Gentian is an excellent bitter which, as do all bitters, stimulates the appetite and digestion via a general stimulation of the digestive juices. Thus it promotes the production of saliva, gastric juices and bile. It also accelerates the emptying of the stomach. It is incicated wherever there is a lack of appetite and sluggishness of the digestive system. It may thus be used where the symptoms of sluggish digestion appear, these being dyspepsia and flatulence. Through the stimulation of the digestion it has a generally fortifying effect. The New Holistic Herbal by David Hoffmann Pg. 202