WHY TAKE BITTERS?

When a bitter substance is recognized by bitter receptors on the tongue, a

chain of neural and endocrine events begins, labeled as the “bitter reflex.”

The taste is directed to the central nervous system, sending a message to the

gut causing the release of the digestive hormone gastrin.

This starts a chain reaction of healthy responses!

In the stomach, the hormone gastrin stimulates the secretion of hydrochloric

acid. This also protects the stomach mucus coating.

The acidity helps break down protein, enhances the bioavailability of many

minerals (especially calcium) and destroys any harmful microbes present in

your food.

Low levels of gastric acid contribute to poor nutrition and increased

susceptibility to gastrointestinal infections.

When we taste bitters our receptors say “ time to eat, time to wake up, time to

digest!!”

Tongue Map of Taste Receptors

A loanword from the Japanese (うま味 ?),

umami can be translated as "pleasant

savory taste".

https://www.urbanmoonshine.com/education/about-bitters/

Download the complete wheel at:

http://learningherbs.com/products/

taste-of-herbs-flavor-wheel/

View the complete article here http://www.herbcraft.org/bitters.pdf

I am a firm believer in Bitter Deficiency Syndrome; a notion that posits that much of the health woes faced by modern folk has at its root a lack of bitter flavor in the diet; and that many of the digestive problems for which we see bitters as a “remedy” are actually symptoms of deficiency of this flavor. Perhaps it is not right to think that bitters should be used to treat sluggish digestion, but that a lack of bitter flavor in one’s diet can be a cause of sluggish digestion. Perhaps many of the conditions calling for bitters as a remedy arise from their omission, not unlike rickets arises from a lack of vitamin D.

Contraindications and Considerations

Bitters are considered “cold” in energy in traditional herbcraft,

and long-term or heavy use is said to “cool the digestion,”

something not seen as desirable. This doesn’t mean their use

should be avoided, but that they can benefit from combining

them with a warming herb (ginger, for example), or by the use

of bitters that are also warming (like calamus or angelica).

Another consideration is that if a person is frequently bothered

by intestinal gas, pungent, aromatic, “carminative” herbs

(such as fennel, orange peel, chamomile, or anise) should be

added, as the volatile oils they contain possess a dispersive effect

and their use helps to expel gas.

What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise. ~Oscar Wilde

BITTERS STIMULATE THESE ORGANS

Bitters support your body’s ability to do its own job by prompting it to release

digestive enzymes. Digestive enzyme supplementation, however, side-steps

that function entirely. It skips our body’s healthy, natural process and instead

arrives at the end of the chain with a temporary fix from the outside world.

Digestion

The liver plays an active role in the process of digestion through the

production of bile. Bile is a mixture of water, bile salts, cholesterol, and

the pigment bilirubin. Bile travels through the bile ducts and is released

into the duodenum where it emulsifies large masses of fat. The

emulsification of fats by bile turns the large clumps of fat into smaller

pieces that have more surface area and are therefore easier for the body

to digest.

LIVER

Storage

The gallbladder acts as a storage vessel for bile produced by the liver.

Bile is slowly concentrated by absorption of water through the walls of the

gallbladder. The gallbladder stores this concentrated bile until it is needed to

digest the next meal.

Stimulation

Foods rich in proteins or fats are more difficult for the body to digest when

compared to carbohydrate-rich foods . The walls of the duodenum contain sensory

receptors that monitor the chemical makeup of chyme (partially digested food) that

passes through the pyloric sphincter into the duodenum. When these cells detect

proteins or fats, they respond by producing the hormone cholecystokinin (CCK).

CCK enters the bloodstream and travels to the gallbladder where it stimulates the

smooth muscle tissue in the walls of the gallbladder.

GALLBLADDER

Digestion

The pancreas plays a major role in the digestion of food. The stomach slowly

releases partially digested food into the duodenum as a thick, acidic liquid called

chyme.

Pancreatic juice is a mixture of water, salts, bicarbonate, and many different

digestive enzymes. The bicarbonate ions present in pancreatic juice neutralize the

acid in chyme to protect the intestinal wall and to create the proper environment for

the functioning of pancreatic enzymes. The pancreatic enzymes each specialize in

digesting specific compounds found in chyme.

ancreatic amylase breaks large polysaccharides like starches and glycogen

Trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidase are protein-digesting enzymes

Pancreatic lipase is a lipid-digesting enzyme that breaks large triglyceride

molecules into fatty acids and monoglycerides.

