OVERVIEW
Digestive bitters are literally bitter herbs that help our digestive systems. The mouth contains several taste buds that coordinate the tastes you get from the foods you eat. Aside from bitter taste, the others include salty, sour, sweet, and umami.
Right time, bitter taste is usually included in the diet because bitterness means health. The use of digestive bitters to treat illnesses has been since the Chinese culture before it extends to other cultures, and they are beneficial to health.
Literally, digestive bitters are not pleasant as a taste, and civilization has affected the inclusion of bitters in our diet. Foods nowadays are usually salty, sour, sweet, or umami.
The digestive system tends to experience shortcomings that affect the functionality of the alimentary system. Just as the name implies, digestive bitters treat digestive illnesses.
BENEFITS OF DIGESTIVE BITTERS
Bitter is a healthy taste that performs various benefits to human health. It stimulates the production of saliva for easy digestion, which is also associated with synthesizing stomach acids. It also relieves irritable bowel syndrome, nausea, and constipation. Digestive bitters ease gas and stomach aches. Individuals watching their weight can include bitters in their diet because it reduces their appetite leading to weight loss.
TYPES OF DIGESTIVE BITTERS
Bitter is not a pleasant taste anyone would like, but the embedded benefits would make you consider taking it. There are several types of digestive bitters with fantastic health benefits to human health used in numerous cultures to treat specific ailments.
DANDELION
It is a nutritious digestive bitter and bitter herb that contributes to well-being. Scientifically, dandelion is called taraxacum officinale and contains essential minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants such as phenols, acids, coumarins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. All the parts- leaf, flower, stem, and root- benefit human health. They are often taken as tea, supplement, and vegetable. I,t is a promising herb for your well-being.
It regulates the blood pressure level due to its diuretic function. Drinking dandelion tea gets rid of free radicals and prevents oxidative damage. For the weight management journey, it is a good choice since it lessens fat and cholesterol absorption in the intestine.
Polyphenols prevent inflammation of the lungs and intestines. The presence of prebiotic fibers regulates digestion and averts digestive illnesses such as constipation. Dandelions reduce elevated blood sugar and support liver, skin, and heart health.
GENTIAN
Gentiana aculis L is a traditional medicine used in Asia, America, and Europe to treat specific ailments. It is also known as stemless gentia, bitter root, bitter root, and gall weed. Drinking Gentian tea treats and prevents swelling of the liver, spleen, and stomach. It alleviates pain and causes rapid healing of wounds.
Amidst its beneficial functions, antioxidants- iridoids and flavonoids prevent inflammation. The digestive health is enhanced and stimulates stomach acids and easy digestion, and illnesses of the alimentary canal are also treated. These digestive bitters treat sinus infections and increase appetite. Do not forget the bitter taste, but it is a nutritious herb meant for you.
Gentian- a digestive bitter is available or useable in a different form. It is now available in grocery stores and also sold as pills over the counter. Consult your doctor before taking a gentian herb. It must be used moderately.
ANGELICA ROOT
These digestive bitters are an alternative medicine that brings your health to its best state. It is also called Angelica archangelica and has different properties that attest to its nutritious values.
It improves digestive health and prevents chronic illnesses like dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and disturbed bowel movements. Angelica root is usually included in culinary. It is used for cakes, candies, and liqueurs due to its nutrients and flavor. Making angelica tea is not demanding. Get the root soaked in hot water for 10 minutes to prepare your tea from angelica root. It performs an anti-cancer activity and reduces anxiety.
Do you know angelica digestive bitters can influence your sleep? Yes, it can. It prevents the habit of waking up often to urinate. Fix angelica herb into your diet.
GINGER
Zingiber zerumset L. Ginger digestive bitters is a common herb often used for cooking due to its nutrients and flavor. It is a traditional medicine that the natives usually use. Ginger contains essential oils, starch, and fiber that prevents diarrhea, dysentery, and other digestive illnesses.
It is a good recommendation for weight management. It interferes with the absorption of fats and calorie intake.
