Gentian is for doubt and despondency. Sufferers are easily discouraged and depressed when things go wrong or when faced with difficulties. Unlike Mustard, their Despair is always from an identifiable cause. They may in fact be making good progress in illness or in life but are easily disheartened by small setbacks.

Gentian may be useful for those people who feel despondent with a long-term or recurrent illness. It is also useful for children discouraged about their schoolwork.

The positive potential of Gentian is the realisation that there is no such thing as failure when one is doing one's best, no matter what the results. No obstacle seems too great, and no task too daunting to undertake. There is a conviction that any difficulties will be overcome in the end.