name is traditionally credited to King Gentius of Illyria, who ruled in the second century BCE.

Related herbs

• Dandelion Root Powder — another classic European bitter root.

Gentian Root: form & sizes

We carry Gentian Root as cut and sifted dried root, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Gentian Root in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Gentian Root at a glance

Botanical name

Gentiana lutea

Family

Gentianaceae

Native region

the mountain meadows of Europe

Plant part

root

Also known as

Yellow Gentian, Bitter Root

Form

cut and sifted dried root

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb