Centaury is an extremely bitter herb in the Gentianaceae family, related to the more commonly used yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea). Centaury is native to the UK and grows wild across much of Europe. It is the aerial (above ground) parts of centaury which are used as medicine. This is in comparison to gentian where the root is typically used, which damages or kills the plant when harvesting for medicine. Although the whole gentian family is on the United Plant savers “at risk” list due to over-harvesting from the wild, centaury is not one of the priority species of concern (2). Given that the aerial parts of centaury are used as medicine, it is a more responsible alternative to gentian, where the roots are harvested. Gentian is also listed by the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats, which prohibits wild harvesting, regulates sales and encourages propagation (3). 

Centaury is useful whenever a digestive or gastric stimulant is needed to support dyspepsia (indigestion), sluggish digestion, nausea or bloating after a meal. Centaury contains bitter glycosides which stimulate bile flow (4). This helps to improve digestion and appetite and has a toning effect on the liver and gallbladder, effectively strengthening digestive function (5,6). It is one of the herbs used in Vermouth and other bitter liqueurs traditionally drunk as an aperitif before meals to stimulate the appetite (7). It can be used for weak digestion, poor appetite, heartburn, nausea, intestinal parasites, jaundice, gallstones, and liver congestion (7). 

Centaury has a febrifuge action and can be used to reduce a fever (7). Centaury has an affinity for the nervous system, known to lift the spirits and calm the nerves (7). These combined effects on the digestive, immune and nervous systems provide a strengthening effect when recovering from illness, long-term stress, chronic fatigue and post-viral syndrome (7,8). 

Centaury can be used both internally and externally for skin eruptions, eczema and boils (8). Skin conditions are often related to poor digestion and elimination, and centaury supports these eliminative processes. Topically, centaury is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, and an infusion can be applied to cuts, grazes, boils and ulcers (7). The fresh green herb can also be applied externally to wounds and sores (5). 

There are a range of constituents which account for the bitter taste, collectively referred to as the bitter principles. The bitter principles in centaury are monoterpene iridoids, secoiridoids and alkaloids (9,10). Bitters have broad effects on the digestive system, indirectly affecting the functioning of many body systems and holistically supporting the whole body (4). There is no better time to consider the importance of taste than when considering bitter herbs. The bitter taste works through the central nervous system to create a cascade of effects throughout the digestive tract. The bitter taste is detected by the taste buds, which are specialised sensory cells on the tongue and in the mouth, which detect the bitter constituents and send a neural message through the central nervous system (4). This leads to a range of effects in the digestive system including: production and secretion of pepsin and hydrochloric acid in the stomach; stimulation and release of digestive juices from the pancreas and small intestine; stimulation of the flow of bile from the liver and gall bladder; and, toning and protecting the gut wall in the intestines (4,11).

Bitter herbs support digestion, clear congestion from the liver, normalise disordered peristalsis (which causes IBS symptoms), and protect the liver and kidneys from toxic damage (1). Physically, this clears heat and inflammation from the liver, stomach, spleen, and blood, which can present as symptoms of fever or rashes (1). Therefore, centaury is physically and energetically cooling (11). This energetic cooling can prevent heat from rising, which can manifest as anger, an erratic heartbeat, and manic behaviour (1). Centaury is related to the expression of rage, acting on the solar plexus and throat chakras (8). It helps a person to stand up for themselves and not let other people take advantage of them(8). 

A homeopathic remedy is used in the treatment of liver and gall bladder ailments (5). As a flower essence, centaury is for people that are very sensitive to others and the environment and can easily be hurt or become ill as a result of these negative influences (7). It is for those who are timid, fearful and submissive, who become easily dominated by more forceful characters (8). Centaury is useful for people who easily offer themselves up for sacrifice, providing the courage to stand up for their beliefs (8). Centaury helps with the development of will, and the recognition that individuality is valuable and necessary (7). Drink an infusion of centaury in the morning in order to face the day with courage (8).

Centaury is so bitter the ancient Romans referred to it as fel terrae, meaning “bile of the earth”, recognised for its power to stimulate the digestive system (12). 

