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....... a little bit about Bitters .......

Bitter = a flavor - a taste
Bitter = in reference to a plant chemical
Bitters = are stimulating tonics for digestion, which work through the tastes buds via the nervous system
Bitter(s) = can be a single herb or food plant
Bitters = an extract/tincture of a multitude of herbs, spices & fruits.
 
Reasons for consuming Herbal Bitters….. *some of this list is from (Foundations of Health by Christopher Hobbs)


  • Poor fat digestion
  • Poor protein digestion
  • Weakness due to chronic illness
  • Heated/weaken liver from drug & alcohol usage
  • Loss of zest for life, lower vital energy
  • Painful digestion, intestinal cramps, excessive gas
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Poor appetite
  • Anemia, low hematocrit
  • Excessive craving for sweets (can be due to poor protein digestion)
  • To help with sugar addictions through creating a balanced palate………
  • Immune-based disorders where nutritional deficiency is present
  • Especially effective for digestive weakness due to mental overwork and lack of exercise (constantly being in the sympathetic response, fight or flight, stressed mode)
  • Parasites ……… virus, bacteria, fluke, worm, what is a “parasite”?
  • Intestinal Inflammation; inflammation can cause leaky gut (gaps between the cells of the protective lining in the intestines).
 
How do they work……?
  • Bitter flavor starts by stimulating our tongue & mouth which begins generating digestive enzymes, amylase (carbohydrates) & lysozyme (kills pathogenic bacteria).
    • Having lots of gas may be solved by simply chewing your food more/better so the amylase gets a chance to mix with the food & breakdown the starches/carbohydrates. This stops them from fermenting in the intestinal tract and causing gas.
  • Bitters also send a signal to the brain to release the digestive hormone gastrin, which then sets off a chain reaction through the vagus nerve to the digestion system to wake up…….
    • the liver starts to make bile, the gallbladder starts to release bile & stomach acids begin to rise all in anticipation of what’s to come
    • Being in Parasympathetic mode (in an inner focus, calm, caring for self-mode) eases digestion, being in Sympathetic mode (outside focus, being too busy, distracted, angry) hinders digestion.
    • Try eating only when you’re relaxed, calm or in a good mood…………………
  • Bitters help increase Hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
    • Low acid = poor protein digestion
    • Hydrochloric acid turns pepsinogen into pepsin which is the most important protein digesting enzyme.
    • HCL releases what is known as the “intrinsic factor” a protein that escorts Vit. B12 from the stomach through the small intestine to the ileum (farthest end of small intestine). Vit. B12 is necessary for healthy nerves.
    • HCL dissolves minerals into their ionic form which makes them available to be used & absorbed by the body.
    • HCL also “provides for the release of bicarbonate (HCO3-) which neutralizes the acidity of HCL & which helps the food become chyme (pre-poo!) as well as release bile for fat digestion & absorption” Karen Lyke
  • Bitters help increase Bile flow.
    • Bile is needed for good fat metabolism.
    • Poor fat metabolism = blood sugar instability.
    • Bile helps with utilizing fat soluble vitamins such as A, D, E & K.
    • Low bile can lead to increased microbial fermentation in small intestine & overgrowth of Candida & parasites. Fermentation leads to gas production which can cause bloating & cramping. Which can lead to inflammation…
    • Bile helps with the peristaltic action of the intestines which helps move fecal matter through the body.
    • Light colored or whitish stools (poo) can mean little or no bile production
 
How to take, where to find, when to take
  • Eat Salad greens; chicory leaves, celery leaves, endive, radicchio, dandelion greens, wild arugula, wild greens
  • Food items; Bitter melon, high bush cranberry berries, dandelion flower stems, raw rhubarb, etc.......
  • Bitter herbs can be Infused into wine
  • Put Bitter Extracts; in juice, water, beverages, tea etc
  • Take directly in mouth
  • Turn bitter extracts into Cordials
  • Take before or after a meal
  • As needed for upset stomach, slow digestion, gas etc……
  • As a full cleanse (ex. I have a 5 – 10 day Gypsy Bitters cleanse)
  • I use Gypsy bitters as an eye compress or as liniment
 




DISCLAIMER: The information and stories told on this site are provided for educational & entertainment purposes only and are not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. The products and statements on this site have not been evaluated by United States Food and Drug Administration.





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  • Home
    • ABOUT >
      • About Place
      • About Alice
  • Calendar
    • PAST EVENTS
  • Services
    • Wijara Intuitive Massage
    • Next Step Consultation
    • Mentoring
  • On-Line STORE
  • SHOP Front
    • Bulk Herbs
    • Stevens Point Area Coop
    • Iron Angel & Iron Raven Tattoo
    • Antiques on Main
  • Black Whole Bitters
    • About Bitters
  • Bag of Tricks
  • Contact