Gentiana macrophylla, Large leaf Gentian, is called Qin Jiao in Chinese. Synonyms include G. staminea, G. crassiaulisor, G. dahurica.It is a medicinal herb. The root is the most commonly used part. It is traditionally used to relieve rheumatic conditions, and to remove damp-heat. Gentiana macrophylla is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft) by 0.6 m (2ft in).  It is hardy to zone 6. It is in flower from Aug to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bumblebees, butterflies. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil.The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils..It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade.It requires moist soil. Acute treatment of rheumatoid rats with an extract from the roots of Gentiana macrophylla (Gentianaceae) produced a significant inhibitory effect on rheumatoid arthritis (RA).