Gentian is also useful for gastro-intestinal inflammation. Gentian root’s bitterness increases gastric secretions, promotes digestion, and calms an upset stomach. To improve your ability to digest foods, prepare a gentian tea: Pour 1 cup of cold water over 1/2 tsp. of finely chopped, dried gentian root and simmer for 5 min.; then strain. Drink 1 cup of the warm tea 2-3 times each day, about 1/2 hr. before each meal. This tea is known to be very useful in helping the digestive system deal with rich, fatty foods.