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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- 12 - 2 oz, Amber Glass Bottles, with Glass Droppers, and Black Caps
- Perfect for essential oils, perfume oils, or other liquids.
- Safe, secure and convenient packaging
- Perfect for travel, and conveniently fits in your purse.
- Amber Glass Protects Against Harmful UV Rays
How to Make Digestive Bitters
- Prep Time: 10 Minutes
- Cook Time: 2-4 Weeks
- Total Time: 10 Minutes Hands-On
- Yield: About 1 Cup 1x
Description
How to make digestive bitters! A DIY recipe to make digestive bitters to improve digestion naturally and relieve bloating, gas, indigestion. and heartburn.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dried angelica root
- 2 tablespoons dried gentian root
- 1 1/2 tablespoons dried dandelion root
- 1 tablespoon dried ginger root
- the peel of half an organic lemon
- the peel of one-fourth an organic orange
- 1–2 fresh rosemary sprigs
- about 8 oz organic vodka
Instructions
- Add the angelica, gentian, dandelion, ginger, lemon and orange peels, and rosemary sprigs to a clean 12 oz mason jar.
- Add the vodka and fill it to the top of the jar, leaving a little airspace so you can shake the mixture without it being too full.
- Secure the lid and shake the jar (see notes).
- Store in a dark, cool place for 2-4 weeks, shaking 1-2 minutes every day to break down the plants’ cell walls and draw out all the active medicinal properties.
- After 2-4 weeks, strain the mixture through cheesecloth or a nut milk bag and squeeze the excess liquid from the herbs. Pour into amber glass dropper bottles and store in a cool, dark place.
- Enjoy! Take one dropperful (about 1/4 teaspoon) 10-15 minutes before meals.
Notes
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.
These bitters should not be used during pregnancy. Instead, try these.
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.
- OUR #1 SELLER: Our Original Bitters provide fast-acting relief for occasional gas, bloating, heartburn, and indigestion.* Supports appetite regulation and stimulates the production of vital digestive juices, promoting overall digestive wellness.* The Root of Good Health is Great Digestion!
- TASTE BITTER, FEEL BETTER: We are on a mission to bring the bitter flavor back onto our plates and into our medicine cabinets. When you taste the challenging flavor of bitterness, you strengthen your digestive response and enhance the secretion of the body's natural digestive juices. Unlike other digestive aids, digestive bitters retrain digestion to work independently, harmonizing all secretions. With consistent daily use, bitters empower your digestive system.*
- TASTE PROFILE: Bitter tasting herbs such as dandelion root, burdock and gention balance aromatic, warming herbs including ginger and fennel for a flavorful formula. CONTAINS ALCOHOL: 30-35% Alchohol carrier
- SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS: Urban Moonshine is proudly Certified Organic, Woman-Owned and Independent
- SUGGESTED USE: 2.5 ml (½ tsp) before or after meals, 3 to 6 times per day. Can be taken directly on the tongue or lightly diluted in water. One bottle contains approximately 24 servings.
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.
Melanie Hughes says
Hi, should I use fresh or dried herbs? Since I don’t have access to most of these fresh, I ordered dried online. With dandelion root out of the yard be OK? I never spray any chemicals on my yard. Is there a preference between fresh and dried and would the amounts be different? Thanks
Ally says
Hi Melanie! I make this with dried angelica root, dried gentian root, dried dandelion root, and dried ginger root and then add some fresh herbs, like rosemary, if I feel like it. I’ve never made these bitters with fresh dandelion root, but this recipe is very forgiving so you could experiment!
Cath Israel says
Hi, I have a problem with alcohol, could you recommend an alternative to it? Thanks
Ally says
You can use apple cider vinegar instead of the alcohol in the recipe or if you prefer store-bought, I like these alcohol-free digestive bitters. Hope that helps!
Sua says
Do you have a recipe using rhubarb in bitters? The one recipe I found said to use pink or red rhubarb only but no explanation as to why. Anybody know? My rhubarb produces very light pink…
Ally says
Hi Sua – sorry, I don’t have a recipe for rhubarb in bitters!
Achala says
Hi
Is there other alternative to ACV or alcohol or Vodka? I just cant bear them.
Ally says
Hi – not that I know of for this specific recipe! Instead of digestive bitters, you could try lemon water before a meal to aid in digestion.
Nicola Schultz says
Hi do you make these digestive bitters to sell pls 🙏🏽
Ally says
I don’t sell digestive bitters, but these digestive bitters are my favorite!
Sharon J McConnell says
I am wondering if you peel the citrus or if you slice the peel off leaving the pith behind?
Ally says
Hi Sharon – a little pith is ok, but I usually slice the peel off with a knife. Hope that helps!
Evelyn Armstr says
Recipe was very helpful.Thank you 😊
Ally says
Hi Evelyn – so happy to hear that! Enjoy!
Jazmin says
Hi, thanks for the recipe. I have a question though, can you take butter in the middle of your meal? Or do you have to take them before or after meals? Thanks
Ally says
Hi Jazmin – it is best if you take the bitters 10-15 minutes before a meal.
Melissa says
How long do these keep?
Ally says
Hi Melissa – since these are made with alcohol (a natural preservative), these keep up to 3 years when stored in a dark, cool place. Hope that helps!
Fawn says
Hello! Thank you for sharing this recipe! Could I swap out Angelica for burdock root 1:1?