| It is no accident that herbology in the West has emphasized such extremely bitter herbs as goldenseal, echinacea, and chaparral; even the common chamomile, sometimes used as a social herbal beverage, is quite bitter. The idea of the "bitter tonic"* has arisen—almost a contradiction in terms—because of the great need in the West to reduce excess.
In a similar fashion, Western medicine has emphasized extremely powerful remedies to counter excess (synthetic drugs, surgery, and radiation), measures tolerated best by strong people. |
Christopher Hobbs
See book keywords and concepts |  Cold and bitter herbs such as gentian and golden seal stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and if used chronically over several months, especially when combined with warming herbs such as ginger, can help strengthen the immune system, improve energy levels, and facilitate the healing process in people who are recovering from long-term chronic ailments (Maiwald, 1987). In TCM, sweet and warm herbs that provide nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals and immune-stimulating polysaccharides, are generally used to tonify and strengthen body systems and the overall constitution. |
Schuyler W. Lininger, Jr. DC
See book keywords and concepts |  Retrospective analysis of the safety of bitter herbs with an emphasis on Artemisia absinthium L. (wormwood). / Naturopathic Med 1999; 9: in press.
11. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 15.
Yarrow
1. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. New York, Bantam Books, 1991, 550-54.
2. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. New York, Bantam Books, 1991,550-54.
3. Zitterl-Eglseer K, Jurenitsch J, et al. Sesquiterpene lactones of Achillea setacea with antiphlogistic activity. Planta Med 1991; 57(5): 444-46. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
See book keywords and concepts |  Pitta sama is the classic Galenic damp-heat condition, with yellow tongue coating, urine and faeces, congestive anorexia, loss of thirst and biliousness. bitter herbs lead the treatment, with modest amounts of pungent as appropriate. Vata sama is associated with constipation, painful abdominal congestion and flatulence, anorexia and bad breath and is treated with pungent herbs, warming aromatic digestives and carminatives combined with laxatives as required. | | The essential elements of treatment are as follows.
• bitter herbs to improve digestive and gallbladder function, e.g. Artemisia absinthium (wormwood), Gentiana or Picrorrhiza.
• Choleretic herbs to improve bile flow, e.g. Chelidonium (greater celandine), Cynara (globe artichoke), Taraxacum radix (dandelion root) and Silybum (St Mary's thistle).
• Cholagogue herbs to improve gallbladder motility, e.g. Chelidonium (greater celandine), Cynara and Mentha piperita (peppermint). A terpene mixture similar to oil of peppermint has been shown to dissolve gallstones.46
• Spasmolytic herbs, e.g. | | The main bitter herbs used in Western herbal medicine are gentian and wormwood. For a reflex effect, bitters do not usually have to be given in high doses. Enough to promote a strong taste of bitterness is usually sufficient. This is typically 5-10 drops of the 1:5 tinctures of the above herbs in about 20 ml of water. (Bitters are one exception where drop doses are appropriate.) Since bitters have a priming effect on upper digestive function and work by a visceral reflex (which is slow) they are best taken about 15 minutes before meals. | | In Africa the medicinal value of bitter herbs, particularly as digestive stimulants, is commonly recognized in traditional medical systems.147 Bitter drinks taken before meals are still called aperitifs.
In the early 20th century it was still widely accepted in medical and scientific circles that bitters promoted digestion. Even Pavlov was said to have acknowledged this connection.148 However, this was a time when such assumptions were being subjected to scientific scrutiny. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
See book keywords and concepts |  Goldenseal is one of the more bitter herbs in the plant kingdom, and as we all know, cayenne pepper is hot, hot, hot. Buy the two herbs in dry, powdered form— the cayenne can come right off your spice rack, Dr. Moore says—and put J/4 teaspoon of each in l/i cup of water. Take a mouthful, swirl it around a few times, tilt your head back, and gargle deeply. "You really want to coat the back of your throat with the goldenseal and cayenne pepper," she says.
You'll probably need to do several wash-and-gargles to finish up the l/i cup. Repeat the whole process five times a day for just a day or two. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
See book keywords and concepts | | These are best taken after meals and before bed.
• bitter herbs at low doses can increase oesophageal sphincter tone and improve gastric emptying. However, they also increase gastric acidity and therefore should be used cautiously.
• Carminative herbs and essential oils in high doses will aggravate GOR by reducing sphincter tone but they can be indicated for functional dyspepsia. Also, in lower doses, they can improve gastrointestinal motility. |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Digestive effects
The use of bitter herbs, such as dandelion, to aid digestion is based on the belief that bitter principles stimulate the initial phase of digestion, including the secretion of salivary and gastric juices. Dandelion exceeds this initial stimulation by stimulating the release of bile by the liver and gallbladder.
