Gentian is obtained from the root Gentiana lutae.

Habitat.—Mountainous parts of Southern and Central Europe.

Properties.—Odor strong, characteristic; taste slightly sweetish, strongly and persistently bitter. The powder is free from starch grains and sclerenchymatic tissues.

Dose.—Horses, ¹/₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 gr.

PREPARATIONS

EXTRACTUM GENTIANAE—EXTRACT OF GENTIAN

Made by maceration and percolation with water and evaporated.

Dose.—Horses, 30 gr. to 1 dr.; cattle, 1 to 2 dr.; sheep and pigs, 20 to 40 gr.; dogs, 1 to 3 gr.

FLUIDEXTRACTUM OF GENTIANAE—FLUIDEXTRACT OF GENTIAN

Made by maceration and percolation with dilute alcohol and evaporated, so that 1 c. c. equals 1 gm. of the crude drug.

Dose.—Horses, ¹/₂ to 1 oz.; cattle, 1 to 2 oz.; sheep and pigs, 1 to 2 dr.; dogs, 5 to 30 m.

TINCTURA GENTIANAE COMPOSITA—COMPOUND TINCTURE OF GENTIAN

Composed of gentian, 100 parts; bitter orange peel, 40 parts; cardamon, 10 parts; made by maceration and percolation with alcohol and water.

Dose.—Horses and cattle, 1 to 4 oz.; sheep and pigs, 2 dr. to 1 oz.; dogs, ¹/₂ to 1 dr.

Action and Uses.—Gentian is a pure bitter, and is prescribed as a stomachic and tonic for all classes of animals. Gentian improves the appetite and general tone. In atonic indigestion it is particularly useful amongst young animals, and in such cases is often conjoined with ginger and sodium bicarbonate. In relaxed and irritable states of the bowels and where intestinal worms are suspected, after administration of a laxative, gentian and dilute hydrochloric acid are of service. For horses suffering from simple catarrh few combinations are more effectual than an ounce of powdered gentian, two drachms potassium nitrate with two ounces of magnesium sulphate, dissolved in a pint of linseed tea, repeated morning and night. Where more general tonic effects are sought, iron sulphate is alternated with the gentian and salines. Gentian proves an excellent stomachic and stimulating tonic in influenza and other epizootics, helps convalescence from exhausting disorders and is a useful restorative for horses, overworked or suffering from loss of appetite or slight cold. The powdered gentian should be added to aloes when given in full cathartic doses to horses.