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CENTAURY
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(Centaurium erythraea)
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Other Names
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Bitter Herb, Common Centaury, European Centaury, Lesser
Centaury.
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Description
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Centaury grows in wooded meadows and along grassy banks. Early in the morning when the
sun is shining the small pink flowers blossom.
It grows on average 4 inches tall, but occasionally it will
grow to 20 inches. The branching stem with its matte green, oval leaves produce five petal,
pink flowers that bloom from June through September.
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Classification
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Taste
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Bitter
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Balance Yin/Yang
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Humor
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Uses/Applications
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Use Centaury as a digestive and gastric stimulant, liver tonic, and as an
appetite stimulant. It works best when taken 30 minutes before meals. Centaury is also excellent for
the treatment of pets who are suffering starvation, loss of appetite, or blood in their
urine. Mix in
the animal's food.
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Combinations
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Meadowsweet, Marshmallow, Chamomile.
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Constituents
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Glycosidal, Bitter Principles, Nicotinic Acid Compounds, Essential Oil, Oleanolic
Acid, Resin, Flavonoids.
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Action
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Aromatic, Mild Nervine, Gastric Stimulant, Hepatic, Tonic,
Sialagogue.
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Food Values
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None.
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Part Used
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Dried Aerial Parts, Flowers.
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Collection
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Collect when flowering from mid summer to fall, in mid day when the sun is
shining and the flowers are fully open.
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Preparation
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Infusion
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Pour a cup of boiling water onto 1 Tsp. dried herb. Infuse 10
minutes. Take
one cup 30 minutes before meals.
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Tincture
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Take 1 - 2 ml. three times per day.
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Growing Directions
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Centaury is self seeding. Sow the seeds on surface of the soil
in the early
spring. Centaury will tolerate most soil types.
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History
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Centaury dates back to Hercules and Achilles. Legend says that with the aid
of this herb Chiron healed arrow wounds on both humans and horses. Until the 15th Century it was
called “Hundred Guilder Herb.” It has long been known as a powerful healing
plant. Back to Pagan time, Centaury was one of the healing herbs used to
bless the Goddess. Back in Germany it was called “Mad Dog’s Herb,” and used to treat
those bitten by rabid dogs. It was valued everywhere. This herb is so bitter
ancient Roman’s called it “Bile of the Earth.”
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Additional Information
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1. Saxon herbalist’s prescribed Centaury mainly for snake-bites and other
poisons.
2. The herb formed the basis of the once famous Portland Powder, which was
said to be a specific for gout.
3. The bruised green herb is said to be an excellent application for wounds
and sores.
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Cautions
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None.
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Magick Information
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There is no magical value.
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