Bitters - What is the skinny on these herbs?

Everyone talks about bitters or bitter herbs, but what are they? Bitter herbs have been used for centuries in cooking and medicine. They are any plant whose leaves, roots, or flowers contain compounds that activate bitter taste receptors on your tongue and throughout your digestive tract. In other words, they get the juices flowing for you to better digest your foods. 

Bitters can stimulate an appetite, support digestive processes and even add flavor to food and drinks. What is truly remarkable is that when bitters hit your tongue, they start a reaction almost immediately that benefits your digestive tract. So many studies are still being done on the power of the bitter herb.

Common bitter herbs that are fairly easy to grow or obtain are Dandelion root, Yarrow, Chamomile, Milk Thistle and Peppermint. These are just a few but they can easily be added to your daily health regimens. All of these can be taken as teas, but I will say some of them are not so tasty. So maybe adding a bit of orange peel to your teas especially for Yarrow and Milk Thistle. Milk Thistle seed can be bought already ground and then added to yogurts, smoothies, over salads and foods. 

How do bitters help our bodies? 

Bitters stimulate digestive juices and help us better absorb nutrients. As we age the production of our digestive juices begin slowing down. There is less stomach acid and enzymes to help assimilate your food into what your body needs. When you begin adding bitters into your diet you will begin to better absorb Vitamin B12 which helps with energy, memory and brain health. Magnesium, Iron and fat soluble vitamins like A, D, E, K can be processed and absorbed easier. We need these vitamins and minerals to help us sleep better, carry oxygen where it needs to go and help balance our hormones, skin and immune functions.

Bitters help curb our appetite and helps us better recognize when we are full. They activate taste receptors in your belly that stimulates the release of those appetite balancing hormones. 

They support liver function and healthy detoxification. As we age, our liver has lived through decades of detoxing pesticides, alcohol or medication, hormone changes and stress. It is the hardest working organ we have. Bitters trigger the liver to release bile which helps eliminate waste and digest fat. Everyday your liver is working hard and sometimes in overtime, so give it some support and relief.

Bitters help reduce bloating and improve sluggish digestion. When food sits too long in our gut it begins to ferment, which causes gas, bloating and discomfort. Bitters naturally stimulate the smooth muscle of the digestive tract, promoting regular bowel movements, and ease of movement of food. 

Bitters can help maintain balanced blood sugar levels. As estrogen and progesterone levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, the body becomes more insulin resistant.  This means glucose stays a little too long in your bloodstream.  The result? More fat storage (especially around the belly), more cravings, more energy crashes, and a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cognitive decline. Bitter herbs enhance insulin sensitivity, slow glucose absorption, helps your stomach know when you are full and supports a healthy gut microbiome.

We have several bitter tonics that we have formulated with the hope that we will be adding more into the product line. They are blended into organic, raw apple cider vinegar and sweetened with organic date syrup making them vegan and alcohol-free.