Have you ever wondered why potent medicine taste so awful? Actually there is scientific answer for that question. Each medicine contains specific medicinal properties well known as alkaloid. Alkaloid is natural compound commonly found in plants which is indicated with the bitter taste. The main function of alkaloid is killing the harmful bacteria and some studies even stated that alkaloid is able to kill cells that could turn into dangerous cells. In nature, there are a lot of compounds that could cause bitterness such as volatile oil, flavonoids and even polyphenols. The list of bitter herbs and health benefits below will tell you, those that taste so awful are not supposed to be avoided instead they are containing the most amazing properties that beneficial for human health.

1. Angelica – Angelica archangelica

There are a lot of factors that could cause someone losing the appetite. No matter what the factors are angelica is the right herb to treat the condition. Not only that, angelica is also home remedy to treat fever, sore throat and light flu.

2. Chamomile – Matricaria chamomilla

Chamomile is one of the herbs commonly consumed in the form of chamomile tea. If you know the health benefits of herbal chamomile tea and then the benefits of chamomile are similarly the same. Compared to other bitter herbs, the bitterness of chamomile is considered as mild so it is quite safe to be consumed as herbal tea. The aromatic and sweet aroma of chamomile could help reducing nerve and restlessness.

3. Dandelion – Taraxacum

For those who have problems with their cholesterol must have known that dandelion is among herbs and foods that lower cholesterol level. Not only that, dandelion is also good for blood because it could act as blood purifier and able to decrease blood pressure. Dandelion has been part of traditional medication for over centuries.

4. Goldenseal – Hydrastis canadensis

Goldenseal root is probably among the most bitter herbs you could find. When it comes to the health benefits, goldenseal is super effective to treat conditions like cold and flu due to its ability to boost immunity system and fight viral infection.

5. Milk Thistle – Silybum marianum

Milk thistle is well known for its beautiful flower which contains some amazing medicinal properties though some studies stated that the seeds are actually holding the most effective properties compared to the flower. Milk thistle is used as both modern and traditional remedy to treat liver problems and recently used to treat diabetes as well.

6. Peppermint – Mentha piperita

Peppermint is one of the herbal plants which come from the same family as mint leaves. So, there are a lot of people are mistaken it with the common mint but when it comes to the flavor, peppermint is bitter than the common mint leaves. Peppermint is natural remedy to stomachache.

7. Wormwood – Artemisia absinthium

When it comes to the health benefits of wormwood tea the list is quite long from its ability as anti-bacterial agents up to its potent anti-inflammatory properties. However, wormwood is one of the herbs which bitterness is quite strong. So, consuming it under professional supervision is highly recommended.

8. Yarrow – Achillea millefolium

Yarrow is herb commonly consumed in the form of herbal tea though the flavor is bitter. This kind of herbal tea is very famous among women because yarrow contains active compounds that could help regulating the abnormal menstrual cycle. Some studies also stated the possibility of yarrow to reduce the symptoms of asthma and other respiratory problems.

9. Tansy – Tanacetum vulgare

One of the amazing properties found in tansy is its antibacterial properties. That is why aside from its bitterness, tansy is effective home remedy to treat food poisoning due to its ability to kill all kinds of parasites from bacteria, fungus up to viruses that enter the stomach through food. Moreover, tansy is also well known as natural blood stimulant to reduce the risk conditions caused by cardiovascular diseases.

10. Centaury – Centaurium erythraea

Don’t be fooled by its beautiful appearance, centaury is flowering plant and also well known for its bitterness. Commonly used as herbal tea, centaury is effective herb to treat health conditions like dyspepsia and other stomach problems because it is a natural digestive stimulant. Moreover, those who have nerve problems could use centaury to reduce the symptoms.

11. Hops – Humulus lupulus

Hops are one of the plants used to add flavor to beer. However, for over centuries, hops have been used to treat some health conditions from the mild ones like insomnia and restlessness up to the acute ones like symptoms of depression due to its calming effect and also due to its antioxidants, hops are great to fight cancer.

12. Chicory – Cichorium intybus

Chicory is well known bitter herb due to its antibacterial properties. Though the taste is bitter but traditionally chicory is used to boost milk production in nursing mothers. Moreover, some studies have proven the effectiveness of chicory in reducing the symptoms of high blood pressure and generally good for cardiovascular health.

13. Horehound – Marrubium vulgare

When it comes to natural expectorant, horehound is among the effective ones. Don’t be fooled by its bitter flavor because horehound is effective against mild sore throat up to acute respiratory infection. In modern medication, rue is one of the main ingredients found in cough syrup.

14. Rue – Ruta graveolens

Do you know that rue is actually one of the bitter herbs which are mentioned in the bible? Yes, in the bible rue is well known as peganon, a plant with amazing healing properties. Both in traditional and modern medication, rue is used as stomach toner. Externally, rue could be used to reduce the pain effect of bruised area.

15. Chincona

Chincona is a flowering plant from the family Rubiaceae. As mentioned above chincona is one of the plants which are the natural source of alkaloid. The alkaloid is found in the bark of this flowering plant and for over centuries is effective medicine toward malaria. Today, chincona is easily found in the form of capsule as part of modern medication to treat malaria.

Don’t be surprised by the bitterness of the herbs mentioned above because behind that awful flavor was hidden the potent medicinal properties that could help treating health conditions from stomach pain up to malaria. So, if it is possible you could have your own herb garden by planting plants from the list of bitter herbs and health benefits as mentioned above.