Digestive Bitters

About Digestive Bitters: Herbalists and traditional health systems the world round have long understood digestion as the root of health and vitality. The best digestive bitters are a blend of both bitter and aromatic (a.k.a. carminative) plants. Bitter herbs encourage the flow of digestive juices, while more aromatic plants help to calm the body and mind, in turn readying a person to receive and be nourished by their food. Our Digestive Bitters combines bitter, sweet, and pungent herbs, creating a delicious and invigorating digestive tonic.

Digestive bitters encourage a healthy appetite and are best taken before each meal, although they can also be utilized to end a heavy meal to good effect. Regular and occasional use of bitters supports healthy digestion and bowel function. Digestive bitters may also support a balanced state of mind and general sense of ease.

Taste / Energetics: bitter, aromatic, sweet, earthy, warming, soothing, grounding.

When to reach for it: Before or after meals. When traveling. After a vacation. Around particularly heavy meals or when having foods that are difficult for you to digest and cause stomach upset. To support gut-brain balance. When seeking grounding. To support a healthy appetite. Every day!

Ingredients: Fresh Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) flowering tops†, Fresh Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) leaf†, Fresh Burdock (Arctium lappa) root†, Dried Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) root^, Fresh Ginger (Zingiber officinale) root^, Spring Water, Grain Alcohol^.

Plant Profiles:

• Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) - Native to the Mediterranean region of the globe, Blessed Thistle has traditionally been used in all varieties of bitter liquors and mixtures for tonifying the liver and digestive system. A plant commonly found growing in the old European monastery gardens, Blessed Thistle is an unusual annual to grow. While gathering the leaves and flowers for our fresh tincture, the bitter flavor of this herb can be tasted in the mouth or fingers. Blessed Thistle is a strongly beneficial bitter herb.
• Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) - A quintessential digestive plant found in a variety of old world digestifs and amari. A cholagogue herb, Artichoke leaf works specifically to encourage healthy bile flow, essential for the digestion of fats. We love growing Artichoke plants in Avena's garden.
• Burdock (Arctium lappa) - A grounding, gentle, and softly bitter root. This excellent digestive plant is also rich in prebiotic starches that support a healthy microbiome. Burdock's starches feed our gut's beneficial bacteria, reinforcing our overall well-being.
• Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) - This root offers a touch of bitterness and sweetness to balance the bitterness and aromatic flavors of the other herbs. The taste of bitterness helps prepare the digestive system for digesting our food and a touch of Licorice offers soothing qualities to the digestive tract.
• Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - Fresh Ginger warms the digestive system and gently energizes the body. The pungent aromatics in Ginger support overall digestion, help to move gas, relax the digestive tract, and improve overall circulation to the body.

Servings: 40 per 1oz bottle.

Serving Size: 15 drops (.75ml).

Suggested Use: Add 15 drops (.75ml) to1 ounce of water 10-15 minutes before meals. May also be enjoyed after meals. For a fun aperitif, add our Digestive Bitters into a bit of sparkling water and sip.

Safety Considerations: Discuss with your healthcare provider if you have gallstones, bile duct obstruction, or if breastfeeding. Not for use in pregnancy.

Related Items: Dandelion Root & Leaf Tincture, Burdock Tincture