''Gentiana scabra'', also known as the Japanese gentian or the RindÅ Flower, is a species of flowering plant in the Gentian family (
Gentianaceae
Gentianaceae is a family of flowering plants of 105 genera and about 1600 species.
Etymology
The family takes its name from the genus ''Gentiana'', named after the Illyrian king Gentius.
Distribution
Distribution is cosmopolitan (species), cosm ...
), found in much of East Asia. The flowers bloom in mid-summer, autumn and are blue or dark blue in color.
Medicinal use
''Gentiana scabra'' roots are used as a bitter tonic in
traditional Chinese medicine
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an alternative medicine, alternative medical practice drawn from traditional medicine in China. A large share of its claims are pseudoscientific, with the majority of treatments having no robust evidence ...
where it is said to promote digestive secretions and treats a range of illnesses associated with the liver. It is also used in
traditional Tibetan medicine
Traditional Tibetan medicine or Sowa Rigpa is the Tibetan medical system developed in the 8th century under King Trisong Detsen that incorporated the best international medical practices of that time.Claude Arpi, ''Glimpses on the Tibet History' ...
.
References
scabra
Flora of the United States
Flora of Japan
Taxa named by Alexander von Bunge
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