Digestive Bitters ~ an important piece of the puzzle

"Nothing better than bitters for what ails ya"
In my clinical practice, I regularly see people with ongoing digestive issues. I would say that 70% of the people I have seen over the past 20 years have at least ONE (maybe more)  gastrointestinal issue. Whether it be constipation, chronic dyspepsia, diarrhea, "overactive" stomach acid or more commonly, too little stomach acid, as well as lots of IBS, GERD and other imbalances. Digestive bitters can be the 'missing piece' to our digestive health woes.
The ol' expression "you are what you eat" actually should be "you are what you can assimilate and digest" (not as 'catchy' I know!!) or maybe "you are what you don't eliminate".

You get my point-- We can eat well. We can choose THE best foods and prepare them in a healthy way, but if we feel tired afterwards or experience one of many possible symptoms, without doubt, there is room for digestive system treatment.
In fact, I haven't met anyone who cannot feel a little better... with herbs that help to bring balance.

 The more we are able to digest and absorb nutrients and then let the waste go -- the better we feel. This simple statement is the basis of health in so many ways.

North Americans are missing BITTERS in our lives. You may know that I have been writing about this for years and still.. there's a need to shout from the rooftops "EAT YOUR BITTERS" yes.. YOU!!

Here are some posts with bitter greens recipes (start here if you are new to bitters!)  and check out this Wild Greens Pizza recipe here and this one is all about the dinner party with bitter greens-- > here  and then there are some of the reasons WHY I am always sharing about this special 'long lost' taste!
AS WELL -->   10 REASONS to USE BITTERS

Here's a recap:

When we use bitters, we can:

• Soothe gas and bloating
• Promote digestive enzyme production, as well as bile and HCL*
• Settle heartburn discomfort
• Calm nausea and upset tummy
• Increase absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E and K
• Support liver function and healthy skin
• Regulate bowel movements and ease constipation
• Relieve sugar cravings
• Balance appetite
• Stabilize blood sugar levels

*HCL = Hydrochloric acid is naturally occurring gastric stomach acid which promotes digestion

We want to eat bitters for all the reasons above. Aside from the currently very popular "bitters cocktail craze", there are liquid herbal bitters which we can purchase from our local herbalist, health food store, online like this one from my fave bitters company here, or we can make our own.

To continue with the "WHY" and then we'll get down to 'HOW" :

Do you know that we have 'receptors' in our tongue that actually start us off on our digestive journey?
I will never forget when I first learned of this process in physiology classes during my herbal education. Is it not miraculous? I have SO many books about digestion, and will share these, below.

We have special receptors on our tongue that react to bitters and immediately get to work sending signals onward. Get ready... Food coming down...Get busy!!
These messages signal a need for an increase in the production of saliva, hydrochloric acid (HCL) in the stomach, bile production and bile excretion (liver, gall bladder), as well as enzyme production in the small intestine and pancreas. There's a lot going on -- and a lot that needs to dance the dance together to make for a smooth process.

Bitters can enhance the entire process of digestion, absorption and elimination.

There's a couple of important points to consider when you hop on the 'bitters bandwagon" (which I hope you do.. and fast!)

It is important if we are going to create a 'bitter habit' and a plan to take bitters on a regular basis that we learn a little about the following:

In the botanical apothecary, there are cooling bitters like Artichoke leaf, Chamomile flower, Chicory root, Dandelion root,  Gentian root, Horehound herb,  and Motherwort herb as well as warming bitters which include, Angelica root, Fenugreek seed, Licorice root and Turmeric root.

Yellow Gentian growing in her gorgeous mountain habitat

 When we make a bitters formula, we want to create a combination of cooling and warming bitters. We can also add some of my favourite  warming herbs to bring balance. Herbs like Cardamom, Cinnamon and Ginger root for example, can add warmth and aromatics to make those bitters palpable and more effective. (even tasty!)
With this in mind, we can create a blend that can be taken on a daily basis or even year after year to support and promote better digestive function.

As most bitters are cooling, they are easier to find and sometimes ARE indicated. However, if you are wanting to nourish your liver and if you only take cooling  bitters, over a period of time, the cooling action actually decreases 'stomach fire' (as it's called in TCM and Ayurveda) and inhibits digestion.

If you are wanting to use bitters for specifics, you will want to consult a practicing herbalist or do a lot more research. This is always a good idea, in any case.
You can always email me -->carol@studiobotanica.com to arrange a consult!

If you would like to make your own bitters, at home, here are some tips for you, from my own notes and apothecary practices. I like to tincture each herb separately. For example... well.. here's a picture of a few of some macerating tinctures.

I have dandelion root, angelica root, horehound, motherwort, chamomile, gentian, turmeric root, cacao nibs, wormwood and an assortment of others ~ all year 'round on hand. I have varying quantities of each and make more when the supply is getting low. I have ginger root always, licorice root, and orange peel and some other aromatics too. (I have 140 herbs + , so I won't go on and on here)

YOU don't need to have all of this ~ There are ample bitters to choose from. Do you have any plants growing nearby (wild or in an unsprayed garden)? To make your own bitters, you can do so with just a couple of ingredients. You will need vodka and if you plan to make an aromatic bitter, you may want to consider some possible flavour helpers.

There's a part II to this post with some  recipes for you (coming soon!) but here's one that I've made for years from a class in the 90s at the east-coast Women's Herbal Conference. This one is a gentle start to 'bitters world". There are many ideas brewing in my head, to share next time.
Note: if you don't like these flavours, just substitute. This is a well-balanced, gentle but effective formula:

Aromatic Digestive Bitters ~ this is the one to try!

Sources ~ buy these locally or online from these trusted suppliers:
Dandelion Root
Fennel Seed
Ginger Root
Orange Peel

(these are affiliate links which will cost the exact same price for you but may give Studio Botanica a commission from items purchased)

Please note that the amount of alcohol per serving of bitters is equivalent or less than the alcohol present in a serving of ripe fruit.

Therapeutic Dose: 3 droppersful 3 x daily before meals.
Start with 1 dropperful and see how you feel.
If you feel fine, increase to 2 dropperfuls for a couple of days and then up to the ideal "therapeutic" level of 3 droppers 3 x daily.

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Here's to your ever-increasing health. Be Brave. Try bitters.
Let's bring BITTERS back !! xo Carol