What are Herbal Bitters? And a DIY Herbal Bitters Recipe! (2024)

Herbal bitters are tinctures or infusions made with bitter herbs used to improve digestion, reduce bloating and give your body extra oomph to break down foods and produce digestive enzymes. Some people choose to purchase bitters, but they are super simple to make right at home! If you want to know more about herbal digestive bitters, keep reading and stay to the end for a simple recipe for herbal bitters!

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Just a friendly reminder that I am not a medical professional. I just like to share what we use in our home. For more, read my full medical disclaimer.

What are Herbal Bitters?

Herbal digestive bitters are herbal tinctures or infusions that have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine to promote healthy digestion and treat digestive issues such as acid reflux and indigestion. Herbal bitters can also help regulate blood sugar levels and support the immune system.

Digestive bitters can come from bitter foods or herbs (which we will be using in the recipe today). These bitters help support and aid the body to produce your own digestive enzymes naturally. This differs from taking digestive enzymes, which would synthetically add enzymes in to break down foods for digestion.

Digestive bitters can be a great addition to any health and wellness routine. They are inexpensive, easy to make, and have many potential benefits for digestive health. So why not give them a try? Next, we’ll explore the specific benefits of digestive bitters.

Why should you use herbal bitters?

  1. Stimulate Digestion: Bitter herbs can help to stimulate the production of digestive juices such as bile and stomach acid, which can aid in the breakdown and absorption of nutrients from food.
  2. Relieve Digestive Issues: Bitter herbs can help to relieve digestive issues such as bloating, gas, constipation, and indigestion. They do this by promoting the movement of food through the digestive tract and reducing inflammation in the gut.
  3. Improve Liver Function: Bitter herbs can help to improve liver function, which can aid in the breakdown and elimination of toxins in the body.
  4. Support Overall Health: Bitter herbs are rich in antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can help to support overall health and wellbeing. They can also help to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce inflammation throughout the body.
  5. Natural and Safe: Herbal digestive bitters are a natural and safe way to improve digestion and support overall health when used properly.
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How do herbal bitters work?

Bitter herbs work by stimulating the release of digestive juices and enzymes, which helps to break down food for easier digestion. They also activate the vagal nerves to send signals to your digestive organs that you’re ready to eat and helping to kick-start your digestion process before you’ve even taken a bite. In addition, herbal bitters can also help regulate blood sugar levels and support the immune system.

Digestive bitters can be a great way to help support your digestive health and enjoy balanced meals with ease. And you don’t just have to take them as recommended – they can also be used for some creative cocktail recipes too!

Herbal Bitter Recipe

Ready to get creative with herbal bitters? Try out this delicious recipe for homemade herbal bitters!

My favorite place to purchase herbs online isStarwest Botanicals!The links below are affiliate links, where I may make a small commission on your purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Ingredients:

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Instructions:

1.Combine the burdock root, dandelion root, fennel seed, ginger, orange peel, and cinnamon sticks in a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.

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2. Pour the Everclear over the herbs, making sure they are fully submerged.

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3. Close the lid and shake the jar well to combine.

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4. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for at least two weeks, shaking it daily to ensure the herbs are fully infused into the alcohol.

5. After six weeks, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth, pressing down on the herbs to extract as much liquid as possible.

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6. Pour the mixture into a clean glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid and store in a cool, dark place.

7. To use, take 1-2 dropperfuls of the bitters before or after meals to aid in digestion.

Always store herbal remedies out of reach of children and consult with a healthcare practitioner before using any herbal supplements or remedies, particularly if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking medication.

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How much Herbal Bitters tincture should you take?

Simply add 1-2 droppers full into a glass of water or juice about 15 minutes before meals. This gives the bitters enough time to kick in before you eat. The bitterness of these products is necessary for them to be effective – if it doesn’t taste bitter, it won’t do much for your digestion.

You usually take herbal tinctures on the tongue, but taking bitters in water helps it follow the digestive track, which we are looking to support!

You can use this as a part of our daily routine before meals, or just when you know you are going to eat foods that usually give you digestive issues (hello, spicy sausages! I’m looking at you).

Please Note

If taken in excess or without consulting a doctor first, digestive bitters can cause stomach upset and other gastrointestinal issues. It is therefore important to talk to your doctor before taking any kind of digestive bitter products and follow all instructions provided on the label carefully in order to reduce any risks associated with them.

Digestive Benefits of the Herbs Used in this Recipe

  1. Fennel seed is another herb with bitter properties that can stimulate digestion. It is particularly helpful in relieving digestive issues such as bloating, gas, and constipation. Fennel seed also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe inflammation in the digestive tract.
  2. Ginger is a warming herb that can aid in digestion by increasing circulation and promoting the production of digestive juices. It is particularly helpful in relieving nausea and vomiting, making it a great choice for those who are experiencing digestive issues due to illness or morning sickness.
  3. Orange peel is a bitter herb that can help to stimulate digestion and improve the absorption of nutrients in the body. It is also rich in antioxidants, which can help to protect against damage caused by free radicals.
  4. Dandelion Root is a bitter herb that can aid in digestion by increasing the production of digestive juices. It also has diuretic properties, which can help to flush out excess fluids and toxins from the body.
  5. Burdock Root is known for its bitter properties, which can help stimulate digestion by increasing the production of digestive juices such as bile and stomach acid. It also helps to improve liver function, which can aid in the breakdown and elimination of toxins in the body.
  6. Cinnamon bark is a warming herb that can aid in digestion by increasing circulation and promoting the production of digestive juices. It also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe inflammation in the digestive tract. Additionally, cinnamon has been shown to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a great choice for those with diabetes or insulin resistance.
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Herbal Bitters FAQs

Optional additions or swaps to the recipe include (but are not limited to) gentian root, cinchona bark, biter melon, or angelica root.

