CENTAURY: Erythraea centaurium. N.O. Gentianaceae.
Synonym : Century, Feverwort.
Habitat : Dry pastures.
Features : Stem up to one foot high. Leaves opposite, lanceolate-ovate, three to five longitudinal ribs, smooth, entire at margins. Flowers (July and August) pink, twisted anthers. Whole plant bitter to the taste.
Part used : Herb.
Action : Stomachic, bitter tonic.
In dyspepsia. Also jaundice, together with Bayberry bark. Three or four wineglass doses daily of the 1 ounce to 1 pint infusion.
R. L. Hool recommends equal parts of Centaury and Raspberry leaves in a similar infusion and dosage to above as a tonic for delicate and elderly people. He considers that Centaury "acts particularly upon the heart as a general strengthener." Coffin stresses its value in jaundice.
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