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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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