L10 Ayurveda Herbs - Bitter

Question 1

What is the bitter taste called?

Answer 1

Tikta

Question 2

Which elements are associated with the bitter taste?

Answer 2

Air and Ether

Question 3

List the qualities associated with the bitter taste.

Answer 3

• Cool
• Light
• Dry

Question 4

What effects does the bitter taste have on tissues?

Answer 4

Reduces, dries, and depletes tissues

Question 5

What are the important health benefits of the bitter taste?

Answer 5

• Anti-inflammatory
• Detoxifying
• Anti-microbial
• Anti-parasitic

Question 6

How does the bitter taste affect the mind and emotions?

Answer 6

Cleanses the mind and emotions

Question 7

Name some herbs that are classified as bitter.

Answer 7

• Neem
• Andrographis
• Golden seal
• Berberis
• Gentian

Question 8

What is a notable property of golden seal?

Answer 8

Potent anti-inflammatory and anti-parasite herb

It is an endangered species and should be used with care

Question 9

What stimulates the production of gastric juice?

Answer 9

The bitter taste

Bitter taste receptors trigger digestive processes.

Question 10

What do bitter receptors in the GIT trigger?

Answer 10

Secretion of bile and pancreatic enzymes

This action is known as cholagogue.

Question 11

How do bitter substances affect digestive power?

Answer 11

Increase digestive power in small amounts

Recommended dosage is 10–15 drops tincture on the tongue or in a little water before meals.

Question 12

What can excessive consumption of bitter herbs cause?

Answer 12

Gas, bloating, low appetite, cramps

These side effects occur with high intake of bitter substances.

Question 13

What are Western ‘bitter tonics’ known for?

Answer 13

Vitalising and nourishing by increasing digestive processes

An example of a bitter tonic is gentian.

Question 14

What are the effects of the bitters on the blood ?

Answer 14

• Purifying
• Strongly detoxifying
• Heat-clearing

Question 15

In addition to blood purifying, how do bitters aid detoxification?

Answer 15

Colon elimination (mild laxative effects)
Kidney elimination (diuretic effect)

Question 16

How do bitters affect glucose metabolism?

Answer 16

Blood purifying actions regulate
* glucose metabolism,
* insulin resistance
* sweet/carb cravings*

*Ex Gymnema sylvestre the ‘sugar destroyer’

Question 17

What is the effect of gymnema?

Answer 17

Regulates insulin resistance and sweet/carb cravings

Ayurveda name means ‘sugar destroyer’. Just 5 drops will destroy the ability to taste sweet.

Question 18

What are the properties of neem?

Answer 18

Strong anti-microbial and antiseptic

Twigs used as toothbrushes

Question 19

What is the topical use of neem?

Answer 19

Used for secondary infections

Question 20

Fill in the blank: Many blood purifiers promote kidney elimination with a _______ effect.

Answer 20

diuretic

Question 21

What taste cools and clears Pitta heat and damp?

Answer 21

Bitter

Bitter taste is crucial for balancing Pitta aggravation.

Question 22

Which taste is the most important for Pitta inflammation, burning sensations, and infections?

Answer 22

Bitter

Bitter taste helps alleviate these Pitta-related issues.

Question 23

Bitter promotes the function of which Pitta organ ?

Answer 23

Liver

The liver plays a key role in managing Pitta.

Question 24

What effect does bitter taste have on Kapha?

Answer 24

Dries and clears Kapha moisture and congestion

An example of a bitter herb is dandelion leaf.

Question 25

For Kapha, which taste should be focused on predominantly?

Answer 25

Pungent ## Footnote Bitter is considered secondary for Kapha.

Question 26

What is the effect of bitter on Vata?

Answer 26

Very aggravating ## Footnote Bitter is characterized as cold, light, drying, and depleting.

Question 27

What are the excess effects of bitter on the body?

Answer 27

Coldness, emaciation, weakness, nervous disorders, stiffness, cramps, headaches, anaemia, tissue and organ weakness ## Footnote These effects indicate the negative impact of consuming too much bitter.

Question 28

What feelings can excess bitter cause?

Answer 28

Fear, anxiety, disorientation, dizziness, feeling 'spaced out' ## Footnote These psychological effects highlight the mental impact of bitter.

Question 29

Can bitter taste be used in Vata situations?

Answer 29

Yes, but in small amounts ## Footnote It is essential to balance bitter with warm herbs.

Question 30

Which herbs can balance the effects of bitter in Vata situations?

Answer 30

Warming herbs eg. Ginger with gentian ## Footnote Warm herbs help counteract the cold and depleting nature of bitter.

Question 31

What type of therapeutic effect does lavender have?

Answer 31

Nervine ## Footnote Nervines are substances that help to calm the nervous system.

Question 32

Which bitter plant is known for its anti-microbial properties?

Answer 32

Berberis vulgaris ## Footnote Berberis is often used in herbal medicine for its ability to fight infections.

Question 33

What is the therapeutic effect of damiana?

Answer 33

Mood elevator (thymoleptic) ## Footnote Turnera diffusa (damiana) is commonly used to enhance mood and alleviate stress.

Question 34

What is an example of a warming bitter herb?

Answer 34

Acorus calamus ## Footnote Warming bitters are thought to stimulate digestion and improve circulation.

Question 35

What is a cooling bitter herb?

Answer 35

Tanacetum parthenium ## Footnote Feverfew is often used for its anti-inflammatory effects and to reduce fever.

Question 36

Which bitter herb is recognized for its anti-inflammatory properties?

Answer 36

Achillea millefolium ## Footnote Yarrow is traditionally used to treat wounds and reduce inflammation.

Question 37

What type of therapeutic effect does wormwood provide?

Answer 37

Anti-parasite ## Footnote Artemisia absinthium has been used in traditional medicine to expel parasites.

Question 38

Fill in the blank: Bitter herbs have many important _______.

Answer 38

[therapeutic effects]