26 August 2024

Swedish Bitters

When we ingest bitter substances, their warming and strengthening effect begins in the mouth; the salivary glands are stimulated and, reflectively, the secretion of gastric juices occurs, thereby stimulating both appetite and digestion.

In the plant kingdom, a plethora of species contain bitter substances with intense flavours - defensive compounds designed to protect it from predators.

When we ingest bitter substances, their warming and strengthening effect begins in the mouth; the salivary glands are stimulated and, reflectively, the secretion of gastric juices occurs, thereby stimulating both appetite and digestion.

In a 2016 paper by Nils-Otto Ahnfelt & Hjalmar Fors, the authors comment that:

"[Swedish Bitters] can be described as an early modern “blockbuster” drug. It was established as a cure-all in the eighteenth-century medical market and subsequently adopted into numerous official pharmacopoeias during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century."

Although the indications of bitters are vast, it is best known as a digestive aid. Maria Treben, possibly the greatest contemporary advocate of Swedish Bitters, wrote extensively of its possible uses and applications. In her book, "Health through God's Pharmacy", Treben identifies the following internal indications of bitters: 

  • headaches
  • sinusitis
  • arthritis, joint pain and rheumatism
  • bruises, sprains and inflammation
  • flatulence, indigestion, bloating, cramps
  • worms and tapeworms
  • cold and flu
  • insomnia and hangovers

Because bitters contain extracts that are high in tannins, it may be effective externally for a range of skin conditions, such as:

  • purulent wounds
  • wet eczema
  • inflammation of the mucosal tissue (e.g. minor mouth or throat infections)
  • stings, warts, liver spots, scars, haemorrhoids, insect bites, cuts, rashes
  • ear ache, toothache
Warning: Persons who are sensitive to any ingredients may experience headaches. Persons suffering from stomach ulcers or excessive acidity in the stomach are not advised to use Swedish Bitters internally. If you are seeking treatment for any of the conditions indicated here, please always seek medical advice, especially where chronic conditions apply. Pregnant women, women trying to conceive, and breastfeeding mothers, as well as individuals suffering from stomach ulcers or acid reflux are advised against using bitters.

Composition: 
1 : 7.5 (herb to alcohol)

Herb Blend: Camphor, Aloe, Theriac, Myrrh, Zedoary root, Diatom, Wormwood, Gentian root, Angelica root, Carline thistle root, Tormentil root, Manna, Senna leaves, Larch bark, Saffron, Mace, Calamus root, Nutmeg, Rhubarb root, and 43% organic vodka.

Aloe (Aloe Ferrox, Cape Aloe and Aloe Vera)
The gel is typically used topically for various skin conditions, or internally to aid constipation.


Calamus Root (Acorus Calamus) 
The root contains aromatic bitters and tannins that may stimulate digestive functions.

Medicinal Rhubarb Root (Rheum palmatum)
Used for gastritis, and to stimulate appetite.Contains tannins and anthranoid glycosides (indicated for both diarrhoea and constipation).

Manna (Fraxinus ornus)
A gentle laxative. Diuretic, astringent, antipyretic.

Nutmeg/Mace (Myristica fragrans)
Anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants. 

Gentian Root (Gentiana lutea)
Contains natural bitter compounds

Zedoary root (Curcuma zedoaria)
Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Myrrh (Commpihora myrrha)
Anti-parasitic and digestive complaints. 

Angelica root (Angelica archangelica L. (Apiaceae Umbelliferae))
Bitter tonic, may be useful for anxiety and indigestion, coughs, insomnia, coughs, menstruation.

Wormwood (Aretemisia absinthium)
Digestive disorders, liver disease, anti-inflammatory, and worm/parasite infections.

Diatom
Cleanses the digestive tract, supports healthy digestion. Contains trace minerals.

Larch (Laricifomes officinalis)
Also known as quinine conk, this mushroom has been used as a haemostatic, anti-inflammatory, laxative, and antiviral.

Silver thistle/Carline thistle (Carlina acaulis)
Contains antibacterial essential oils, traditionally used to treat colds, and as a diuretic.

Tormentil root (Potentilla erecta)
High tannin content; astringent properties.

Senna leaves (Cassia angustifolia)
Inflammation, headaches and fevers.

Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora)
Used as a decongestant and anti-inflammatory.

Saffron (Crocus sativus)
Has been used for menstrual cramps, PMS, and depression.

Theriac mixture containing amongst others and not limited to: Valerian Root, Cardamon, Cinnamon, Boldo Leaves (Folium Boldo), Marshmallow Root (Althaea Officinalis), Creeping Cedars, Veronica Roots (Veronica Officinalis), Wormwood (Artemisia Absinthium), Ginkgo Leaves, Devil’s claw, Ginger roots, Fennel seeds, Liquorice roots, Centaury.

 

Plant origins:

Our Swedish Bitter blend comes from a local supplier who imports the herbs and plant cuts and attests to them being wild harvested and organically produced or wild crafted, without certification. The tincture is made using 40% organic vodka. Wild Crafted botanical are not farmed or sprayed with any kind of pesticide. They are wild, native and organic by their own nature and retain the positive attributes of plants grown in their normal habitat.

 

Sources:

Photo by Matt Briney on Unsplash

Nils-Otto Ahnfelt & Hjalmar Fors. (2016) Making Early Modern Medicine: Reproducing Swedish Bitters, Ambix, 63:2, 162-183, DOI: 10.1080/00026980.2016.1212886

Treben, Maria (1980) Health Through God's Pharmacy: Advice and Proven Cures with Medicinal Herbs. Austria. Wilhelm Ennsthaler, Steyr.