They break animal proteins up so that they don't rot and are therefore used to tan leather. They were used to treat cuts, wounds and rashes externally. They are also used internally for inflammation of the stomach or intestines. Flavonoids are mainly yellow coloured and normally bound to sugars. They have an unusual affect on the walls of fine blood vessels and are therefore used in mainstream medicine for treating veins, high blood pressure and arteriosclerosis.
Bitters Are a group of bitter tasting compounds.
They are used to aid digestion and appetite. They also speed up fermentation and putrefaction. They are commonly found in the mint and gentian families. This herb comes from a tropical tree that is native to America. The small sun-dried berries are sometimes known as pimento or Jamaica pepper, but are usually called allspice because the aroma and taste seem to be a combination of cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg.