The use of “bitter principles” (also known as bitters—compounds with a bitter taste primarily found in certain herbs and plants) to support the large intestine (colon) body system is primarily justified by traditional herbal medicine, rather than robust scientific validation. Historically, various cultures have used bitter-tasting plant extracts, such as gentian root, dandelion, and artichoke, to stimulate digestion and bowel function. In traditional European, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine, bitters are believed to promote the flow of digestive juices, increase peristalsis, and support healthy elimination. These effects are thought to help maintain regularity and support colon health by preventing sluggishness or constipation.

Limited scientific evidence exists to directly correlate bitters with large intestine health. Some small studies and reviews suggest that bitters can increase gastric secretions and promote appetite, but there is less definitive research on their direct effects on the colon specifically. Most modern references to bitters focus on their impact on the upper digestive tract (stomach, liver, gallbladder), though the downstream effects on bowel regularity are cited anecdotally and in traditional texts. Overall, while the tradition is strong, scientific validation for bitters’ effects specifically on the large intestine is limited, making the evidence moderate but not conclusive.