Gentian Root: If there is a botanical that is the definition of bitter, it is gentian. It is nearly intolerable in tea form. Its bitter flavor is a strong indicator for its affinities. Gentian is a powerful tonic. It strengthens digestion, and gives more force to the circulation. Used in cases of debility and exhaustion, and in all cases where a tonic is required, as dyspepsia, gout, intermittent diarrhoea, worms, etc. Gentian is valuable where the powers of life are depressed and recovery depends upon ability to assimilate food (Felter & Lloyd's Kings Dispensatory 1898). Gentian supports overall digestive health and starts a fire in our system to cleanse the blood and promote movement of fluids. It pushes stubborn and unresponsive conditions by clearing out impurities that are blocking our vital force. When the body isn't able to properly eliminate toxins via its intended systems (the liver and kidneys) then it diverts to other means such as the skin and even joints and other places in the body. Gentian is a potent antiseptic and as such helps to eliminate pathogens and parasites in the system. It strengthens our resistance. Gentian stimulates the digestive tract, pancreas, liver and gallbladder, increasing the secretion of bile, promoting better absorption of fats and oils through the small intestine. Our cellular membranes require the proper amounts of fats and oils to thrive. Without the assimilation of these, they suffer and atrophy. It is also important to note that the intense bitterness also acts upon the autonomic nervous system, sending a chill down the spine that brings blood flow back into the gut, kick starts the parasympathetic nervous system, and re-tunes digestive functioning back into equilibrium and harmony (Papham). Because of the influence of bitters upon the pancreas, Gentian can also assist in lowering blood sugar levels, specifically through the stimulation of glucagon-like-protein (GPL-1) (1). Those of you familiar with the pharmaceutical drug, Ozempic may recognize this hormone. Gentian works in a healthier way to actually promote the production of this hormone as opposed to tricking the body in the way Ozempic does. “When bitters are taken before a meal it will actually reduce the consumption of food by almost a third..When used habitually and perhaps before eating, bitters not only slow down the entry of sugar into the bloodstream, they also make us eat less and sensitize us to insulin. This is the perfect prescription for an epidemic of insulin resistance, diabetes, and obesity. This is not some kind of mysterious coincidence, not an accident of design. The epidemics are there because the bitters are not, and, as a result, our built in sugar buffering mechanisms are slowly atrophying" (Mase, Guido). This herb is cooling so I have paired it in this formula with warming ginger. I have also balanced its terrible flavor with aromatic orange and fennel and its drying nature with moistening licorice root (this also adds a lovely balancing flavor to make this blend more palatable without sacrificing effect). This herb is not safe for pregnancy.
Oregon Grape Root: Oregon Grape is another reliable and effective bitter tonic herb and the second one in this formula. It has a direct stimulating effect on the liver and gallbladder leading to increase in digestive secretions and promotion of digestion. It is considered a systemic alterative that works to regulate metabolic functions both on the detoxification side and absorption. It is used for metabolic depression and an accumulation of toxins in the form of waste products from slowed metabolism (Popham). Digestive upset, lymphatic swelling, poor excretion, skin conditions, joint pain, chronic infections, low energy, fatigue, and brain fog are just some of the ways that metabolic dysfunction expresses in the body. Berberine in Oregon Grape has been shown to also inhibit protozoa’s (Entamoeba, Giardia, Leishmania,Trichomonas), fungi (Candida), and various bacteria (Bacillus dysenteriae etc.) (2, 3). This is another cooling herb and is not indicated for use during pregnancy.
Chamomile: .. a little white flower that brings calm just thinking about it. In this formula chamomile serves as a gentle, bitter carminative and I'll focus on that aspect of the plant here. It has a relatively complex flavor that is aromatic, sweet and bitter (Wood). It is a unique bitter plant in that it is also aromatic and contains volatile oils. This makes it a beautiful remedy for the digestive tract as it has the stimulating bitter compounds while also helping to relax and soothe via antispasmodic actions. Its spasmolytic action is particular to smooth muscle and helps greatly in alleviating spasms and cramping in the GI tract (4). The flavonoids in chamomile give is an inflammation modulating action. Allergies, intolerances, skin conditions.. all rooted in inflammation. The volatile oils in chamomile have been shown to have antimicrobial actions and inhibit and even kill microbes.
