Centaury Spray (Centaurium Erythraea)

Constituents Bitter principles, seco-iridoid alkaloids, xanthones, triterpenes, phenolic acids, flavonoids, etc

Properties Digestive secretagogue (increases secretions in the mouth, stomach, liver, and pancreas), anti-inflammatory, antipyretic. It acts much like gentian, but milder.

Uses Internally it is used for loss of appetite and non-ulcer dyspepsia (with fullness, burping, heartburn, flatulence, minor cramps, sluggish bowels, minor constipation), particularly recommended for children and the elderly. It is also used for convalescence, minor fatigue, decreased resistance to infections, and feverish states.

Caution Unless advised by a health professional, centaury should not be taken during pregnancy and lactation. At higher doses, tan recommended it causes gastrointestinal irritations (with nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Otherwise, there are no reports of contraindications or side effects when used properly.