Digestive bitters are some of the oldest medicines in a number of different cultures around the world. There are a large number of bitters available, and each has additional health benefits that are unique to the herb in question. In general, digestive bitters can promote healthy appetite and digestion, as well as reduce a number of symptoms of poor digestion such as: gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation and heartburn.

How Do Digestive Bitters Work?

Digestive bitters are herbs that have constituents that taste exactly how the name implies. This bitter taste stimulates certain receptors in the mouth, located on our taste buds. Once the receptors are stimulated, it causes a signal to be sent to the brain that activates all digestive functions at once. First, salivation increases, flooding the mouth with saliva. Then, this signal also causes increased stomach acid production, and stimulates the stomach to begin its digestive motions. This results in the movement of any gas inside, and creates the all-to-familiar rumbling in your stomach and sensation of hunger. After stimulating these early digestive functions, the brain also signals the release of bile and pancreatic juices, into the small intestine. These allow for the proper digestion of fat, carbohydrate and protein.

Digestive Bitters Health Benefits

Improved Digestion

Because digestive bitters help to promote healthy digestion, they can help treat a number of problems associated with sluggish digestion including: incomplete protein digestion, fatty stools, gas, bloating, and constipation. Sufficient stomach acid is required for proper protein digestion, and proper absorption of B12 and iron. Anemia (pale skin, dizziness, and fatigue), and ridges in the nails are common signs of insufficient stomach acid (hypochlorhydria). Digestive enzymes properly break down all of our food and insufficient amounts leaves undigested food in our guts that our gut bacteria digest instead, creating gas and toxins that can cause bloating, and constipation or diarrhea.

Increased Bile Release

They also promote increased secretion of bile from the liver, thus helping the liver to flush out excess waste such as cholesterol and toxins. This can also help to flush the gallbladder and reduce the risk of developing gallstones. Many bitter herbs are also able to help fight infections and kill parasites and can be used in formulas to help prevent and treat infection. Individual bitter herbs may have additional benefits unique to their constituents. For more information on each herb, please click the links below.

Herbs That Act As Digestive Bitters

There are a large number of herbs with bitter properties that can act as digestive bitters. Some of the most well known, and widely used digestive bitters are listed below:

  • Burdock An herb that can help to restore the body to its proper functioning, Burdock is a blood purifier, digestive bitter, antimicrobial, and more.
  • Dandelion The roots and leaves of dandelion both have health benefits, but it is the roots that provide digestive benefits and bitter properties. The leaves can act to cleanse the urinary tract.
  • Gentian This herb contains a constituent that may be the most bitter-tasting compound known to date. It is well established as a bitter herb that is excellent at stimulating digestion and can also help to fight infection.
  • Goldenseal Berberines are found in high concentration in this herb that is also known as the "king of the mucous membranes". Goldenseal is a potent bitter that is also an effective antimicrobial that can treat a number of infections and bowel conditions.
  • Wormwood Although this herb is best known for its traditional use in the spirit absinthe, it is also used to help treat parasite infections and to promote healthy digestion.
  • Yarrow Originally used to stop the bleeding of battle wounds, it can also be used as a sedative, anti-inflammatory, digestive bitter, antispasmodic and tonic. It has been shown to help regulate female hormones, slow bleeding, prevent infection, and support healthy cells.

Digestive Bitter Supplements: Combination Formulas

There are a number of bitter combination formulas that have different combinations of the above herbs and/or other bitter herbs. Many of these are based on long traditions in the region of their production. One particularly common example of this is Swedish Bitters, which is a digestive and general tonic that has been used for hundreds of years. There are also a number of cultures that offer bitter digestif liqueurs traditionally taken after a meal. There are also many liver formulas created using digestive bitters, as many of these herbs cross over to have liver-cleansing properties as well.

How Can I Take Bitters?

It is the taste of the herbs that triggers the response from the brain causing increased secretion of digestive juices. Thus, in order to help with digestion, bitter herbs must be tasted, like when you take them in a tincture, liqueur, or tea. Encapsulated herbs are swallowed, thus bypassing the taste buds, and will not stimulate digestion. Bitter herbs can often be found in digestion and liver formulas, as well as formulas for weight loss and constipation.