It is amazing that I prescribe herbs. I love herbs. As a registered herbalist/integrative physician I utilize many herbs in my practice. I love bitters. I feel Western herbalists and Asian herbalists utilize bitters in IBS ( Irritable Bowel syndrome ) patients.
Bitters are herbs that stimulate the function and motility of the gastrointestinal tract. They increase gastric secretions which is a vital function. Bitters have a tonic action of the gut and stimulate exocrine secretions. I use Bitters to increase digestive function and these herbs do balance the GI flora. Most bitter herbs taste bitter. Not all bitters are actually bitter. Bitters are also choleretics, especially the well known Taxaxacum officinalis ( commonly known as Dandelion ) and Fumaria officinalis
There are pungent bitters as Zingiber officinalis ( Ginger)
Of note, any herb that has officnalis in its botanical name means it is used as medicine.
I prescribe bitters 30 minutes before a meal. Usually i combine the herbs in a tincture. The best result is when the patient tastes a bitter taste when taking a digestive tonic. This bitter state starts the digestive process by increasing salivary secretions.