American Centaury
Sabatia angularis
Common Names: Bitterbloom, bitter clover, eyebright, red centaury, rose pink, wild succory.
Medicinal Part: The herb.
Description: American centaury is a biennial plant, 1 to 2 feet high, that grows in most parts of the U.S. on damp, rich soils. The yellow, fibrous root sends up a branched, erect, quadrangular, smooth stem. The leaves are opposite, smooth, and entire, their bases clasping. A terminal umbel consists of many rose-or carnation-colored flowers that appear from June to September. The seeds are borne in short, wheat-like husks.
Properties and Uses: Bitter tonic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, vermifuge. The warm infusion is particularly good as a bitter tonic for indigestion (dyspepsia) and during convalescence, when the appetite suffers. The other categories indicate older uses and may be more or less effective.
Preparation and Dosage: Gather the plant when in flower.
Infusion: Use 1 tsp. chopped herb with 1 cup boiling water; steep for ½ hour. Take 1 tbsp. every few hours or as needed.
Tincture: Take 15 to 40 drops every 3 to 4 hours.