Herbs - Plant Constituents - ''Bitter Principles''

Includes the chemical compounds iridoids and sequiterpenes, as well as many others that have a bitter taste. A wide range of general actions are attributed to the Bitter Principle, including stimulating the appetite, improving digestion, and liver detoxification, as well as some specific actions associated with a specific herb. For example, Valerian and Hops are relaxing nervines, White Horehound has pulmonary and expectorant actions, while Bog Bean and Devil's Claw are anti-inflammatory.