In 1640, Parkinson included centaury in his Theatrum Botanicum as a cleansing bitter herb, used to increase bile flow and support the liver, gallbladder, and spleen (6). It was also valued as a febrifuge, clearing heat from the body during a fever (6). He refers to the fact that the herb has been used since Dioscorides, Pliny and Galen (1–200AD) as an infusion to purge choleric and gross humours (6). Purging choleric and gross humours refers to the ancient medical practice of removing excess yellow bile and other imbalanced bodily fluids to restore optimal health. The Saxons used it for snake bites and intermittent fevers, leading to one of the common names, feverwort (7).

Culpeper’s 1653 Complete Herbal stated that drinking the herb opens obstructions of the liver, gallbladder and spleen, eases pain in the spleen and helps with jaundice (13). It was also taken to “kill worms in the belly”, and ease joint pain, gout and muscle cramps (13). Externally, it was applied as the bruised, fresh herb to cleanse and close fresh wounds, old ulcers and sores (13). A decoction of the leaves, stalks and flowers was used to “bring down women’s courses”, referring to inducing menstruation or regulating the menstrual cycle, as well as to “avoid the dead birth, and ease the pains of the mother” (13). The powder added to a dram of wine was considered a “wonderfully good help against the biting and poison of an adder” (13). Culpeper summarised the herb by referring to the bitter and unpalatable taste, stating, “Tis very wholesome, but not very toothsome” (13). 

In 1918, British herbalist Richard Lawrence Hool wrote of centaury as a stomachic, bitter, tonic, valuable for stimulating an appetite and toning the digestive system (14). It was used for obstruction of the liver, general malaise, and to act upon the heart as a general strengthener, recommended as an infusion (14). It was considered an excellent tonic for delicate and elderly people, combined in the following way with one pint (~500 ml) of boiling water, and taken in wineglassful doses four times a day: centaury, ½ oz (~15 g) and raspberry leaves, ½ oz (~15 g) (14).

Grieve, in 1931, wrote of centaury as an aromatic bitter, excellent as a simple tonic acting on the liver and kidneys and purifying the blood (15). It was used extensively for dyspepsia, slow digestion, heartburn after food, poor appetite, and muscular rheumatism (15). It was combined with barberry bark (Berberis vulgaris) for jaundice, and as a vermifuge to “destroy body vermin” (15).

Digestive system

Centaury is suited to a range of issues related to the digestive tract, including weakened digestion, and lack of appetite. The bitter glycosides increase the production of pepsin and hydrochloric acid in the stomach, promote the flow of bile from the liver and gall bladder, stimulate the release of digestive juices from the pancreas, and, tone and repair the gut wall in the intestines (4,11). The British Herbal Pharmacopoeiai recommends centaury as a carminative for dyspepsia and for loss of appetite (anorexia) in children and the elderly (10). Other herbs with a similar action on the digestive system are: dandelion root, artichoke leaf, andrographis and gentian. 

Stomach

Bitter glycosides stimulate and increase production of pepsin and hydrochloric acid in the stomach and duodenum, promoting the digestive processes (11). This suits centaury to a sluggish digestion stemming from the stomach, typically causing heartburn, dyspepsia, reflux, and nausea, combining well with meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) and marshmallow (Althaea officinalis). Note that centaury is contraindicated in cases of stomach and gastric ulcers and gastric problems associated with hyperacidity, see the “Safety” section below. The best way to take bitter herbs to support these digestive actions and stimulate the appetite is in a small amount, thirty minutes before a meal (1). In some cases, such as stomach irritation or inflammation, the stimulation of the digestive juices may irritate the stomach, and are better taken with or after food. In cases of nausea, bloating or over-fullness after eating, bitter herbs can be taken to support the digestive processes. As a digestive aid, a few drops of a centaury tincture or an infusion can be sipped following a meal to stimulate and support digestion.