Liver effects
Studies in humans and laboratory animals show that dandelion root enhances the flow of bile, improving such conditions as liver congestion, bile duct inflammation, hepatitis, gallstones, and jaundice. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Bitter flavor: bitter herbs include coptis, gentian, phellodendron, lonicera, rhubarb, and many others. Herbs with this flavor are generally used for clearing heat, inflammation, infections, toxicity, purgation, discharging dampness, cough, and vomiting. Herbs with this flavor may have many different chemical constituents, but most characteristic is the presence of alkaloids.
Salty flavor: Salty herbs include various seaweeds, such as kelp or dulse; certain mineral salts such as sodium sulfate (Glauber's salts), and certain plants. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  You might see it included with other bitter herbs, such as dandelion, in commercial bitters preparations. Typical dosage: up to 3 cups of tea per day, taken 30 minutes before
Other Ways to Calm an Upset Stomach
Try these approaches for stubborn cases of indigestion.
ž Take probiotics. Often referred to as the "good bacteria/' these are similar to the bacteria that normally inhabit your intestinal tract. Probiotics include bacteria of the genus Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. They are beneficial for a number of reasons. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
See book keywords and concepts | | These can be used alone, such as medicated leaven, but they are often combined with herbs that warm the spleen and stomach if there is coldness or with bitter herbs that clear heat if heat is present. The symptoms are very similar to those described under Aromatic Herbs That Transform Dampness (pages 209-12), but in this category, it is food stagnation rather than dampness that is at issue. It is very possible, however, to have both conditions simultaneously, so it is not uncommon to have herbs from both categories, as well as qi regulators and qi tonics, in the same formula. |
Kathi Keville
See book keywords and concepts |  Large quantities of hydrangea root or of extremely bitter herbs such as gentian and quassia, for instance, can cause nausea and vomiting. Generally speaking, if you become queasy after taking a particular herb, you are probably taking too much of it. (Remember, if you're sensitive to the herb, what's fine for someone else may be too much for you.)
Other herbs may impair your body's assimilation of vital nutrients. |
Alan Keith Tillotson, Ph.D., A.H.G., D.Ay.
See book keywords and concepts |  When the body detects a foreign substance beyond its digestive capacity, such as bitter herbs that have been ingested suddenly, it simply lets go of the substance as a defensive reaction. | | TAM doctors, for example, say that small amounts of common bitter herbs such as turmeric root are good for purifying the breast milk. Other sources suggest avoiding herbs containing strong alkaloids. I have compiled a list of herbs, gathered from several authoritative sources, to avoid during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Many of these, such as turmeric, are not necessarily dangerous to use, but I see absolutely no reason to take any chances, so I have listed them all. Again, these lists cannot be totally exhaustive. Many of the herbs are listed based upon theoretical concerns. | | As is common with many bitter herbs, burdock stimulates digestion, increases bile secretion, and reduces inflammation, which may account for its reputation as a liver detoxifier.
Burdock contains an abundance of inulin, a compound that feeds the friendly bacteria in the intestine. It is also mildly antibacterial and antifungal. Japanese scientists have shown that burdock contains desmutagens, a word coined for substances that inactivate mutagens (cancer-causing agents) such as pesticides and toxic compounds that are created in some meats during the cooking process. | | Warming, bitter herbs such as turmeric root or freshly ground fenugreek seeds are also useful in these cases. They stimulate digestion by activating the bitter taste receptors on the tongue, stimulating the nerves to secrete more digestive juices. Sometimes, however, coating therapy is needed (see below).
White atractylodes is perhaps the most commonly prescribed TCM herb for treating poor appetite and digestive weakness with signs of fatigue and diarrhea, a condition called spleen Qi deficiency. | | In this condition, use of bitter herbs such as turmeric root is beneficial to purify the milk.
Epidemiological studies have now confirmed the Ayurvedic observation in the last statement, saying that there is "accumulating evidence that lactation may have a weak protective effect on breast cancer risk" and "Modest inverse associations appeared to persist even up to 50 years since first lactation . . . suggesting that lactation may have a slight and perhaps long-lasting protective effect on postmenopausal breast cancer risk."
In 1998 I asked Dr. |
Michael Tierra, L.Ac, O.M.D.
See book keywords and concepts | | Bitter herbs are used to clear evil fire and thereby restore normal heat and life energy. They are also used to detoxify, dry, stimulate the secretion of bile, purify the blood, remove parasites, promote bowel movement, and clear excess cholesterol and blood lipids. From an herbalist's perspective, a bitter flavor is probably what most people need. The saying of olden times is that after a period of pleasure and overindulgence, we must drink our bitter brew. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
See book keywords and concepts | | There is clinical experience of the benefits of bitter herbs in stabilizing such disruptions.
