Juicing For Health - Bitter Herb Health Benefits
Bitter Herbs
Bitter herbs have been used traditionally for thousands of years as a post meal digestive aid. Bitters simply mean herbs which have a bitter taste to them.
Of all the 5 taste sensations the one we constantly seem to avoid is bitterness. When it comes to the health of your digestion, liver and overall well being, bitterness is one of the most important tastes and one we shouldn't leave out.
The bitter receptors are thought be to located towards of the back of the tongue, so it is vital that powder or liquid form is used so that the bitter element can come in contact with these receptors. When bitter tasting foods or herbs come in contact with the bitter receptors they stimulate the vagus nerve which then stimulates the production of stomach acid, pancreatic enzymes and bile secretion.
They also provide a flushing action to the liver, which in turn cleanses the liver making it more efficient. Which is why it makes no sense that some bitter formulas come in capsule form, these are likely formulated by those who have no idea how the mechanism of bitter herbs work.
Bitter Herbs Examples
Some examples of herbs with bitter properties include milk thistle, gentian, artichoke leaf, bupleurum, dandelion, andrographis and schizandra berry. Each bitter herb has there own unique health benefits but in this case we are looking to use them specifically for there bitter tasting properties. You can also use bitter tasting foods such as bitter melon, dandelion green etc.
Not all bitter formulas are created equal, Swedish bitters which are the most common type your likely to find in your health food store contain stimulant laxative herbs such as rhubarb root, senna etc. These herbs which have stimulant laxative properties can weaken bowel function causing more problems. So it is best to avoid Swedish bitters. If your looking for a bitter formula good choices include grape or Chinese bitters. Alternatively you can just use a single bitter herbal powder such as milk thistle seed powder.
Bitter Herb Health Benefits
There are numerous health benefits associated with the use of bitter herbs. Here is a list of the most common.
- HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy)
- Great for digestive ailments such as low stomach acid, indigestion, gas, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome and candida overgrowth.
- Stimulate the appetite.
- Increase the flow of bile which makes it good for a number of digestive problems but in particular useful for fat malabsorption.
- Good for all types of liver ailments, bitters provide a flushing/cleansing action to the liver increasing its ability to detox toxins.
- May have mild anti-depressive properties.
- Could be helpful for diabetics and lowering blood sugar (Diabetics must take care when using bitters, as always its best to consult your doctor first).
- Bitter herbs stimulate peristalsis, an action that moves wastes through the intestines through a series of muscular contractions.
Bitter Herb Dosage
The best time to take bitter herbs is pre-meal, with a dosage from half to 1 teaspoon. As has been explained above try to make the bitters come in contact with the back of the tongue. If your using a powder you can either take it directly from the spoon or the method i use is to mix in a little water and swallow.
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