Some common bitter foods are cacao, arugula, and grapefruit.

Yes! If you usefresh herbs,you will want to fill the jar to the very top with herbs, then pour over the alcohol.

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Looking for more herbal goodness?

  • How to Remove Alcohol from an Herbal Tincture
  • Herbal Hangover Tincture
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About the Author:

I’m Brittany, totally modern and mainstream turned crunchy mama!

Read more here about how I went from a totally incompetent cook and hyper-consumer to striving to live a more meaningful life from scratch.

I can’t wait to share my modern homesteading journey with you and I hope I inspire you to join along!

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What are Herbal Bitters? And a DIY Herbal Bitters Recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What are herbal bitters? ›

Herbal bitters are a combination of bitter herbs and roots that are traditionally used to stimulate digestion. Improving digestive function and power improves overall health and wellness. These herbs are extracted in alcohol or vinegar and taken in drop dosages (10-15 drops) before meals.

How do you make herb bitters? ›

As a general rule of thumb, plan on using 50% bitter ingredients and 50% aromatics (see below), accented with a small amount of dried fruit peel. Grind, grate or crack open any ingredient that needs more exposure to infuse properly (i.e., cardamom pods or peppercorns).

What are the main ingredients in bitters? ›

What are Bitters Made of? Bitters are a neutral alcohol infused with spices, herbs, fruits, roots, and other ingredients. Common ingredients include cinchona bark, gentian root, cascarilla, orange peel, and others. Most bitters are 35 to 45% ABV (alcohol by volume), so they have a relatively high alcohol content.

What plant is used to make bitters? ›

The botanical ingredients used historically in preparing bitters have consisted of aromatic herbs, bark, roots, and/or fruit for their flavor and medicinal properties. Some of the more common ingredients are cascarilla, cassia (Chinese cinnamon), gentian, orange peel, and cinchona bark.

What happens to your body when you drink bitters? ›

Digestive bitters might act on bitter receptors in parts of the digestive system that make your body release gut hormones that make you feel full. ‌Helps you make more saliva. Your saliva has enzymes that help you start to break down your food. Bitters can help you make more saliva, which could help with digestion.

What are the four types of bitters? ›

In 1870, Siegert's three sons migrated to Trinidad and established the bitters as an essential ingredient in cocktails and food. With four bitters variations: Aromatic Bitters, Orange Bitters, Cocoa Bitters, and Amaro Di Angostura, Angostura is a staple for bartenders and professional and home cooks.

Can you make bitters yourself? ›

Creating homemade bitters is simple, though it takes about 20 days to complete one batch. Most of the time is hands-off as you wait for the botanicals to infuse the alcohol and then the water. These are nonpotable bitters used by the dash to accent beverages and food; they're not meant to be drunk on their own.

Do bitters cleanse the liver? ›

Because of the gut-brain connection, not only can bitters enhance digestion, but they can reduce depression and improve mood. They also support your liver's natural detoxification processes, and thus can improve skin health.

Why aren t bitters illegal? ›

A: All cocktail bitters contain alcohol--quite a lot by volume--but they are considered a "non-potable" product, which is why their sale is not restricted, just like anyone can buy flavored extracts (like vanilla), which also contain alcohol but aren't meant for direct consumption.

What can you substitute for bitters? ›

Another bitters substitute? Any type of Amaro, a family of Italian herbal liqueurs that taste bitter (amaro means bitter in Italian). It encompasses a wide range of spirits, including Campari and the super-bitter Fernet-Branca. Fernet is so strong, you only need to use a few drops.

What are the two types of bitters? ›

Exploring the wide range of bitters available opens us to a world of intriguing cocktail options. Bitters can contain anywhere from 20% to 50% alcohol by volume. Bitters are of two types: Digestive bitters and Cocktail bitters. As the name implies, digestive bitters aid in the digestion of food.

What is the herb king of bitters? ›

A. paniculata, commonly known as King of Bitters or kalmegh, is an annual, branched, erect handsome herb running half to one meter in height. It is native to peninsular India and Srilanka and is also distributed in different regions of Southeast Asia, China, America, West Indies and Christmas Island.

How long do homemade bitters last? ›

| Do Bitters Expire? On average, bitters last around 5 years. However, there's no need to refrigerate bitters. Even though there are organic compounds in bitters, the amount of alcohol acts as a natural sterilizer and preservation agent.

Are bitters just tinctures? ›

Bitters are herbal tinctures that originated in the apothecaries of old-world Europe. They are specific barks, roots, and herbs that have been infused in alcohol, and then used in dashes or drops to enhance flavor in drinks and food as well as for their health benefits.

What is the purpose of bitters? ›

What Are Bitters Used For? The purpose of bitters is to balance out the taste of a cocktail. Cocktails primarily contain sweet and sour flavors. By adding another primary taste, bitter, into mixed drinks, a cocktail is given a more complex—and complete—flavor profile.

How do herbal bitters work? ›

Digestive bitters like ginger, wormwood, gentian, burdock root, dandelion root, and artichoke leaf stimulate the bitter taste buds in your mouth to signal your digestive system to start the process of digestion by producing more saliva, gastric juices, and enzymes.

Are herbal bitters alcoholic? ›

Bitters are usually named according to the ingredient giving the predominant flavour, such as orange bitters and peach bitters. The alcoholic strength varies but is generally about 40 percent by volume. Medicinal bitters, few in number and of minor therapeutic value, include compound tinctures of absinthe and of aloes.

Are bitters actually medicinal? ›

Bitters With Benefits. Before they became a cocktail ingredient, bitters were taken as a daily tonic, meant to aid digestion and other ailments. Today, cocktail bitters are generally produced without significant health benefits in mind—they're designed purely to flavor cocktails.

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