It tonifies the Kidneys. As the repository of constitutional reserves, the Kidneys provide the greatest tonify-ing challenge, another example of the universal traditional reverence for bitters.
In excess it damages the Lungs. Excessive cooling suppresses vital defences. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts | | Bitter herbs increase endocrine function and improve digestive processes,- many people experience a temporary increase in energy after a dose. Bitters preparations are available in a variety of forms and combinations in natural products stores, usually in liquid extract form. Typical dosage: between 1 drop-perful and V2 teaspoon three times per day, taken with meals.
Peppermint (Mentha x piperita)
This pleasant-tasting herb makes a wonderful, refreshing tea. |
Dr. Gary Null
See book keywords and concepts |  Basic rule of thumb is not to have bitter herbs, such as goldenseal and pennyroyal. Many books list these herbs specifically."
Antihistamines. "You want to avoid antihistamines. That includes some from the natural food stores such as ma huang and osha root."
Laxatives. "If you are having problem with constipation, adequate fluids, whole grains, and fresh vegetables should correct that problem quite easily. You want to avoid senna, castor oil, and cascara sagrada as well as diuretics, including the herbs buchu, horsetail, and juniper berries. |
Elson M. Haas, M.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  Historically, it was used for colds and coughs, and it has become popular as a laxative and for use in children, who tolerate its sweet flavor more readily than bitter herbs, with problems such as fevers, colds, and constipation.
Licorice root has many apparent actions. It is an antitussive and expectorant, antiinflammatory and antiarthritic, antitoxic (through liver support and protection) and antibiotic, possibly anticancer (recent research has shown licorice's inhibitory effect in some tumor growth), and a laxative. |
James A. Duke, Ph.D.
See book keywords and concepts |  This is one of several bitter herbs traditionally used to aid digestion. Commission E reports that the bitter compounds in gentian stimulate the flow of saliva and stomach secretions.
Studies with experimental animals suggest that gentian might also be useful in the treatment of ulcers. Herbal pharmacologist Daniel Mowrey, Ph.D., author of The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine and Herbal Tonic Therapies, whose opinions I respect, recommends using gentian along with ginger, goldenseal and licorice root to treat ulcers.
VV Pineapple (Ananas comosus). | | Other bitter herbs often recommended for hangover include dandelion, gentian, mugwort and angostura, which is the same herb used in Angostura Bitters, a favorite hangover remedy among bartenders.
You can make an anti-hangover tea by adding a few drops of Angostura Bitters to a cup of boiling water. In fact, any of these herbs can be made into a very bitter tea. I'd suggest cutting the bitter flavor by adding the tasty herbs roselle and tamarind, both of which are also reputed to help banish hangover.
V Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba). |
John Heinerman
See book keywords and concepts |  All three salad plants in this family, endive, chicory and escarole, were believed to have been some of the bitter herbs consumed by the Children of Israel during the Passover before their hasty exodus from Egypt. Chicory root is frequently used in natural coffee substitutes and added to regular coffee to give it a richer flavor and reduce its caffeine content somewhat.
Chicory Coffee for Male Birth Control
There is some clinical evidence that chicory root might be helpful in rendering male spern temporarily infertile. |
Ruth Winter
See book keywords and concepts |  AROMATIC BITTERS • Usually made from the maceration of bitter herbs and used to intensify the aroma of perfume. The herbs selected for aromatic bitters must have a persistent fragrant aroma. Ginger and cinnamon are examples. ARROWROOT STARCH • From the rhizome of Maranta arundinacea, a plant of tropical America. Used in the diet of babies and invalids because it is easy to digest. An ingredient in dusting powders and hair dyes made from the root starch of plants. Arrowroot was used by the American Indians to heal wounds from poisoned arrows. It is used as a culture medium and as a medicine. |
Robyn Landis
See book keywords and concepts |  Neem leaf—One of the most cooling and bitter herbs, neem also improves digestion, is antimicrobial, and stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin, thus lowering blood sugar. One to 5 capsules per day.
Wood hetony—A European herb with the unique taste and energetic combo of being pungent and cold (it is also bitter). Five capsules per day.
Licorice root—Anothet Chinese tonic herb with outstanding versatility, this herb counts liver detoxification among its many healing qualities. | | As mentioned earlier, "liver herbs" typically cross-treat other conditions that benefit from cold, bitter herbs. Like liver inflammation, fever is a pitta (fire) excess, so liver herbs tend to be fever herbs. Virus usually calls for liver support as well, because the liver is so burdened by the post-battle cleanup. Immune support and liver support are not mutually exclusive. To support a crucial "cog" in the immune system, such as the liver, is to support the whole system.
Liver Herbs
With all of these herbs, start with the lowest dose and work up as necessary. |
page 3 of 5 | Next ->
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