Ribonuclease and deoxyribonuclease are nucleases, or enzymes that digest

nucleic acids.

PANCREAS

Digestion

Digestion in the stomach can be divided into 2 classes: mechanical digestion

and chemical digestion. Mechanical digestion is the physical division of a mass

of food into smaller masses while chemical digestion is the chemical

conversion of larger molecules into smaller molecules.

Hormonal control

The activity of the stomach is under the control of several hormones that

regulate the production of stomach acid and the release of food into the

duodenum.

STOMACH

Dose before eating if your digestive issues are from the ribcage down…issues like

constipation, intestinal burning, chronic loose stools, or skin breakouts, then you want to

send the bitters into action prior to eating to get the digestive tract primed.

Dose after eating if your digestion problems come up from the stomach, like

belching, acidic stomach, and burning in the esophagus.

Using bitters often not only gives an immediate digestive response, but it also works on a

deeper level to build and enhance digestive response over time. So commit to trying it for

a month.

When To Avoid Digestive Bitters

Those with ulcers are advised not to use bitters, as they can aggravate an ulcerated

stomach.

Pregnant & nursing Mamas have to use some caution when choosing a bitters

formula. Most commercial formulas contain herbs that are contraindicated in pregnancy or

nursing.

SOME BITTER TIPS

Bitter Digestive Pastilles COMBINE •½ tsp Angelica root powder •¼ tsp gentian root powder •¼ tsp coriander powder •¼ tsp orange peel powder •¼ tsp ginger powder •1/8 tsp black pepper ( freshly ground)

•Gently warm about 1 tsp honey ( if too solid for mixing)

•MIX the powders and honey. When mixed it should hold together. •ROLL into pea size balls •ROLL in the fennel powder and sea salt •STORE in airtight container •ENJOY one 15 minutes before your meal

•Coating 1 tsp fennel powder •1/8 tsp fine sea salt

Rose Pastilles 4 tsp. rose powder 4 tsp. dandelion root powder or Dandy Blend

1 tsp. cardamom powder Approx. 4 tsp. honey

Add honey to dried herbs and mix into a very stiff paste. Shape into small balls or lozenges and roll in additional rose powder. Let air-dry for 24-48 hours. Store in an airtight container Makes approx. 40 pastilles

Cocoa-Mint Pastilles 5 tsp. natural cocoa powder 3 tsp. peppermint leaf, powdered

Approx. 1 Tbsp. honey

Add honey to dry ingredients and mix into a very stiff paste. Shape into small balls or lozenges and roll in additional cocoa powder. Let air-dry for 24-48 hours. Store in an airtight container Makes 26-30 pastilles

TAMMY’S LOVELY PASTILLE RECIPES

After –Dinner Digestif Lozenges

•4 parts organic maple or coconut sugar

•2 parts organic cardamom powder

•1 part organic ginger root powder

•1 part organic licorice root powder

•1 part organic acacia powder

•Distilled water

•Mix dry ingredients in a bowl. Use a glass dropper to add one dropperful of

liquid at a time.

•Keep adding liquid until the mixture holds together.

•Form into small balls the size of pencil erasers. They will be strong.

• Coat the outside with additional licorice powder if desired.

• Allow to dry on a plate for a few days.

•Store in a glass jar

Yellow Gentian (Gentiana lutea) a classic cooling bitter herb used for high fevers,

getting rid of parasites and for promoting digestion.

Angelica (Angelica archangelica) Angelica is bitter and aromatic, both of which

are important for healthy digestion.

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) Coriander is the seed of the cilantro plants

helps improve the flavor. It’s also used as a carminative to relieve minor digestive

complaints such as gas and bloating.

Orange Peel (Citrus sinensis) used to decrease phlegm and promote digestion.

Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) Aromatic, warming, digestion, anti-oxident,

Immune system

Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) Fennel is commonly used to relieve stagnant

digestion such as gas and bloating.

Salt is an important part of our diet and can promote good digestion. Salt

stimulates appetite and provides nutrients necessary for the formation of

digestive excretions.

BITTER HERBS USED IN PASTILLES

Chamomile : Matricaria chamomilla. A mild bitter herb used as a sedative and

antispasmodic. Its curative properties include relief of both fever and restlessness.

