The root is the medical part, and upon chewing it gives a very bitter taste. It is a plant that grows in the mountains of the oriental countries. The crushed root can be obtained from almost any of our drug stores. It is found in some parts of the United States, which parts are the Southern and Middle States.

Medical properties and uses. -- Gentian is a splendid tonic to invigorate the stomach to active digestion, acts very favorably in all cases where there is scrofula and humors in the blood. It proves a very good substitute for tobacco, for those who are breaking themselves of the habit. As a tonic, fill a pint-bottle half full of the root, add half alcohol and half water, and after fourteen days standing it is ready for use. The dose is a teaspoonful before each meal. This will ward off chills and fever, or ague. I have known it to break chills where quinine had failed. Gentian can be truly called a tonic of the first class.