Fennel Seed: Fennel is such a recognizable and district aromatic herb. It is nourishing, revitalizing and rebuilds weakness. It is pungent and sweet. It warms the body and disperses energy. Carminative herbs like Fennel relieve intestinal pain, abdominal distention, indigestion, increase absorption, and dispel stagnated water, mucus, that congests the GI tract and prevents normal peristalsis (Frawley). It is warming, drying, relaxing, anti-inflammatory, and stimulates circulation. The essential oils of Fennel provide special support to the digestive system (Hoffman). Fennel is a mild diuretic that works to reduce edema and swelling due to water retention. With regards to the liver, it relaxes/dilates the hepatic artery, which is what supplies the liver with fresh oxygenated blood, aiding in its detoxification processes.
Licorice Root: Licorice root can be traced back as far as 3000 BC. It has a long and rich history of use! Its sweet flavor and moistening properties round out this formula beautifully. The flavonoid content in this plant makes it a potent antioxidant. Its soothing properties makes it itself useful for inflammatory conditions of the digestive tract such as leaky gut or irritation due to food allergens. Licorice has a wonderful detoxifying effect on liver cells and is known to temper toxic compounds. It also has a very effective anti-inflammatory action. There has been research to show that Licorice has an effect on the pituitary-adrenal axis that stimulates an immunostimulant and immune enhancing effect. It acts to reduce immune hyperactivity or dysregulation (Popham). It is also incredibly nourishing to a depleted nervous system.
Bitter Orange: Orange peel is aromatic and slightly tonic, but is seldom used except to cover the taste of disagreeable medicines or to lessen their tendency to nausea, and for these purposes it is frequently added to bitter tinctures (Felter and Lloyd). It is useful for indigestion, heartburn and low stomach acidity and related GI conditions (5). It has also been used to calm frazzled nerves. Bitter orange alongside chamomile are helpful prior to eating. When we are stressed out when we eat, we don't digest our food as well. It's important to try to ''rest and digest'' while we eat. It has also been used for high blood pressure.
Ginger: Ginger is pungent and aromatic. It is well known for its use for the digestive system. It stimulates digestion, circulation, relieves pain.. its uses seem endless! As a circulatory stimulant, Ginger brings blood flow from the core out to the periphery of the body, supporting the elimination of invading pathogens and metabolic byproducts that can stagnate in the interstitial fluids, lymph, and blood. This is particularly helpful for those with a depressed immune system, circulation, or have been sick for a long time (Popham). It’s also a wonderful carminative, dispelling excessive wind and air from the gastrointestinal tract while simultaneously improving digestion, nutrient assimilation, warming the digestive fire, and providing antimicrobial properties for gut bacterial imbalances. Also an important property is that it’s literally the best anti-emetic herb in the world, reducing the sensations of nausea and vomiting (Hoffman). Ginger is a “bio-enhancer,” meaning that it helps to optimize the absorption and assimilation of other nutrients and medicinal constituents. It is very effective for decreased secretions of pepsin and HCl in the stomach, enzymes and fluids in the small intestine, and simply a lack of overall digestive power. There is so much I can say about ginger but one last thing I will add is that it’s been shown to inhibit H. Pylori in the gut.
References:
Felter, Harvey Wickes M.D. and Lloyd, John Uri Phr. M., Ph. D. King's American Dispensatory, 1898.
Mase, Guido.The Wild Medicine Solution: Healing with Aromatic, Bitter and Tonic Plants. 2013
Wood, Matthew & Ryan, David. The Earthwise Herbal Repertory: The Definitive Practitioner's Guide. North Atlantic Books, 2016.
Frawley, David & Lad, Vasant. The Yoga of Herbs: An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine. Lotus Press, 2008.
Hoffmann, David. Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Healing Arts Press, 2017
Papham, Sajah. Evolutionary Herbalism.
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26129938/
2. https://academic.oup.com/jambio/article-abstract/134/11/lxad276/7442079?redirectedFrom=fulltext
3. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41429-021-00463-w
4. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874114000610
5. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304404659_Citrus_aurantium_Bitter_Orange_A_Review_of_its_Traditional_Uses_Phytochemistry_and_Pharmacology
