There used to be a time where I craved sweets like crazy! After every meal, I needed something to satiate the addiction. It was most likely due to some disharmony going on with my digestive system compounded with some major stressor at the time. Can anyone relate? 

When sweet cravings take over and the one flavor dominates, it can most definitely throw things off like blood sugar regulation, reproductive health, stable energy and mood. When sweet cravings are strong, it could mean that you’re not balancing out the 5 flavors in your meals; sweet, sour, salty, pungent and bitter. 

In Chapter 22 of the Neijing, it says that, “When the spleen suffers from dampness, quickly consume bitter to dry it.” It goes on to say, “When the lung suffers from qi rising contrary [to its regular course], quickly consume bitter to drain it.”

In culinary arts, we know that the bitter flavor is added to dishes to cut through any overwhelming flavors and to also to add complexity to the dish. Bitter stimulates your digestive juices. Our modern diets severely lack the bitter flavor.

Bitter presents a sharp and cooling temperature with a drying action. Although it is not commonly liked or used in the west, it’s a staple in many cultures and incorporated into almost every meal. In Chinese Medicine this flavor is related to the Fire element and is said to enter the heart and small intestine first. This flavor is great when moist or damp conditions such as mucus or phlegm start to cause swelling, bloating and congestion. 

The practice of taking bitters before meals stimulates digestion and can be used to treat sluggish digestion, curb cravings, and can help to move bile to relieve constipation. When my sweet cravings were really troublesome, I carried some homemade bitters in my purse and took a dropperful to counteract the overwhelming need for sweet treats. I don’t want to vilify the sweet flavor. We very much need it. Sweet helps to build blood and ease tension. It’s just when the cravings take over the other flavors that it becomes an unhealthy pattern.

Stock your Kitchen with Bitters

Note: This is not an exhaustive list ;)

Herbs & Spices: burdock root, chamomile, dandelion root, echinacea, elderflower, hops, marigold, nasturtium, rose, schisandra (five flavors), white pepper, yarrow, thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary, oregano, turmeric, ginger, dill, mint, saffron

Foods: Arugula, alfalfa sprouts, artichoke, asparagus, dandelion greens, mustard greens, radish greens, rhubarb, scallions, turnip, watercress, cacao, capers, citrus, bitter melon, buckwheat, rye, quinoa, oats, amaranth, vinegar, coffee, green tea, sesame seeds

Ingredients: 

• ¼ cup dried hawthorn berries

• ¼ cup dried dandelion root

• 1 tbsp fennel seeds

• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper

• ¼ cup whole hibiscus

• 1 tbsp artichoke leaves

• 2 tbsp coriander seeds

• 1 whole organic orange diced with peels and seeds

• ¼ to ½ cup of honey (to taste)

• 3 cups vodka

Tip: If you prefer a non-alcoholic base, you can substitute with raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar

Directions:

1. Place all the herbs, spices, and the orange in a 1-quart jar.

2. Add the desired amount of honey

3. Fill the jar with vodka. Stir well. Cover with a lid. If you’re doing apple cider vinegar, use a plastic lid. Shake daily.

4. Taste the bitters after 1 week. If the flavors have infused to your taste, strain the liquid, keeping the alcohol. If you’d like a stronger taste, leave it to infuse for another week. You can leave it to infuse for up to 6 weeks, but be sure to taste for the desired flavor weekly.

Bitters will last indefinitely. Store in a dark cool location away from sunlight.

Taking the Bitters

Take ½ teaspoon or 1 dropperful 15-20 minutes before a meal to help stimulate digestion. This can also be used to enjoy a low-alcohol cocktail when added to sparkling water.  

• If you tend to experience bloating, cramping, or IBS symptoms, take the bitters 15-20 minutes before meals.

• If you tend to experience indigestion, heartburn, nausea, or an upset stomach, Drink the bitters after meals.