Herbcast The Power of Bitter Herbs: Unlocking Their Role in Digestion, Hormones & Energy with Guido Masé
Jul 1, 2024
Guido Masé, a celebrated herbalist and educator, explores the fascinating world of bitter herbs and their numerous benefits. He discusses how these herbs can enhance digestion, support metabolic health, and regulate hormonal balance. Guido dives into the evolutionary significance of bitter taste receptors, their role in appetite regulation, and their surprising presence throughout the body. He also highlights how integrating bitters into modern diets can boost resilience and improve overall wellness, making a strong case for re-embracing these flavorful plants.
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Rapid Neural Reflexes Improve Digestion
- Bitters trigger neural reflexes that increase saliva and downstream digestive secretions via cranial nerves and the vagus.
- They also increase stomach acid, mucus, pancreatic enzymes and bile to improve chemical digestion and reduce fermentation.
Dose According To Goal: Taste vs. Ingest
- For a quick digestive priming, put two to three drops on the tongue and then eat so the reflex is activated without swallowing large bitter doses.
- For systemic metabolic or liver benefits, take higher concentrated bitters (about 5 ml) before meals so they reach intestinal receptors.
Motility Effects Keep Food In Stomach
- Bitters increase contractility in the upper GI and tighten sphincters, keeping food in the stomach to allow fuller digestion.
- Proper digestion reduces unmetabolized carbs entering the small intestine and prevents fermentative gas and dysbiosis.
