Erythraea Centarium

Synonyms: Century, Feverwort, Canchalagua
Parts Used: Whole Herb, Leaves

Description:
Centaurium erythraea, commonly called European Centaury or Common Centaury, is a flowering plant from the gentian family. Native to Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa, it has also spread to North America and eastern Australia.

This is a biennial herb that grows up to 50 cm tall, starting from a small cluster of basal leaves and sending up an upright, leafy stem that may branch. The small, triangular leaves grow in pairs along the stem. Its beautiful pinkish-lavender flowers are about 1 cm wide, each with a flat face and yellow anthers. These flowers bloom from June to September. After flowering, it produces slender capsule-shaped fruits.

Medicinal Uses:
Traditionally valued for its digestive benefits, this herb is useful in managing:

• Jaundice

• Dyspepsia (indigestion)

• Stomatitis (mouth inflammation)

• And various digestive disorders

It’s often used as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite and aid digestion.