The name “gentian violet” refers to the chemical’s resemblance to the intense purple-blue color of gentian wildflowers. One of my Chooks was struggling with a soft egg and set upon by the others which left her with a nasty wound under her vent. In 2019, all nonprescription products containing gentian violet for human use and veterinary products were removed from sale in Canada.

Gentiana verna | spring gentian Alpine Rockery/RHS Gardening Gentiana verna | spring gentian Alpine Rockery/RHS Gardening

If you’ve been using gentian violet for a week and don’t see an improvement, reach out to your healthcare professional to see whether there’s another reason for the pain you feel. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.Gentian violet can be an effective treatment for thrush, but it has potential health risks and side effects. Thrush most often affects those who are immunocompromised as well as babies, but it can also occur in otherwise healthy adults. I guess it's the longer days, combined with the endless bird flu lockdown, my hens are getting bored. Take care to plant your gentian at the same depth it was growing in its pot so water doesn’t gather around the base of the plant. There are some studies linking Gentian Violet to cancer, gum irritation, and toxicity in infants, so this should be used with caution and only after discussion with your pediatrician.

Gentian Violet, First Aid Antiseptic, 1 fl oz (30 ml) De La Cruz, Gentian Violet, First Aid Antiseptic, 1 fl oz (30 ml)

Since there are standard medications that are known to be safe and effective, your provider is more likely to recommend these. Similar to breastfeeding mothers and babies, gentian violet can be applied to affected areas for adults with thrush using a cotton swab. Soil is important, as some gentians – particularly autumn-flowering varieties – need neutral to acid soil, while others do best on limy (alkaline) soil. High concentrations of gentian violet have been associated with skin irritation, especially of the lining of the eyes, gastrointestinal tract, and genital tract.

In the United States, use of gentian violet has been banned in certain products, including dog foods.