Centaury Prep/Dose

Tincturing:  1:3 25%, 2-3 weeks

The beautiful Centaury is a viable if challenging garden biennial, or you may be able to find it in the wild, particularly in well managed dry meadows – if so, take no more than one in fifty so others can enjoy the stunning pink flowers. Centaury, a relative of Gentian, is intensely bitter, so a little goes a long way. Pluck the whole aerial herb from clean growth and simply snip into 3cm sections for tincturing.

To get the best digestive stimulanteffects, Centaury herb should always be taken in small amounts on an empty stomach. (Food inhibits the action of the bitters). This can be an infusionor tincture.Being more active, the latter preparation is needed to stimulate stagnant menstruation. However, pessariesand sitzbaths have also successfully been used for this condition. Compresses, washes,etc. are indicated for external use.

Dosage: Infusion:6-12 g

            Tincture:2-4 ml

The larger the dose the more its draining, cooling and detoxifyingeffects unfold.