bitter herb

noun

1. an Old World herb, Centaurium erythraea, used dried in medicine as a tonic.
2. the turtlehead, Chelone glabra, used in medicine as a tonic, cathartic, and anthelmintic.
3. Judaism. an herb that tastes bitter, as horseradish, traditionally eaten at the Seder, and serving as a reminder of the Israelites' slavery in Egypt.

Example Sentences

Mar'or, a bitter herb, symbolizes the bitterness and harshness of the slavery.

From Salon

Just as for every bitter herb there was sweet charoset, hope and joy persisted alongside suffering.

From Literature

Items such as the bitter herb and salt water for dipping symbolize the bitterness of slavery and the tears associated with it, Vornbrock said.

From Seattle Times

To Claudius and Gertrude, she offers fennel and columbines, which are said to symbolize flattery and infidelity, as well as the bitter herb rue, an abortifacient that signifies either repentance or disdain.

From New York Times

They serve a Korean-style ham cha, a mix of vegetables, peanuts, and rice combined with a bitter herb soup.

From BBC