What are bitters?

The most common thing about Bitters is the bitter taste. These herbs hold a very special place in herbalists’ hearts as they’re great for treating the whole of the person.

Bitters have a… you guessed it, predominantly bitter taste. The sensation of bitterness is directed by the nerves to the central nervous system. From here a message goes to the gut signalling to the digestive hormone, gastrin. These leads to a whole range of outcomes, all of value to the digestive process and general bodily health.

  • Stimulation of appetite during rehabilitation

  • General stimulation of the flow of digestive juices from the pancreas and liver

  • Aid the liver in detoxification and increases the flow of bile

  • Regulatory effect on the secretion by the pancreas of the hormones that regulate blood sugar, insulin & glucagon

  • Help the gut wall repair damage through stimulating self-repair mechanisms

HERBAL EXAMPLES