Centaury

Description: A biennial plant with a simple or branching stem, 15-50cm in height, with ovate basal leaves to elliptical in the rosette. Small stem-leaves have three nerves. Flowers are rose coloured or pink.

Distribution in Kosovo: Broadly distributed in grassy areas from lower elevation zones to subalpine zones.

Parts used: herb (Centaurii herba)

Harvest time: Between June-July.

Drying:  is done in the oven at temperatures up to 500C or in places that have good air circulationt. Ratio: 5:1.

Therapeutic category: Bitter tonic.

Use:  The herb has been traditionally used to treat fever, diseases of the digestive organs, urinary tract infections, for blood purification etc.

Preparation and dosage: 6 g of herb or 1-2 g extract daily as tea (3 times a day).

en_USEnglish