Healthy bitters have been used as a supplemental health aide for centuries. In 1098, Hildegard of Bingen was born. Among her many contributions, Hildegard was a healer and spiritual mystic credited with developing a nutritional philosophy, including the use and benefits of bitter herbs. In the 1800s, bitters were considered cure-all elixirs that could benefit the consumer in almost any way conceivable. And now, in the present day, bitters remain used to make cocktails and are slowly becoming recognized once again for the health benefits that Hildegard of Bingen had proported many centuries ago.
At Healthy Hildegard, we remain advocates for natural bitters and their use in modern diets — not only because Hildegard of Bingen’s teaching speaks to the natural healing benefits of bitters, but also because of our firsthand experience.
In our age of abundance, bitters have systematically phased-out of modern diets. With all of Hildegard’s wisdom, and the aggregate knowledge that succeeded her, we inherently know of the various health benefits associated with bitter herbs and vegetables. However, our modern diets and modern palates prioritize taste over health benefits. As a result, we often seek the immediate reward of sweet and savory foods over bitter foods.
A Bitters Tablet with Natural Bitters
In response to the trend of abandoning natural bitters in modern diets, our team here at Healthy Hildegard has identified a natural bitters tablet that allows you include healthy bitters in your diet without having to include them in your meals. By simply taking one to two tablets before each meal, you ingest healthy bitters made using natural bitters, such as gentian root, angelica root, ginger root, artichoke leaf, galangal root, cinnamon bark, cardamom seed, and milk thistle seed.
While most people are beginning to realize once again that bitters are a natural health supplement that they could benefit from, most are not as aware of how the bitters are individually benefiting them. Because of this, we will speak more to the power of natural bitters below.
Bitters For Digestion
If you have read any of the nutritional bitters resources on our website, you likely already know the influence that natural bitter herbs and vegetables can have on the digestive system. Bitters, when ingested react with your body — sending it signals to optimize its digestive process. When the bitter herbs, vegetables, or supplemental tablets make contact with the tongue and the upper end of the gastrointestinal tract, signals trigger to stimulate the production of helpful saliva and gastric juices.
Because the bitters cause the human body to produce saliva and gastric juices, multiple parts of the digestive process are optimized and influenced to operate more efficiently. If you are looking to have a positive impact on your digestive health, the following digestive bitters might help.
Natural Digestive Bitters:
Bitters For Inflammation & Immunity
While natural bitters sourced from herbs and vegetables are known by many to have incredible digestive properties, it is not as commonly known that bitters can also have a positive impact on the reduction of inflammation and the strengthening of immune system function.
Much like digestive bitters, bitters that influence the reduction of inflammation and the strengthening of the immune system send signals to the body when they come in contact with bitters receptors located on the tongue and in the stomach. The body knows to modulate the immune system and increase blood flow to address active inflammation and provide protection from viral and bacterial sources.
Natural Anti-Inflammatory & Immune System Support Bitters:
- Barberry
- Angelica
- Chamomile
Bitters for Sugar & Appetite Control
If there is one thing over-consumed in modern diets, it is sugar. Sugars are complex, difficult to break down, and overall pretty terrible for your health. Luckily, consuming natural bitters can help curb your sugar cravings — limiting the sweet appeal many of us have developed over time.
In addition to helping curb sugar cravings, the ingestion of natural bitters can also help to control overeating. In fact, a study has found that those who consumed natural bitters in the form of quinine, consumed fewer calories than those who were on a placebo drug. Another study supported the claim that bitters can help control overeating by curbing appetite and stimulating the production of gastrointestinal hormones.
Natural Bitters for Sugar & Appetite Control:
- Artichoke leaf
- Citrus peel
- Licorice root
- Gentian root
Bitters For Liver Health
The liver is an incredibly important organ that serves an important purpose of detoxifying our bodies and regulating our metabolic processes. Bitters can help boost liver function by stimulating the detoxification process and helping the liver operate more efficiently. In fact, one study that was conducted on animals found that artichoke leaf, an excellent source of natural bitters, actually helped protect the liver and help the liver’s cells to regenerate.
Unlike medicine that addresses liver health, natural bitters simply trigger the production of healthy hormones and enzymes and prompt the body to better coordinate the metabolism of sugars and fats.
Natural Bitters For Liver Health
- Artichoke leaf
- Silymarin
- Dandelion root
- Chicory root
Supplement Your Health Naturally With Bitters
At Healthy Hildegard, we are huge advocates for natural bitters and their place in modern diets. Because of this, we have identified a bitters tablet inspired by Hildegart that contains eight naturally sourced bitters, most of which were discussed in conjunction with their health benefits above. So what are you waiting for? Supplement your diet today with Hildegard’s Original Bitters Tablets!
If you have any questions about natural bitters, how they might benefit you, and how you can better include them within your diet and health regimen, we urge you to get in contact with a member of our team today!