• For those who have an attitude of doubt, pessimism, and discouragement.

Gentian encourages the return of optimism. A small herbaceous plant, bitter or autumn gentian flowers in late summer and grows mostly on alpine hills. Its lilac-purple flowers, whose petals form a star, open or close depending on the weather. They remain on the plant when they are withered, giving it a somewhat sad appearance. Like other gentians, the one chosen by Bach has a root rich in bitter compounds, widely used to treat digestive issues. Gentian belongs to the group of personality types defined by Bach. It concerns characters with deep-seated negativity, who see the bad side of a situation first rather than the good, as if they could never properly digest what happens. In general, the flower is for those who are easily discouraged and doubt their ability to continue what they have undertaken. For those who give up at the first failure, academic or otherwise, or who are in a hurry to recover when they are sick. In Bach's words: "this plant will give you courage on all occasions, making you understand that failure does not exist when you do your best, whatever the result."

“For those who are easily discouraged. Even though they may be making good progress in illness or in the affairs of their daily life, any delay or hindrance to progress causes doubt and soon disheartens them.” Extract from the 1936 edition of "The Twelve Healers".