Bitter
Bitters stimulate digestion by enhancing digestive secretions such as saliva, gastric acid and bile, enhancing nutrient absorption and gut motility. This action occurs through a reflex action stimulated when bitter receptors on the tongue signal the brain, and then transmit impulses via the vagus nerve to the digestive organs. Bitter herbs are cooling in nature and can be used to support digestive function, stimulate appetite, reduce bloating and increase nutrient absorption.
Examples of bitter herbs include artichoke leaf (Cynara scolymus), gentian root (Gentiana lutea), wormwood leaf (Artemisia absinthium) and Oregon grape root (Mahonia aquifolium).
