Page 37 - Winter2010

products such as oxidized cholesterol and hor- through strengthening our system rather than
monal metabolites, prevents gall stone formation, fighting an already established disease process.
and provides lubrication of the intestines, easing Most bitters were taken in the form of bitter
the passage of stool. It should not be surprising wild greens eaten before a meal, or alcoholic
4,12
that by enhancing movement of waste products beverages, known as apéritifs, brewed with bit-
out of the liver, bitter herbs have been found to ter and aromatic herbs. These traditions still
2,4
exert a protective effect in liver conditions such exist today—serving a salad or cocktail before
as hepatitis and cirrhosis. a meal—but unfortunately the bitter taste is now
2
The effect of bitters also extends to the pan- often lacking. 4
creas. With bitters, digestive enzyme secretions The best way to bring bitterness into your
are increased, helping to promote the complete life is to incorporate the bitter taste of nutrient-
breakdown of nutrients into their absorbable dense greens into your salads. Chicory, dande-
units, preventing gas formation when large mol- lion, arugula, radicchio or endive are all wonder-
ecules are acted upon by bacteria further down fully complex-tasting greens that can be found
the small intestine. The complete breakdown in your garden or local farmers’ market. Slowly
2,11
of proteins is particularly important, as the cross increase their proportion to the sweeter tasting
reactivity of immune cells between undigested lettuces to build up your tolerance. Bitter tasting
protein molecules and intestinal cells plays an roots, such as dandelion or burdock, can also be
important role in the etiology of conditions such included in stir-fries or soups.
as celiac disease. Insulin and glucagon secre- You might also try partaking of a bitter
15
tions are stimulated, helping to stabilize blood apéritif or cocktail before meals. There are many
sugar levels. Many bitters formulations have traditional apéritifs available on most bar menus,
3,11
been traditionally used in the treatment of type including such traditional blends as Angostura
2 diabetes, and it is interesting to point out that bitters, Campari, Cynar, or Peychaud’s bitters.
many naturally sweet substances are often paired Not surprisingly, many of these liqueurs were ini-
with some bitterness in nature. 4,11 Herbalist Jim tially marketed as health tonics. Urban Moon-
16
McDonald hypothesizes that our cravings for shine, an herbalist-owned botanical company
sweetness may mask cravings for bitterness for located in Vermont, has reinfused this old world
this reason. 4 tradition with a healthful and contemporary twist
Thus, the taste of bitter can be used to by blending all organic and locally sourced herbs Swedish
strengthen the most fundamental aspect of our into a delicious bitters tonic full of gentle, tonify- bitters is a
health—the ability to extract the nutrients from ing bitter herbs and spices. Their line of original,
our foods and nourish our bodies. Taken over maple or orange bitters make for particularly formula
time, they will lessen symptoms of poor diges- delicious apéritifs. Visit urbanmoonshine.com easily found
tive function such as gas and bloating, constipa- for recipes. on healthfood
tion, loose stools and food allergies; enhance In the busy-ness of everyday life, the most
2,11
vitamin and mineral absorption; promote bal- convenient method of using bitters may be to store shelves,
4
anced blood sugar levels; protect the liver and take a small amount of bitters tincture (alcoholic and is
3,4
strengthen eliminatory function; heal inflam- extract) in a little water before you eat—as you based on a
3,11
matory damage to the gut wall; and reduce the might lose your day job if you fix yourself a bit-
3,11
incidence of allergic disorders. 2,14 In short, the ter cocktail at work! Swedish bitters is a formula traditional
daily use of bitters can address some of the most easily found on healthfood store shelves, and is blend of
rampant and heavily medicated health conditions based on a traditional blend of herbs created by herbs
of our time. 4 the physician Paracelsus in the sixteenth cen-
tury. Do exercise caution with this product if created by
ADDING BITTERS TO YOUR DIET you are prone to constipation, as several of the the physician
Historically, the use of bitters has been more ingredients have a strongly stimulating action Paracelsus in
of a culinary tradition than a medicinal one. Per- on the colon wall, creating a potential for de-
haps our ancestors understood better than we do pendency. 2,3,6 Most herb companies offer various the sixteenth
today the concept of prevention, of keeping well “bitters formulas” created from somewhat gen- century.

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