CENTAURY
Centaurium erytraea
COMMON NAMES: Rose pink, bitter bloom, bitter clover.
FEATURES: This plant is common to most parts of the United States. There are many species and colors;
the English distinguish between them by using the red centaury in diseases of the blood, the yellow in
choleric diseases, and the white in those of phlegm and water. Variety is not limited only to color; the
centaury family will grow in many soil conditions—moist meadows, among high grass, on the prairies,
and in damp ditch soil. It flowers from June to September and is best gathered at this time. The flowers
close at night, and the American variety is considered preferable to the European.
SOLVENTS: Water, alcohol.
MEDICINAL PART: The whole herb.
BODILY INFLUENCE: Tonic, febrifuge, diaphoretic.
USES: Excellent old American remedy, bitter tonic, preventive in all periodic febrile diseases, dyspepsia,
and convalescence from fevers; it strengthens the stomach and promotes digestion. An aid to rheumatic
and all joint pains. The following in a warm infusion is a domestic remedy for expelling worms and to
restore the menstrual secretions: of the powder, ½–1 dram; of the extract, 2–6 grains.
The loose dried herb, 1 teaspoonful to 1 cup of boiling water. Although bitter, this effective herb is a
good accompaniment to all herbal teas and preparations. For taste, combine with other herbs such as
anise, cardamom, peppermint, ginger, fennel, etc.
HOMEOPATHIC CLINICAL: Used as tincture of root in cases as follows: coryza, diarrhea, inflammation of
the eyes, fever, homesickness, influenza intermittents, vanishing of sight.
RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE: Russian centaury, Centaurium erytraea, called “a thousand golden leaves” and
many other beautiful names. Official medicine very often prescribes centaury alone, but also with other
herbal preparations. Folk medicine: Centaury tea and a home extract, usually prepared with vodka, is
given in cases of high blood pressure and liver and gallbladder malfunctions. The bitter tonic is antiseptic
in stomach sickness, working with nature without destroying the necessary secretions that stimulate
desirable digestion and appetite. The parasitic tapeworm cannot maintain its circlet of hooks and suckers,