Ginger exhibits anti-cancer properties and helps to keep a good blood pressure level. It removes toxins from your body and keeps you away from diseases and infections. Individuals with diabetes can treat their condition with ginger tea by drinking it about two to three times daily. Its benefits also extend to the brain. It prevents inflammation in the brain’s tissue and lessens your chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
ARTICHOKE LEAF
Cynara cardunculus car scolymus is a bitter vegetable with healthy benefits that promote overall health. Artichoke leaf content is fiber, vitamins C and K, thiamine, niacin, protein, fat, folate, vitamin B6, riboflavin, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and zinc.
Its chemical composition is rutin, quercetin, silymarin, and gallic acid.
Bad cholesterol contributes to certain diseases like high blood pressure and diabetes. However, artichoke replaces the harmful cholesterol (knowns as low-density lipoprotein cholesterol DP) with good cholesterol (known as high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Inulin enhances your liver’s health. It also regulates elevated blood sugar.
LICORICE ROOT
These digestive bitters are one of the oldest herbal medicine in use. Despite the bitter taste, it adds flavor to the diet and nourishes the body. The properties of licorice roots kill bacteria and viruses. Digestive illnesses such as acid reflux, GERD, and sore throat are treated with licorice herb.
Using licorice digestive bitters prevents the development of cancer cells and respiratory system inflammation. It works well for treating ulcers, cavities, and tooth decay. Keep your weight in check with licorice.
BURDOCK LEAF
These digestive bitters treat several types of illnesses, it contains antioxidants that remove free radicals, destroy cancer cells, and prevent oxidative damage. It is used as a diuretic to aid digestion.
It enhances bone health, which prevents bone diseases such as osteoarthritis, and supports the easy movement of the joints. Burdock promotes blood circulation in the body and allows the removal of toxins. It improves sexual function by boosting libido and treats your skin complaints such as acne and other skin infections. Likewise, it is an anti-inflammatory medicine.
WORMWOOD
Are you thinking of giving aroma to your diet or vegetable soups? Then wormwood digestive bitters are your choice. It is also a nutritious herb usually found in Asia, Africa, South, and America. It performs varieties of functions. Wormwood helps to alleviate pain, more like an alternative to painkillers.
It serves the function of keeping the intestinal worms in place- regulating the numbers, thereby preventing parasitic infections.
Chamazulene prevents oxidative stress that could lead to oxidative damage. Artemisinin reduces your chances of developing inflammation and Crohn’s disease. If you’re considering taking wormwood, ensure you keep your doctor informed.
All these digestive bitters are healthy and nutritious, but they all have side effects which vary with the individual.
PRECAUTIONS AND SIDE EFFECTS OF DIGESTIVE BITTERS
These digestive bitters are associated with effects on your body system, but they must be used with your doctor’s consent.
Gentian root
It is safe if taken orally but not advisable for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. They should never use gentian digestive bitters.
Excess usage can result in headaches, vomiting, nausea, stomach ache, and skin rashes. It interferes with blood pressure medications leading to low blood pressure levels.
Dandelion
This is associated with allergic reactions, which can be mild or severe. One of the common side effects of dandelion is the inflammation of the skin. Individuals placed on antibiotics, anticoagulants, or diabetic medications should avoid using dandelion digestive bitters.
Bitter Ginger
It has no adverse reactions except it’s taken in excess.
Artichokes
It causes allergic reactions and should be avoided by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. It interferes with the conditions of gallstones and bile obstruction.
Burdock
It should be used moderately, and it is safe orally. Burdock is a diuretic medicine that should not be used during dehydration, as it can worsen the situation. Pregnant women should avoid it.
Licorice
Licorice leads to low potassium levels, high blood pressure, muscle fatigue, and irregular heart rhythm. It causes impaired cognitive functions in babies and interacts with blood pressure medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood thinners, diuretics, and estrogen-based contraceptives.
Wormwood
Wormwood is not a safe option for pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers. It leads to miscarriage. In babies, it causes seizures and is associated with epilepsy disease. Wormwood should not be used for heart disease and kidney failure. Common effects are nausea and vomiting.
In conclusion, digestive bitters must be taken with consideration and caution, there is no standard dose for digestive bitters, but it must be used moderately with medical guidance. Excessive intake of digestive bitters can precipitate other types of illnesses, which is detrimental to your health. Inform your doctor before usage. Choose to stay safe, and stay healthy.
