Gentian is a group of plants that have been used for centuries to treat a number of conditions. There are over 180 subspecies of gentians, all with slightly different healing properties. In South America, those healing properties are used to treat snakebites, while in Asia they're used to treat digestive problems.
Gentian in Africa
Gentian has been used throughout Africa for years to treat malaria and other infectious diseases caused by the plasmodium organism transmitted via a mosquito bite. Gentian is especially popular in areas where no traditional malaria medication is available.
Preliminary Studies
Researchers took interest in gentian as a possible malaria cure in the 20th cenrtury. A 1987 study conducted in Brazil showed that gentian could be used to treat post-transfusion malaria. When used soon after infection, gentian seems to completely abolish infectivity.
Dosage
Gentian is available over the counter, either at natural health food stores or from Ayurveda practitioners. Because there are no definitive studies showing that gentian can effectively cure malaria, the herb should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment. If you don't have access to traditional malaria medication or if your doctor approves the use of gentian, discuss dosage with him. A common dosage to treat a number of conditions is about 340 mg three times a day.
Side Effects
Compared to the seriousness of malaria, the side effects of gentian are rather mild. Large doses of gentian can cause nausea and vomiting, allergic reactions, stomach irritation and swelling of the tongue or lips.
References
- Racinedevie.com: Gentian
- Drugs.com: Gentian
- Chopra Center: Indian Gentian (Andrographis Paniculata)
- "Revista de Saúde Pública"; Experimental Assay of the Possible Use of Gentian Violet in the Prevention of Post-Transfusion Malaria; Vicente Amato Neto; 1987
- Health Learning Info: The Health Benefits of Gentian
