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Herbs and Health: Bitter is Better

Our bitter taste buds are located on the very back of our tongues. As far as the North American diet goes, they are not a part of our palates that we activate very often. This is unfortunate, because bitter herbs are a potent natural medicine with both preventative and curative powers. Bitters are digestive stimulants. They stimulate digestive function by increasing saliva production and promoting stomach acid and the production of digestive enzymes.

Once a bitter herb, oil, or tincture is ingested, a series of physiological responses take place. Certain reflexes are triggered once the bitter taste is transmitted to our central nervous system. At that time, our bodies begin various digestive processes:

Digestive juices are stimulated from the exocrine glands of the mouth, stomach, pancreas and liver
Bile production increases from the liver as does the release of bile from the gallbladder (which in turn helps the body assimilate fats)
Psychological effects are enhanced and bitters may even acting as mild antidepressants
Peristalsis increases, an action that moves waste through the intestine through muscular contractions
The stomach wall’s self-repair mechanisms are stimulated

The overall effect of bitter herbs on increased liver activity aids the body in the very important detoxification process that filters harmful substances from the body. Next time you sit down for a meal, consider starting with a bitter herb salad to help your entire digestive process along.

Rocolla Savory Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

Simply wash a few handfuls of rocolla and/or savory and set aside.

In a small bowl combine 6 tablespoons of your favorite citrus juice (lemon, grapefruit, orange). Optionally you can add in a dash of Dijon mustard. Slowly pour in a ¼ cup of your favorite olive oil while whisking. Add salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the vinaigrette over you salad and let the juices flow!