Bitter Taste

As we’ve learned, each particular taste influences us in many ways, creating either therapeutic or unbalancing actions in our system. Let us now explore the bitter taste, it’s various qualities, the role it plays in the digestive process, as well as the effects it has on our body, mind and spirit.

 The bitter taste is made up primarily of the ether and air elements. Its qualities are cool, light and dry. It it cleansing and helps bring balance to those whose constitutions are predominantly fire, water and earth, while potentially aggravating those who have more of the air and ether elements.

 In terms of digestion, the bitter taste is the 5th taste we want to consume in a meal, however, it’s the one taste that is most lacking in the North American diet. During digestion, there’s the presence of bitter bile in the ileum, the longest part of the small intestine. The quality of air helps cool the body, reduce any heat, and quickens the absorption of food.

 When we eat something bitter, the taste buds in the center and back part of the tongue become active and send a message to the related organs, which are the liver, pancreas and spleen.

Some examples of foods and ingredients with a bitter taste:

• Vegetables: leafy greens, kale, collards, dandelion, arugula, watercress, eggplant, artichokes, jicama, endive, brussels sprouts, broccoli, rhubarb, rutabaga, fennel, red bell pepper, cucumber.
• Fruits: bitter melon and gourd, orange peel, grapefruit, lemon, plums.
• Herbs /Spices: turmeric, dill, safron, aloe vera, fenugreek, neem, basil, sandalwood.
• Nuts & Seeds: sesame seeds, acorn and pumpkin seeds.
• Other: coffee, dark chocolate, cacao, beer, green & black teas, molasses, barley, rye sesame and olive oils.

The bitter taste is antibacterial, antiviral, reduces fat and toxins and kills germs. When used moderately, in a small dose, it can relieve intestinal gas and works as a digestive tonic. It helps stimulate firmness of the skin and muscles, as well as relieves itching, swelling and burning sensations.

In addition, the bitter taste is anti-inflammatory, reduces fever, stimulates the nervous system and is cleansing to the liver. It also helps support the pancreas which is why bitter herbs are sometimes given to those with high blood sugar.

By itself, bitter can be nauseating. In excess, it can dehydrate, deplete the bodily tissues and cause dizziness, extreme dryness, roughness and emaciation. Overconsumption can reduce bone marrow and lead to osteoporosis, as well as limit sperm production.

Psychologically, the bitter taste can reduce desires, make the mind withdraw from the outer world of temptation and become more inwardly focused and introverted. It can promote clarity and introspection, as well as consciousness and self-awareness.

Emotionally, the bitter taste promotes a healthy detachment from worldly things. Too much bitter taste, however, can make a person cynical and boring. It can create isolation, separation and loneliness, as well as lead to rejection.

Please continue to watch this space as we conclude this series with the astringent taste.