Why Bitters?
Bitters are ancient restorative tonics that can support digestion and well-being through the properties of the herbs they are flavored with. The fact that they taste great in drinks and food is an added bonus! They can be used a few dashes or dropperfuls at a time to flavor drinks and food, and can also be taken in a small amount of water or straight on the tongue for use as a digestive aid.
They are strong but tasty concoctions that work magic, beginning with our tastebuds. Through a series of chain reactions, they prime and ignite the digestive process, healing and balancing a multitude of issues within our bodies as the result. They can work long term on specific systems and connections, like the gut-brain axis, and also on acute digestive issues, like heartburn, bloating and nausea.
Legend has it that thousands of years ago, an ancient, paranoid king set to work to develop an antidote to poison. The formula consisted of the bitter plants of the region, plus a little honey for good measure. Over time, this potion made its way across the region, passing through the hands of many healers who added their own bitter elements and other restorative herbs. This soon became known as a tonic cure-all, and the basic template--a lot of intense bitter, a little aromatic highlight, a touch of balancing sweet--is what we still follow today.
The way bitters work to aid our digestion is an evolutionary process stemming from these ancient times when plants were unadulterated, before modern agricultural practices started messing with their natural defenses. Back before all the poisonous ones were identified many of these plants came with intense bitter flavors to deter insects, animals and our ancestral foragers. Upon ingesting them, our ancestor’s digestive systems would kick into overdrive, stimulating the protective defenses, working to produce the juices and enzymes needed to process what was perceived to be harmful, before any harm was done--thus it being the king’s universal antidote.
Over all this time we’ve adapted to these bitter elements, most cultures worldwide even making them part of a well-rounded meal and long standing tradition. Aperitifs and digestifs are built into the mealtime experience, bitter greens are served on plates as more than just a pretty garnish. However, in our overindulged, overprocessed, sugar-fat-salt obsessed western diet, they have been long forgotten, and an alarming and drastic array of digestive issues have become commonplace ailments in our healthcare system.
Not only are our tongues loaded with bitter taste receptors, they are found throughout our entire digestive system as well. When the bitter flavors hit our tongues, this stimulates nerves--most notably the vagus nerve--which sends a signal to some of our most vital digestive organs--the pancreas, liver and gallbladder--telling them to produce digestive fluids and enzymes to get to work on the food we are about to ingest.
A happy, well-functioning digestive process leads to optimal gut health, which leads to better immune function, and mental wellness through what is commonly referred to as the gut-brain axis. Our digestive system and brains are linked through this complex communication highway. A happy gut equals a happy brain!
You will find that over time your body will begin to crave these bitter flavors, you’ll find yourself making the bitter-tasting ritual a part of your regular mealtime experience, an anticipated part of your day, one your whole body will look forward to and thank you for.
Ways to enjoy:
Use a dropperful straight on your tongue
Mix a dropperful in ½ ounce of water
Add a few dropperfuls to sparkling water for a refreshing alternative to other less-than-healthy beverages.
Add a few dropperfuls to your favorite cocktail, or experiment and create a new favorite!
Everyone’s tastebuds are different so experiment with your own flavor thresholds and ENJOY THE BITTER LIFE!