You know that in Italy it is forbidden to collect the gentian, the plant from which a delicious and popular liqueur of the Abruzzo tradition is obtained, but which could cost you dearly to collect it.
The gentian (Gentiana Lutaa) is a spontaneous plant of our mountains, famous above all for its medicinal and digestive properties. However, despite its beneficial virtues, the collection of wild gentian in Italy is absolutely prohibited by law. Let’s see together because it is illegal to collect it, what are the benefits and contraindications of this plant so precious for biodiversity.
Why is it illegal to collect the gentian?
The major gentian is considered a protected species throughout the Italian national territory. His wild and uncontrolled collection has, in fact, significantly reduced spontaneous populations, threatening the ecological balance and the very survival of the species.
According to the decree of the President of the Republic n. 357/97, the gentian is inserted between Protected floristic species. This means that taking it from its natural environment can involve salted administrative sanctions which, in some cases, also come to lead to criminal responsibilities. The protection of this plant is fundamental for the conservation of biodiversity and to preserve the delicate balance of mountain ecosystems.
The gentian therefore cannot be collected without prior authorization issued by forestry inspectors. The only reasons why the root can be eradicated are:
The gentian in Abruzzo: a tradition under protection
In Abruzzo, the gentian is deeply rooted in local culture, especially for the production of the famous digestive liqueor. However, the indiscriminate collection led to the need to protect the species. Regional law n. 45 of 1979 prohibits the collection, damage and the extirpation of spontaneous plants, including the Gentiana Lutaa, throughout the regional territory. This legislation was established to protect the natural and spontaneous flora of Abruzzo, at risk of extinction.
According to the regional law n.45 of 1979, in fact, the gentian is one of the plants on the list of protected Italian flora; This decree was drawn up in order to preserve and protect the spontaneous vegetation present in Abruzzo.
The origins of the gentian
The name of the gentian derives from Genzio, or The last king of the Illyiri. It is said that the sovereign was the first to discover the therapeutic properties of this officinal plant and therefore gave it its name. It seems that this sovereign, who reigned from 180 to 167 BC, used the root of the Macerata gentian and then boiled to treat a very high fever. Much used by the Romans, The gentian is mentioned by Pliny the Elder (I century AD. C.) In his book of natural history as an excellent antidote against the snake poison.
Benefits of the gentian
The gentian is a plant rich in therapeutic properties And it is used in the medicinal and cosmetic field, to treat different disorders. In addition to its mainly decorative function, it lends itself very well to be used in the liqueur sector.
The root of this plant, however, is a powerful anti -inflammatory and is used in the treatment of some pathologies; The GentiPicroside, a vegetable iridoid glycoside present in the gentian, exercises a adjuvant function in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. A chronic inflammatory pathology that affects the joints and causes pain and swelling to the joints. In addition to this, however, the gentian is able to counteract inflammation to the paranasal sinusesa condition that causes face pain, peaks of migraine and reduction of the smell.
The officinal plant we are talking about, however, is known above all to be a natural digestive. The iridoins and secoiridoids present in the gentian increase the appetite, but at the same time protect the digestive system. The root, after the infusion, presents a typical amalicance and it is well known that taking bitter substances stimulates the production of saliva and gastric juices. Precisely for this reason, even in more recent times, it has come to the production of gentian infusions in the preparation of aperitifs in the liquor industry.
The benefits on the skin
Another thing that perhaps is not in common knowledge is the potential that the gentian has on the skin: this plant, in fact, purifies the oily skin and afflicted by an excess of sebum. It also contrasts the formation of black points, lightens the freckles and skin spots, also attenuating wrinkles. The root we are talking about also has the power to give the face a bright, rested, fresh and clean effect.
Contraindications
Gentian preparations; The plant, in fact, does not affect only on the mutagenic activity of our body, but also has properties that stimulate the flow of blood. It is also not recommended to take gentian if you suffer from the following disorders:
The gentian would be to be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding, since there are no certain data on security in these delicate phases. It can also interfere with some drugs, especially anicoagulant and antacids, Therefore it is advisable to consult the doctor before its use.
How to choose Genziana certified products?
If you want to benefit from the therapeutic virtues of the gentian without damaging the environment and respecting the current legislation, it is essential to choose certified and sustainable products, which guarantee the origin from authorized and regulated crops. Here’s how to make a conscious choice:
Search for official certifications
When you buy products containing gentian (liqueurs, infusions, food supplements), always check that they report one of the following indications:
Transparent labeling
Certified products must have a clear labeling that specifies the origin of the gentian, explicitly indicating that these are authorized crops and not spontaneous collection.
Always check:
Buy from local producers
Predually predict local producers or farms that guarantee sustainable methods. In Abruzzo, for example, there are authorized farms that produce the gentian liqueur in full compliance with regional rules.
Attention to too low prices
Prices too low could be an index of illegality or unrealized origin. In fact, certified and sustainable products have slightly higher costs, which reflect compliance with rigorous environmental and regulatory standards.
Check on the manufacturer’s website
Many responsible manufacturers specify online the methods of cultivation and certification of the gentian. You can also directly consult the regional institutional sites (such as those of national parks) that often list authorized companies.
Collecting the gentian in nature is not only illegal, but represents a threat to a fundamental species for Italian mountain ecosystems. If we want to benefit from its properties, we always choose certified products from authorized crops.
Being aware and respectful of the environment means protecting a natural heritage that belongs to everyone.
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