Bitter herbs support the healthy functioning of our digestive system by stimulating the bitter receptors on our tongue, stomach, gallbladder and pancreas. This promotes the release of digestive juices such as stomach acid, enzymes and bile that help to breakdown our foods and support absorption of nutrients.
Digestive bitters may:
· Reduce gas, bloating, indigestion, nausea, loose stools, constipation
· Improve appetite (especially in the morning)
· Improve a Sluggish or weak digestive system
· Promote regular bowel movements
· Relieve heartburn
· Reduce food sensitivities
Bitters used to be a staple in ancestral diets but over time, the bitter flavour has largely disappeared from our modern diets. I emphasise on flavour though because although we may include bitter foods and herbs into our meals, the bitter flavour may be hidden because our modern palate prefers the sweet or salty flavour so without even realising it, we hide the bitter flavour and the benefits disappear along with it. Our modern day diet paired with the high stress many of us experience on a daily basis contributes to a weak digestive system that can really impact our absorption of vital nutrients and can lead to a number of digestive issues such as nutrient deficiencies, bloating, abdominal pain, gas, loose stools or constipation, nausea, indigestion, heartburn and it may even affect other areas such as your moods, acne, energy levels, hormone balance and the list goes on.
I’m not saying digestive bitters can cure all because I simply don’t believe there is one thing that can ‘cure all’. It has to be a combination of many elements put together to improve overall health both physically and mentally.
Digestive bitters can support our digestion though, which can improve many different aspects of our health. As Hippocrates said, “All disease begins in the gut.”
So how do you include digestive bitters and what is a digestive bitter?
Dandelion, burdock, gentian, milk thistle, goldenseal, angelica, chamomile, yarrow, watercress, rocket, lemon and coffee (yes, coffee but you have to taste the bitter flavour) are all herbs that contain bitter actions.
Now you might be wondering what to do with all these herbs?
Here are five ways to add bitters into your daily routine:
1. Morning bitter tonic: filtered lukewarm water, squeeze of lemon and a small sprinkle of cayenne pepper will fire up your digestive system (and your metabolism- added bonus!).
2. As a Daily tea steep dandelion, milk thistle and chamomile in boiling water
3. Add watercress, rocket and a squeeze of lemon to salads (lemon also enhances absorption of nutrients)
4. Green Juice: Cucumber, black pepper, lemon, ginger, chard, celery and kale.
5. Digestive tincture: you can buy digestive elixirs and tinctures that you can take before meals to better aid digestion (I recommend speaking with a Naturopath to get a digestive tonic specific for you)
Let me know how you go and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or comment below!
Allison xo
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