Bitter substances and their herbal teas
Bitter compounds are natural plant substances. They stimulate the digestive system, contribute to deacidification, stop food cravings, and much more. Bitter compounds are very effective, but unfortunately they are becoming less and less common in modern diets.
In herbal medicine, bitter substances are used in small quantities for therapeutic purposes in the form of teas, fresh plant mixtures, or capsules.
The following plants rich in bitter compounds can be used as tea:
- Wormwood
- Dandelion
- Green tea
- Yarrow
In addition to bitter plants, there are also many foods that contain bitter substances:
- Sugar cane
- Chicory
- Endive
- Arugula
- Brussels sprouts
- Olives
- Grapefruit
Bitter compounds are sensitive to heat, which can affect their bitterness. They should therefore be eaten raw or only steamed briefly.
To allow the bitter compounds to have a positive effect on digestion, they should be taken before or after eating: if taken 10 to 30 minutes before eating, they optimally prepare the digestive system for food processing. After eating, they help with feelings of fullness, flatulence, or abdominal pain, so that you quickly feel active again and less sluggish.
When the bitter substances take effect is very individual: some people feel an improvement after the first dose, e.g., because they no longer feel bloated after eating or because they simply feel lighter and more alert. Others may only notice a change after several weeks of regular use, depending on the condition of their digestive system and the symptoms they are experiencing.
We offer various bitter teas in our pharmacy or can prepare a fresh plant mixture for you. Come by and let us advise you.