Dandelion : Taraxacum. A mild bitter herb used as a blood cleanser and diuretic.

Also said to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Angelica: (Angelica archangelica) Angelica is bitter and aromatic, both of which are

important for healthy digestion.

Black Pepper :(Piper nigrum) It’s a warming spice that builds our digestive fires and

it increases the bio-availability of nutrients in our foods and herbal formulas.

Oregon Grape:(Mahonia aquifolium) bitter, cool, dry antimicrobial, berberine

(natural antibiotic) hepatic (liver support),h-pylori, MERSA,

Cardamom: (Elettaria cardamomum) Carminative can “warm up” the bitters blend

and give it a more nuanced and enjoyable flavor.

HERBS USED FOR MAKING OUR HERBAL BITTERS

Orange Peel: (Citrus sinensis) used to decrease phlegm and promote digestion.

Ginger root: (Zingiber officinale) Aromatic, warming, digestion, antioxident, Immune

Burdock root: (Arctium lappa) Liver support

HERBS USED FOR MAKING OUR HERBAL BITTERS

To honor our friend Carol Jacobs The following 7 pages of humorous writings, cute drawings and healthy bitter recipes were presented to our guild in September 2013 by our great herbalist friend and mentor Carol Jacobs. This bitters class started with a rousing sing-a-long: “A spoonful of bitters makes the sugars go down” , so many times that it stuck in our memory!! She was an ardent plant lover, herbalist and naturalist. She loved to share her extensive knowledge at many events in the Midwest. Many of us were blessed to know her and to learn so much from her. Sadly she went on to that great herbal heaven in the sky a couple years ago but her laughter, joy and humor in teaching will be remembered forever. These may be downloaded from: http://www.nchg.org/nchg_teachers.html#CarolJacobs_092013

The best way to bring bitterness into your life is to incorporate the bitter taste of

nutrient dense greens into your salads and soups.

Dark, Leafy Greens (kale, dandelion leaf, arugula)

Chicory

Dandelion root

Burdock root wormwood

Arugula collard greens

radicchio mustard greens

frisee green dill

Bitter melon Jerusalem artichoke

endive cocoa

Citrus peel coffee

Grapefruit Mint

Cress Beer

olives hops

Coffee

Coriander

Brussels sprouts bitter herbal tea blends

Horehound

BITTER FOODS TO ADD TO YOUR MEALS

SELENA’S HERBAL CHAI TEA

ASTRAGALUS: digestion,

immune system, raises

metabolism

CODONOPSIS: adaptogen,

stress, stimulant ,stomachic,

the other ginseng

ORANGE PEEL: warm

pungent, blood purifier,

carminative

ALLSPICE: aromatic,

carminative, warm pungent

Use 1 QT. water and simmer for one hour ( can use crock pot overnight)

START WITH DESIRED AMOUNT OF ASTRAGALUS (15 slices) AND

CODONOPSIS (2 TBS) THEN ADD THE SPICES TO TASTE

Bitters and Heart Health: Emerging Research by Guido Masé, September 1, 2016

Read the complete article:

https://www.urbanmoonshine.com/blog/bitters-heart-health-emerging-research/

The following page is an excerpt from the article on Urban

Moonshines website.

The first benefit everyone notices from trying herbal bitters is improved digestion.

You feel it right away– the tongue awakens, your brow furrows, and in a few minutes a

familiar rumble begins in the belly. Bitters make themselves known. But as we keep finding,

the injection of digestive prowess that follows a bitter taste stimulus is just the tip of the

iceberg.

Bitter taste receptors (part of a group of cell-surface receptors known as G-protein- coupled

receptors, specifically of the T2R subfamily) are found almost everywhere in the body, and

we are developing a new understanding about their importance in a range of functions:

digestion and liver function, to be sure, but also immunity, blood sugar balance, mood, and

most recently, cardiovascular function.

We first started seeing evidence of this fact when herbalist Julie Whitehouse and others

reported that the strong digestive bitters like gentian (Gentiana lutea) and wormwood

(Artemisia absinthium) supported the shift in blood flow to digestive organs that occurs after

a meal3, helping the heart shunt blood to where it’s most needed without the rise in blood

pressure4 that accompanies a meal without bitters.

