Centaury, (Erythraea centaurium), "Of all the bitter appetizing wild herbs which serve as excellent simple tonics, the Centaury is the most efficacious, sharing the antiseptic virtues of the Field Gentian and the Buckbean."(Grieve, M.) Centaury is closely related to gentian, and shares the same bitter tonic effect on the digestive system. A gentle laxative, and an excellent remedy for heartburn. Like many bitter tonics centaury is effective in reducing fever and has been used in place of quinine.
