
Description
King Gentius of Illyria (180-67 BC) is said to have done the initial introduction of gentian when he gave the herb, later named after him, to his army when it cured them of a mysterious fever. It has long been used as a bitter flavoring for alcoholic drinks, especially in Germany and Switzerland where Gentian flavored beer was drunk before the introduction of hops. Gentian wine was also served as…