Based on new evidence, it seems clear that bitters are more generally cardio-protective,

regulating the strength and intensity of the heartbeat and helping to strengthen a failing

heart. This is of course something most good herbalists already understand, since it is a

well-known tenet of traditional Chinese medicine: the bitter flavor is considered an important

part of regulating and strengthening the heart, or fire, phase. But it is always interesting to

note when modern research uncovers some of the mechanisms behind this age-old

wisdom.

Special Announcement:

Dear NCHG members,

My boyfriend is a metalworker based in St. Paul and he's making a small batch of

high quality tincture presses to sell to other members of the herbal community.

The presses will be 3" diameter x 3.5" tall, about 4 oz.- 8 oz. capacity, and the

components are all food-grade stainless steel. The price is $100 and the presses

will be ready by the end of January. Below are photos and video of the first

prototype — the final version will have a few modifications including a welded top

piece and a squatter shape. Please let me know if you might be interested in

purchasing one, or if you have any questions — you can reach me at

saracelia@gmail.com.

Thanks! Sara Nelson,

NCHG member

Youtube links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SXX3lElnTA&feature

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmaBYDKJITg&feature=youtu.be

TONIGHT SARA WILL DEMO THE TINCTURE PRESS

FRONT PAGE Sign up on the www.nchg.org website for the

NEWSLETTER

MEETINGS – the 2017 schedule with information on the class and speaker and all

past meetings

CLASSES- Check out local herbalist upcoming classes and their links

LINKS -provide access to many local working herbalist and locations

SUPPORTERS -show those who contribute to our Silent Auction and as presenters

at the guild meetings

JOIN-Renew or join the guild on line or via USPS

CONTACT- send us a message (NCHG does not refer nor do we give medical

advice.)

DONATE- your membership and attendance keeps us going!!

THANK YOU

For more information on the plants available OR to volunteer go to www.friendsschoolplantsale.com ***Volunteers get to shop early- Thursday, May 11

WORLD FIRE CIDER DAY OF ACTION

February 2, 2017

FOR MORE INFORMATION: TRADITION NOT TRADEMARK FACEBOOK’S

PAGE

ALSO SAGE MOUNTAIN HERBALS RETREAT CENTER

THIINGS YOU CAN DO

TALK TO YOUR RETAILERS AND COOPS TO CARRY LOCAL FIRECIDER

SIGN A PETITION

HTTPS://WWW.CHANGE.ORG\P\SHIRE-CITY-HERBALS-REVOKE-FIRE-

CIDER-TRADEMARK

Intention Paired with Midwestern Herbal Practices:

Discovery of a Multi-Directional Energetic Exchange System

Marie Long, MAED, MA

View the complete article on www.nchg.org

Both herbal medicine and intention have been studied separately in their own

distinct fields. To date, there is no systematic documentation regarding the pairing of

herbal medicine and intention and how they work together in practice. In this study, four

multi-directional energetic themes manifested from intention: energetic connections,

plant intelligence, plant relationship, and practitioner as interpreter. To formulate the four

themes contribution to the discovery, I describe intention as an energetic exchange

system and its relationship to both Quantum Complex Systems Theory and Holism.

Next, I illustrate the depiction of the triangular relationship between plant, client, and

practitioner. Finally, I recount the major themes with anecdotal support from the

interviews as seen in the practitioner and plant relationship, plant intelligence and

ultimately the role of the practitioner as interpreter in the healing process establishing

the discovery of intention as a dynamic energy exchange system.

BRUCE BACON from the Garden Farme looking for live-in help

• Wanting to ask and invite a student or practitioner [or couple] with flexible living circumstances for mid-winter help at Garden Farme. My housemate moved to town unexpectedly, my cousin was called to his family house in Idaho, and the resident intern suffered Nov breakdown. I am here solo w 2 sweet dogs, 2 scaredy cats and mostly wood stove.

• I am hopeful someone will consider possibility of temporary residence during Feb, March for household support and caretaking. I have a few medical appointments coming up, and legal appointments, and several evening meetings. No rent, 30 miles to downtown, bus and commuter rail lines to Anoka.

• Clean guest room upstairs, indoor plumbing, Quiet, no tv, wi-fi, bird feeder, Pileated Woodpecker visits yard.

• FB Garden Farme w many pix, or FB Bruce Bacon.

•

• land line ph 763-753-5099; cell 763-438-1001

• Bruce Bacon <bbacon@mtn.org>

• Best wishes, Peace and Love

• "LET'S MAKE OUR SOIL GREAT AGAIN"