> In the real world, gentian root is the kind of thing that 18th-century
>backwoodsmen resorted to in a futile attempt to treat ailments that
>modern medical science doesn't even recognize

I have to say that, "scrumbles", "marthambles", "hockogrockle" are all MARVELOUS illnesses that I almost wish I could contract, if only to watch the face of someone when I told them I had it! Then, of course, are the old names for things you COULD get, all equally wonderful(the names, not the illnesses).

As for the use of gentian...I'm reminded of the old quote, "Cured of my disease, last night I died of my physician."

...!
Gott's Leetle Feesh in Trousers!