Centaury for weight loss
Centaury, Centaurium erythraea also sometimes labeled Centaurium minus, C. umbellatum, C. vulgare or Erythraea centaurium, is also called bitter herb, common centaury, European centaury, lesser centaury and feverwort. The plant once known as greater centaury is the greater knapweed, although it is not related and the flowers are completely different. The cornflower is also sometimes called centaury, but again, the two plants are not related.
Centaury is a hardy annual/biennial which reaches a height of 18 inches (25cm). It will grow in any type of soil, even if this is low in nutrients. It prefers sun or dappled shade, and will not grow in full shade.
Centaury is one of the flavorings used in the fortified wine, vermouth, which is an essential ingredient in martini cocktails. It is extremely bitter and has little or no scent.
Centaury is not suitable for pregnant women.
Medicinally, the whole plant is used to make a standard infusion, using 2 teaspoons of dried herb to 240ml (1 US cup, 8 fl oz) of boiling water. Allow to infuse for 15 minutes to 4 hours then strain before use. The dose is one third of a cup (80ml) up to 3 times a day.
The standard infusion can be used as a general tonic, a treatment for disorders of the liver and gall bladder, and to wash wounds and sores. It is a natural antiseptic. Applying fresh green leaves to wounds and sores is also helpful, so if you’re picking brambles or handling other thorny plants and get scratched, they make a good field dressing. If taken over a long period, centaury is an aid to weight loss.
A stronger infusion can be used as a lotion to lighten freckles.
As with all herbs grown for medicinal use, centaury mush be grown organically to avoid its active constituents being corrupted by the presence of foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic herbs visit the Gardenzone.
Related Posts
Globe Artichoke
Wild Celery
SesameRelated posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
