Bitters - the bitter bite of good health

We’ve often heard that good medicines taste bitter. Well the notion holds true atleast incase of some of the herbs used in alternative therapies. Bitter tasting that they are, some of the herbs used over the centuries are one of the best tonics for our bodies, enhancing its overall vitality and rightly named as - Bitters.

From times immemorial, this cluster of bitter tasting herbs have proven their effectiveness across countries, cultures and traditional medicine practices, as ones with excellent digestive properties and good health tonics.

Even in western cultures bitters have gained the reputation of being staple tonics for health and long life. With their ability to remove body toxins fast and effectively, they keep the digestive system in excellent shape thereby, enhances metabolism and improving other body functions as well. It is a well established fact that a healthy body leads to a sound mind and therefore, bitters play an important role in keeping us stress free and active.

Biters have a very interesting way of functioning. The moment they touch our tongues, they give out a strong unpalatable and bitter taste. This stimulates the stomach, gallbladder and the pancreas to release their digestive juices for digestion of the nutrients. Liver function also increases and it prepares to rid the body of toxins. As a result of this release of bile, insulin and vital gastric juices, the body prepares to absorb nutrients from the food which has been consumed. It is for this reason that most of the bitters are prescribed to be consumed just before meals.

They are great replacements of allopathic medicines, with minimum side effects and that also in exceptional cases. Some of the common bitters are – angelica, artichoke leaf, worm wood, dandelion, chamomile, gentian root, yarrow, etc. Usually prescribed in low doses to begin with, it is common to increase the dosage as the body and mainly taste buds get used to bitters.

It is believed that the more bitter a herb is, the more effective it is. The body also does not seem to like the taste of bitters initially. But, with continuous use, as the digestive system becomes normal, the taste of these herbs also becomes more palatable. Conventionally, the bitter herbs were given as tinctures and tonics, custom made for the patient. These tonics contain a variety of bitters according to the problem faced by the patient. However, these days they even come in the capsules form, so that the tongue does not have to bear the torture.

The effects of bitters are varied and noticeable in different degrees with different people. But beneficial they sure are. Many people feel their benefits right away, from body detoxification to enhanced energy levels. Others might notice the benefits of clarity of thought and mind and a light bodied feeling with better digestive powers, over a period of time. But whatever might be the time involved, this bitter gulp of good health is worth the indulgence.