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Health Benefits of Chinese Bitters

Chinese bitters is the name given to the combination of two herbs, Gentian root (also called dragon gallbladder herb and Long Dan Cao) and Bupleurum root (or chai hu). These two bitter herbs have long been used in traditional Chinese medicine hence the term Chinese bitters. According to herbologists Chinese bitters has many health benefits many of which are connected to fertility and women’s health issues.

Benefits of Chinese Bitters

Chinese bitters are known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-viral properties.

Where the traditions of Chinese medicine are strictly applied, the belief is that Chinese bitters facilitates qi or ch’i flow throughout the body. Qi is the life energy within all living things which impacts negatively on health when it is blocked or stagnant.

Chinese bitters are used extensively as detoxifiers and decongestants in the treatment of liver complaints. A healthy liver plays an important role in the efficient functioning of many bodily systems including that of fertility.

Traditionally Chinese bitters have been used to treat many female complaints including infertility, irregular menstruation, painful menstruation, menopausal symptoms and endometriosis. Endometriosis is thought to be the explanation for most cases of pelvic area pain in women, a very common condition. Although not fully understood, endometriosis involves mislocation of cells which would normally be present in the walls of the uterus and can lead to cysts and adhesions.

Other uses for Chinese bitters are for the treatment of constipation, nausea, indigestion and arthritis.

According to Chinese herbalists, Chinese bitters will only be effective where any health condition is due to blocked or stagnant qi in the liver. If the causes for symptoms lie elsewhere then they will be less useful.

Types of Chinese Bitters

Chinese bitters are available in several forms. They can be prepared freshly from the boiling of the two herbs involved, as tinctures, in powder form – which is mixed with water or juice to drink, and capsules. Many people prefer the latter option as the bitterness of the herbs is less evident.

Chinese medicine is a truly ancient system for treating ill health with many advocates and testimonies to its efficacy can be found in vast numbers. Chinese medicine practitioners and herbalists can quite easily be found in the western world as more and more people turn to natural and alternative remedies for many health conditions. Many of the individuals who rave about Chinese medicine are those with chronic conditions which have resisted conventional medicine.

If you are administering your own Chinese bitters then be aware that side effects can occur, most commonly as digestive problems or disorders. Where any illness or symptoms are acute or prolonged, medical advice should always be sought for a full diagnosis.

This article on the health benefits of Chinese bitters has been written by expert author ‘Deneice Arthurton’.