Liver and gallbladder

Centaury is a hepatic herb, which refers to a range of actions that aid the functioning of the liver. This is of great importance to any holistic approach, due to the fundamental role the liver has in overall health (4). Some hepatic herbs protect and support the cells within the liver, such as milk thistle. However, the hepatic action of centaury relates to the bitter stimulation of the bile flow from the liver and gallbladder, which helps to clear congestion in those organs. This supports the functioning of the liver so it can more effectively clear toxins from the blood, linking to the alterative action of centaury. Combined with other herbs, centaury can be added to remedies for jaundice, gallstones, and liver congestion (7). For medical conditions such as gallbladder issues and gallstones, it is important to work with a medical herbalist since the size of the stones and the degree of inflammation need to be considered. Bitter herbs may aggravate such conditions by causing the gallbladder to contract, increasing pain, or causing the movement of the stones into the bile duct, risking an obstruction. 

Bowel 

Centaury promotes bowel movement by increasing the natural laxative effect of the bile on the intestines, helping to reduce bloating and constipation. Centaury is also useful in cases of poor nutrition and anaemia by supporting the digestive processes and increasing the absorption of nutrients (1). 

Metabolic

Centaury is sometimes referred to as an antidiabetic herb (16). The bitter stimulation of the pancreas can help to regulate the secretion of pancreatic hormones and enzymes. This can help with blood glucose regulation after a meal, but requires caution for those taking blood glucose regulating medications (4).

Nervous system

Both acute and chronic stress can suppress the appetite, making bitter herbs like centaury useful during times of stress-induced appetite loss. Similarly, chronic fatigue often results in a reduced appetite  from depression of many biological processes, and limited energy availability for digestion. In these cases, a lack of appetite and the ability to assimilate nutrition can further exacerbate an already depleted state. The actions of centaury throughout the digestive system make it a useful herb during convalescence, or during an illness which results in a diminished appetite. Centaury is also useful as an adjunct in cases of debility or nutrient deficiencies, by supporting the digestive process and increasing the absorption of nutrients (1). Centaury can support the nervous system via this strengthening effect on recovery from illness olong-termrm stress, which can lift the spirits and calm the nerves (7).

Immune system

Centaury can support the immune system and help to reduce a fever by opening the channels of elimination to clear heat from the body (1,7). Cooling bitters not only help to reduce a febrile temperature but also stimulate the digestive system to support the removal of infection via the gut (17). The effect of centaury on the digestive system to support appetite and the assimilation of nutrients makes it a valuable herb during convalescence from illness and post-viral syndrome. Also related to supporting the immune system, one of the bitter glycosides, gentiopicrin, also has antimalarial properties (7). The combination of the antimalarial constituents and the support for the febrile state in malaria explains the traditional use of centaury for this condition.

Musculoskeletal

Due to the bitter stimulation of the digestive system and the clearing of toxins, centaury can be supportive for the musculoskeletal system (4). Centaury can be added to herbal blends for gout, arthritis and rheumatism (8). 

Skin

Centaury can be used both internally and externally for skin eruptions, acne, eczema and boils (8). The internal action is via a cleansing and alterative action (4). Alterative herbs improve the elimination of metabolic waste and are often central to the treatment of skin conditions. Centaury supports both the liver and the bowel with detoxification, which removes the toxin load from the skin as an eliminatory organ, thereby reducing skin eruptions (7). Centaury is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, and can be applied topically to cuts, grazes, boils and ulcers (7).

There is lack of contemporary research or published evidence from human clinical trials regarding centaury, although the bitter constituents support the traditional use as an appetite stimulant (9).

Several laboratory studies have confirmed the bitter constituents in centaury. For example, one study isolated the two secoiridoid glycosides, swertiamarin and sweroside from the aerial parts of Centaurium erythraea (18). The isolated constituents demonstrated antibacterial activity against several bacterial strains, free radical scavenging activities, and low general toxicity (18). 

The antioxidant activity of an aqueous extract of centaury dried flowering tops has been demonstrated in vitro, via effectively scavenging reactive oxygen species (19). 

Due to the lack of research from clinical trials, the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products approves herbal medicine products containing centaury based on its traditional and long-standing use (20). The approval is based on previous evidence from pharmacopoeias, plausible effectiveness, and evidence of safe use for overt 30 years (20). On this basis, HMPC approves centaury to be used for mild indigestion, stomach and gut disorders, and temporary loss of appetite (20).

