How to Make Digestive Bitters

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What are Digestive Bitters?

Digestive bitters are a formula of bitter herbs that support digestive function by stimulating digestive juices, like stomach acid (aka HCl), bile, and enzymes so that we can breakdown food naturally – and absorb all those healthy nutrients. Our ancestors consumed bitter plants regularly, but our modern diet (sadly) severely lacks them.

With the rise of industrial agriculture, our culture has moved away from bitter foods in favor of sweet and salty foods (…the very processed foods that actually hinder digestive function). It’s a bit of a double whammy but – luckily! – digestive bitters are an easy way to reintroduce beneficial bitterness back into our diets.

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The (Simple) Science of Digestive Bitters

Our tongue contains bitter taste receptors (T2Rs). When these receptors are stimulated by bitter foods, our brain perceives the bitterness, and our vagus nerve relays the bitter sensation to our salivary glands, stomach, pancreas, and liver. This promotes the production of beneficial digestive juices and digestive enzymes.

In the stomach are even more bitter taste receptors. When stimulated by bitter compounds, cells with T2Rs secrete hormones into our bloodstream that help us feel full and satiated.

For a more in-depth look at the science behind digestive bitters, check out this post.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. There is no additional cost to you. I only link to products I truly recommend and trust.

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The Health Benefits of Digestive Bitters

Digestion is the root cause of SO many health problems (read all about why digestion is so important here). Which is why I’m kind of obsessed with it at Loveleaf Co. Anything that can help us improve our digestion (naturally!) is a win in my book. Bitters have been used for thousands of years to relieve heartburn, nausea, indigestion, gas, and bloating, and help maintain normal bowel movements.

NOTE: Pregnant woman should not use (most) digestive bitters since they are commonly made with gentian and angelica, which are not recommended during pregnancy. For pregnancy-friendly bitters, try these.

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Digestive Bitters and Stomach Acid

Having low stomach acid is a very common problem. Low stomach acid can result in a myriad of health issues – even ones that don’t seem directly related to digestive issues, like acne and hormonal imbalances. It’s estimated that close to 90% of Americans actually don’t have enough stomach acid, the production of which is inhibited by stress, processed food, and/or excess alcohol consumption.

The good news is that – once diet and lifestyle are addressed – it is relatively easy to naturally increase stomach acid levels with digestive bitters.

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Beneficial Herbs for Digestion

Our DIY digestive bitters recipe uses the following beneficial herbs:

ANGELICA. Angelica is a stimulant, which aids in gastrointestinal secretions, absorption, and elimination. It relieves gas and the feeling of fullness. (Avoid if pregnant).

GENTIAN. Gentian is a simple bitter that has been used for over 3,000 years to revitalize the gastrointestinal tract by optimizing levels of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Gentian is especially helpful for protein and fat digestion. (Avoid if pregnant or on H2 receptor antagonists, like Zantac, or other antacids).

DANDELION. Dandelion is high in nutrients and is bitter, which stimulates the cascade of digestive secretions. Dandelion also has a significant cleansing effect on the liver by stimulating bile production, which is important for fat digestion.

GINGER. Known as the “universal medicine,” ginger is warming and carminative, which means it’s great at relieving bloating and gas. Ginger also supports healthy bowel movements.

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How to Use Digestive Bitters

Digestive bitters can be dropped directly onto the tongue or mixed into a small amount of pure water or sparkling water. If you frequently experience digestive discomfort, we recommend taking one dropperful of bitters (about 1/4 teaspoon) 10-15 minutes before meals.

To relieve gas and bloating specifically, take one dropperful of bitters (about 1/4 teaspoon) 10-15 minutes before a meal to ignite your digestive system.

To relieve heartburn and indigestion specifically, take one dropperful (about 1/4 teaspoon) of bitters immediately after a meal to soothe your digestive system.

How to Make Digestive Bitters

You can (easily) make your own digestive bitters! Here’s how.

What You Need to Get Started

• Bitter Herbs. Our DIY formula uses dried angelica root, gentian root, dandelion root, and ginger root. Find these on Amazon.com or at a local herb shop (NYC friends – Flower Power has them all!)
  
• Organic Vodka. Used as a solvent and a natural preservative. If you’re gluten-free, opt for potato vodka as many vodkas are made with gluten-containing grains.
  
• Citrus Rinds and/or Fresh Hardy Herbs. Optional, but delicious! Get organic.
  
• Mason Jar. You’ll need a 12 oz mason jar.
  
• Tulid Lids or Wax Paper. If the jar leaks, I swear by these leakproof lids (for a wide mouth jar use these instead). You can also use wax paper with the metal mason jar lid to prevent it from leaking: simply remove the lid and place a square piece of wax paper over the mouth of the jar before twisting the lid back on.
  
• Cheesecloth or a Nut Milk Bag. Used for straining the herbs. I like this one.
  
• Amber Glass Dropper Bottles. For bottling up your bitters! Take them on-the-go or give as a gift. One recipe will fill about 6-8 dropper bottles.

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Where to Buy Digestive Bitters

Ok, making your own bitters is easy (promise), but I get it. Sometimes you just don’t want to deal and that’s cool too. Our favorite brand of bitters is Urban Moonshine. You can even buy this portable digestive bitters spray to bring it on-the-go.

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links, and I will earn a commission if you purchase through these links. There is no additional cost to you. I only link to products I truly recommend and trust.