The properties of Common Centaury
Common Centaury treats wounds and has an anti-inflammatory properties as well as inhibits bleeding. It helps to rebuild damaged tissues and organs. It finds application in treating digestive disorders: lack of appetite, hypoacidity, abdominal pains and bloating, eructating, impaired bile secretion. In the Middle Ages, centaury was one of the ingredients of the famous therapeutic mixture – teriak, consisting of several dozens of herbs and used as an antidote to all kinds of ailments.
The European centaury is used as a medical herb in many parts of Europe.The herb, mainly prepared as tea, is thought to possess medical properties beneficial for patients with gastric and liver diseases.
Chemical constituents
Antioxidant ingredients of the centaury are mainly phenolic acids[3] Including ferulic and sinapic acids. The plant also contains amounts of sterols as brassicasterol and stigmasterol. It also contains two secoiridoid glycosides, swertiamarin and sweroside.
