The Wild Medicine Solution by Guido Masé

Author:Guido Masé
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Tags: Health/Herbalism
Publisher: Inner Traditions / Bear & Company
Published: 2013-03-21T04:00:00+00:00

Research has examined the use of bitter plants in humans in the same conditions for which they’ve always been famous: regulation of digestive function, improvement of liver function, regulation of blood glucose, and improvement in hypersensitivity diseases, such as allergies and asthma.

Gentian root, an old standby, was administered to a group of 205 patients with a range of dyspeptic, or “bad-belly,” symptoms, including nausea and vomiting, heartburn, gas and bloating, spasmodic pain, and constipation. All were quickly and effectively relieved.53 Liquids containing both gentian and wormwood (another classic bitter) stimulated gastric and pancreatic enzyme secretions, as well as bile release from the liver.54 Even the humble (but bitter) dandelion was lauded for its effects on incomplete digestion, gas, and bloating.55

Bitter preparations rich in flavo-lignans from milk thistle are now world-renowned liver protectants. They are the best (and only) antidote to poisoning from the deathcap mushroom, Amanita phalloides, which kills by liquefying the liver over the course of forty-eight hours (Mithridates would be proud—of both). They are also quite useful in the management of cirrhosis, a slower kind of poisoning that is usually brought on by alcohol.56 But even simple preparations featuring only bitter artichoke leaves still exert an action that is both liver-protective and digestion-enhancing in humans.57 Extensive pharmacological research underpins the use of classic bitter herbs, such as dandelion,58 in supporting liver health and improving its ability to detoxify poison.

Certain plants, such as bitter melon (Momordica), are exceptional antidiabetic agents, comparable to conventional medication (though milder).59 Even relatively abundant bitter constituents, such as chlorogenic acid (found in everything from chicory root to garden lettuce), reduce blood glucose after eating sugar, exerting their effects in part through the liver.60 And we have seen clear evidence that stimulating T2R receptors has a profound influence on hormones that govern insulin sensitivity in human beings. Bitters may be milder than conventional drugs in managing diabetes but, if taken habitually, they still have therapeutic applicability.61 They certainly appear to be excellent preventive agents. They have these powers by virtue of a positive rearrangement of the xenobiome, providing needed cues for balanced metabolic activity.

Finally, there has been some interesting human research lately that is exploring the ability of bitters to manage inflammation and irritation beyond the gut. Plants such as milk thistle, gentian, burdock, and yellowdock are featured in discussions of allergies, sinusitis, asthma, and generalized inflammation.62 This all makes sense from the analysis of the key components of our metabolism and the crucial role bitters seem to play in the health of the liver and digestive tract. When these organs are happy, processing what we ingest with vigor and efficiency, we are generally happier. But perhaps more important, there is less inflammation in all our tissues, and we suffer fewer effects from toxins and irritants. How crucial this is in today’s world! Like a strong fire that burns hot and clean, we want our metabolism to process food with a sense of purpose and an almost passionate engagement. We can get there by rising to the challenge the bitter flavor offers.

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