The name centaury comes from the centaur Chiron (half human, half horse), famous in Greek mythology for his skills in herbal medicine (10,15). He is said to have cured himself with centaury from a wound made with a poisoned arrow (11). For the same reason, centaury is known as the flower of Chiron (7).

Centaury is Native to UK, Ireland and Europe, growing primarily in the temperate biome (5,22,24). It has been introduced and is widely distributed across USA, South America and Canada (24). It is found in open woods, forests, meadows, shrublands and dry grasslands, often on chalky, nutrient-poor soils and rocky areas, particularly in seasonally damp, sandy depressions (5).

The whole gentian family (Gentiana spp.) is on the United Plant savers “at risk” list due to overharvesting from the wild (2). However, this is a large genus of over 200 species, and centaury is not one of the priority species of concern (2).

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have globally assessed Centaurium erythraea and listed it as “Least Concern” (5). They state that the species is widespread and abundant throughout Europe, where it is naturalised over a wide area (5). The species is stable and there are currently no major threats reported (5). 

The Vascular Plant, Red Data List, For Great Britain categorises centaury as least Concern (LC) (25). A taxon is Least Concern when it has been evaluated against the criteria and does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable or Near Threatened. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category (25). Centaury does not appear on the UK Biodiversity Action Plan List of Priority Habitats and Species (26).

Centaury is not ranked by Nature Serve, and it does not appear on the U.S. Endangered Species act, or the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) (28). 

Centaury is not listed by CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora), meaning there are currently no restrictions on trading of the herb (27). 

Habitat loss and over-harvesting from the wild are two of the biggest threats faced by medicinal plant species. There are an increasing number of well-known herbal medicines at risk of extinction. We must, therefore, ensure that we source our medicines with sustainability in mind.

The herb supplement industry is growing at a rapid rate and until recent years a vast majority of medicinal plant produce in global trade was of unknown origin. There are some very real and urgent issues surrounding sustainability in the herb industry. These include environmental factors that affect the medicinal viability of herbs, the safety of the habitats that they are taken from, as well as the welfare of workers in the trade.

The botanical supply chain efforts for improved visibility (transparency and traceability) into verifiably sustainable production sites around the world is now certificated through the emergence of credible international voluntary sustainability standards (VSS). 

Read our article on Herbal quality and safety: What to know before you buy and Sustainable sourcing of herbs to learn more about what to look for and questions to ask suppliers about sustainability.

Herbal medicines are often very safe to take; however, their safety and efficacy can be jeopardised by quality issues. So, it is important to buy herbal medicines from a reputable supplier, from sources known to test their herbs to ensure there is no contamination, adulteration or substitution with incorrect plant matter, as well as ensuring that recognised marker compounds are at appropriate levels in the herbs.

Some important quality assurances to look for are certified organic labelling, the correct scientific/botanical name, and the availability of information from the supplier about ingredient origins. A supplier should be able to tell you where the herbs have come from, what contaminants are not in the herb, and what the primary compounds are.

Centaury is challenging to cultivate, as it prefers growing in the wild (7). To grow, plant the seeds in June in rich soil or manure, pressing them in lightly and keeping the soil moist (12). As the young plants develop, they may need to be thinned out, and will flower the following year and then self-propagate if the conditions are suitable (12). Centaury is mainly pollinated by bumblebees, and after the flowering period, they produce seed capsules which release tiny seeds that are dispersed by water and wind (2). The whole plant is harvested when in flower and can be dried for later use, remember to leave some flowers to go seed for future species propagation.

Centaury wine 

Adapted from Fischer-Rizzi, Complete Earth Medicine Handbook (12)

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of centaury herb.
• 2 tablespoons of bitter orange peel
• 1 bottle of malaga wine (or other sweet fortified wine)

Preparation and use

• Add the centaury and bitter orange peel to a large glass jar and pour over the wine.
• Ensure all the herb is covered and use a weight if necessary to keep the herbs submerged.
• Leave to steep for two weeks.
• Strain and bottle with a tight lid or stopper.
• To aid digestion, have a small glass before meals.

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