Gentian is a non-poisonous ornamental plant. It can be grown safely in the garden or in a pot. Anyone hoping that they can make gentian schnapps from their gentian in the garden will be disappointed. Only the roots of the yellow gentian contain enough bitter substances.
Is gentian poisonous?
Gentian is a non-toxic ornamental plant and can be grown safely in the garden or in pots. The roots of yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) contain bitter substances that are used to make gentian schnapps, while other species of gentian are generally harmless.
Gentian does not contain any dangerous toxins
All parts of the plant are non-toxic to humans.
The root of the yellow gentian (Gentiana lutea) contains a lot of bitter substances that are used to make gentian schnapps, which is very popular in the Alpine region.
The blue gentian varieties grown in the garden or in pots, in contrast to the yellow gentian, only have very small roots that contain few bitter substances.
Be careful with cats
Cats really like bitter plants. Gentian itself can at least upset your stomach. That's why cat owners should avoid gentian.
Tips & Tricks
Gentian was already used as a medicinal plant in the Middle Ages - but here too only the roots of the yellow gentian. The bitter substances it contains are effective against loss of appetite, flatulence and respiratory diseases.
