Red Centaury (Erythraea centaurium)

Red Centaury (Erythraea centaurium) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to Southern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and flowers have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, diuretic, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and african traditional medicine.

Red Centaury (Erythraea centaurium) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Red Centaury (Erythraea centaurium) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Red Centaury
Scientific Name	Erythraea centaurium
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Erythraea
Species	centaurium
Native Range	Southern Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Flowers
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Diuretic, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, African Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Erythraea centaurium
Common Name: Red Centaury
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Red Centaury, Common Centaury, Common Centaury
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Erythraea

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface reddish-brown and lower surface pale green, featuring distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are small, pink to red, actinomorphic, arranged in dense clusters, with five sepals and five petals, each petal marked by a distinct yellow glandular spot.
Stems: Erect, woody, branching in pairs, with smooth, glabrous surfaces and opposite leaf scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: In herbal texts, considered a moderate bitter, in bitter herb groupings.
Diuretic: Commonly referenced as a soothing diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.
Tonic: Traditionally described as a mild tonic, for foundational support.
Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a gentle anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Tannin: A class of polyphenolic compounds commonly found in bark, leaves, and seeds.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Reports outlining specific general precautions for this herb are limited.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions with prescription medications have not been well documented.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers seasonally moist soils. Tolerates variable moisture levels.