"Bitters ONLY work (to stimulate stomach acid) if they contact the tongue. The whole concept of bitters is that they will stimulate the tongue's bitter receptors, which in turn stimulates the vagus nerve. This in turn increases stomach acid, bile and enzyme release.
This requires actually tasting the bitterness though. When you take bitters in a capsule form the bitter receptors are not stimulated, so the vagus nerve is not stimulated and therefore it does not increase stomach acid, bile or enzymes."
[ 05-08-2011, 12:10 AM: Message edited by: canefan17 ]
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
So then it is good for my digestion that I open herb capsules and put the powder on my tongue... Thanks!
Posted by chiquita incognita (Member # 30381) on :
Thanks Canefan! Very sharp...yay!!!
There are different schools of thought about this in herbalism.
The one school says that the tongue receptor stimulation is key for results.
The other school says that the herbs will work even in absence of such direct tongue contact.
The proof is in the pudding. Your own body will tell you whether or not it is working.
Bitters stimulate bile flow from the liver, which breaks down fats and cholesterols, aids detox to some extent, and aids digestion in general.
The balance of it is key however. Too little bile will result in digestive stagnation. Too much of it will result in hyperacidity.
If you become hyperacidic after taking bitter herbs, stop taking them. They may not be for you.
The good news is that they can help to tonify the nervous system too over time. Much indicated in lyme.
Further reading: Natural Therapy for your Liver
Best wishes, CI ps thanks again for this Canefan, this is fantastic.
Posted by canefan17 (Member # 22149) on :
Ya good points.
Don't think there are too many Lymies though who have to worry about hyper-acidity : )