Interesting facts

The name Gentian is said to derive from Gentius, King of Illyria (died 167 B.C.), who is reputed to have discovered the medicinal value of Gentian and recommended it for the treatment of plague.
The bitter glycoside amarogentin contained in Yellow Gentian is the most bitter natural substance known.
Mountain farmers in the Alpine regions used to place Gentian root in their shoes to combat weak, sweating feet.
In veterinary medicine Yellow Gentian is also called "appetite powder". The name speaks for itself.
Gentian root also played an important role in mythology. In the Middle Ages it was used for numerous incantations and rituals, often in place of mandrake which was very expensive in those days. In general, Yellow Gentian is considered a symbol of power and strength. In the Tyrol there is a saying: "Wia die Enzianwurz is koani so stark." – No-one is as strong as the Gentian root.