Historically, it was used by Greek, Egyptian and Roman healers to increase appetite, cleanse sores, and treat stomach and liver ailments. As far back as the 1950s, scientists suggested that gentian inhibited the body's feelings of fullness, suggesting it could improve a poor appetite. More recent studies have confirmed gentian's effectiveness is treating appetite and indigestion, while independent case reports suggest that gentian can eliminate hiccups, especially those caused by drinking alcohol. Whole gentian root is available at some Asian markets and specialty stores. It is also sold in alcohol-based tinctures and fluid extracts.
Gentian berries are sometimes ground and sold as a powder.
While there are no known side-effects associated with taking gentian, it should not be used by patients who suffer from heartburn, gastritis or stomach ulcers, or who produce excessive stomach acid. There are currently no well-known drug interactions with gentian. CRC Handbook of Medicinal Herbs . A bitter cure. Kondo Y, Takano F, Hojo H. Suppression of chemically and immunologically induced hepatic injuries by gentiopicroside in mice.