Centaury

Centaury (Centaurium erythraea) is a member of the gentian family of flowering plants native to Europe, Africa and Asia now naturalized in much of North America. This plant is characterized by its prolific bloom of lavender-pink flowers that appear in clusters on tall, leafy branches. Unfortunately, this plant resists being grown as an ornamental in most home gardens, preferring the rocky, dry soil along cliffs and unruly pastures instead. However, this herb is anything but elusive since it is known by a host of common names. A mere sampling: Christ's Ladder, Feverwort, Bitter Clover, Rose Pink, Wild Succory and Eyebright (not to be confused with Euphrasia officinalis of the same name).

The genus name of this plant has undergone revision, being previously known as Erythraea in apparent reference to the color of the plant’s flower since the word in Greek means “red.” Before that, the genus was designated Chironia in honor of the ancient herbalist from Greek mythology, Centaur Chiron. Reputedly, he was so skilled in the botanical arts that he saved himself from an accidental encounter with the tip of a poisoned arrow. It seems that modern botanical nomenclature has settled on the original nomination to represent this genus going forward.

Another characteristic of centaury herb is its bitterness, which also lends the herb its medicinal qualities. In fact, the plant contains several compounds that stimulate appetite and digestion. Centaury herb was compounded with birthwort, germander, gentian and ground pine to create the infamous Portland Powder, a remedy taken with wine or tea each morning to counter the symptoms of gout. Although you’ve just become privy to the recipe, this formula was once considered a nostrum. That means it was a closely guarded secret known to only a few, most notably a budding pharmacist and descendent of the Duke of Portland of Switzerland. Today, centaury is used to treat jaundice and parasitic infections. A poultice or infusion prepared from the leaf may be used to speed the healing of wounds.