Centaury

the herb of centaury (Centaurii herba)

Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) is a small biennial with pink star-shaped flowers on a slender, angular stem and a rosette of leaves at ground level. It grows in dry meadows, in woodland glades and on embankments, and does best on limestone soil.

The flowering herb is gathered in July and August, when the flowers are open; it is cut above the ground rosette, so that the plant can come to maturity. It is dried in the shade and keeps the pink colour of its flowers. Centaury is rare in many places and protected in some, so it is gathered sparingly and only where there is enough of it.

The taste is markedly bitter, and that is its character: in blends it stands as the bitter. In Ašič's collection it is found in Appetite Tea, ŽoSIT and Strengthening Tea.

Use and evidence

The EMA recognises traditional use to relieve mild dyspepsia and temporary loss of appetite. It does not treat anaemia, diabetes, diseases of the liver or feverish infections. EMA.