# Should You Use Herbal Bitters for Digestion?

Written By

[Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg MD, MPH, MBE](/content/author/jennifer-l-weinberg/index.html)

Medically Reviewed by

Updated On

January 14, 2025

Herbs with a [bitter](https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-to-know-about-digestive-bitters) taste have been used for centuries in many cultures, including traditional [Chinese medicine](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28834122/) and Ayurvedic medicine, to help support and maintain healthy [digestion](/content/post/how-to-heal-your-gut-naturally-with-functional-nutrition/index.html). Over time, [bitter](/content/post/common-medical-conditions-digestive-bitters-are-prescribed-for-plus-specialty-lab-testing-that-can-help-individualize-treatment/index.html) herbs dissolved in an alcohol tincture have been used for various purposes and are even used in alcoholic beverages that serve as [aperitifs](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/digestive-bitters/) or beverages that you drink before a meal to stimulate your digestive system.

Digestive [bitters](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/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](/content/post/what-are-digestive-enzymes-how-to-test-your-patients-levels/index.html). Taking digestive bitters may help to reduce feelings of nausea, relieve occasional indigestion, ease heartburn, support balanced blood sugar levels, support your liver, and bolster your immune system.

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## What Are Herbal Bitters?

Wild [bitter](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446506/) plants and herbs have been used for centuries in many cultures to support healthy digestion and breakdown of food. [Bitters](/content/post/common-medical-conditions-digestive-bitters-are-prescribed-for-plus-specialty-lab-testing-that-can-help-individualize-treatment/index.html) are made up of a concentrated blend of bitter herbs, roots, spices, barks, fruits, and/or flowers. Common digestive bitters include ginger, wormwood, gentian, burdock root, dandelion root, artichoke leaf, chamomile, and bitter melon. These botanicals are usually infused in high-proof alcohol to make a tincture and can also be infused in vinegar or glycerin.

In addition, [foods](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/digestive-bitters/) such as arugula, Brussels sprouts, cacao, cranberries, dandelion greens, kale, and radicchio are naturally bitter and can help support digestion.

### Ginger ( _Zingiber officinale_)

[Ginger](https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/21/7223) is a root that has been used in many traditions to support digestion and calm nausea. Modern studies suggest that ginger can help reduce feelings of [nausea](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3995184/) and may decrease inflammation that contributes to the formation of stomach [ulcers](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21091998/#:~:text=Conclusion%3A%20Ginger%20extract%20and%20polaprezinc,as%20effective%20mucosal%20protective%20agents.) in the lining of the stomach that can cause indigestion, fatigue, heartburn, and abdominal discomfort.

### Wormwood ( _Artemisia absinthium_)

[Wormwood](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446506/) may support overall digestion and appetite by increasing vascular tone to increase blood flow, stimulating gustatory nerves in the mouth, and increasing secretion of gastric juice and bile.

### Gentian ( _Gentiana lutea_)

Gentian is a commonly used bitter in European herbalism and has a history of use in bitter liqueurs and aperitifs. Like wormwood, [gentian](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446506/) may increase blood flow to the digestive tract by increasing vascular tone and may increase the secretion of gastric juices and bile by stimulating gustatory nerves in the mouth.

### Burdock and Dandelion Root

[Burdock root](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/burdock-root/) and dandelion root are both members of the _Asteraceae_ plant family. [Burdock](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25350500/) is commonly added to bitters and has been shown to support a healthy inflammatory response and reduce oxidative stress.

[Dandelion](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9498421/) root (​​ _Taraxacum officinale_) contains lactones that have a bitter taste, which may stimulate digestion in addition to being a potent antioxidant that helps to support a healthy inflammatory response in the gastrointestinal tract.

### Artichoke leaf ( _Cynara scolymus_)

[Artichoke](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26310198/) leaf is cooling and drying energetically and is used in traditional Western herbalism to address slow digestion and support the liver.

### Chamomile

[Chamomile](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9822300/) is a gentle bitter that is calming and soothing to the body. It may help to ease digestive issues like nausea and indigestion and can be taken before eating to help manage gas in the digestive tract and optimize nutrient absorption from food.

### Bitter Melon

[Bitter melon](https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-to-know-about-digestive-bitters) is a plant that is traditionally used in India, Asia, and South America as a natural remedy to help support balanced blood sugar. Studies suggest that bitter melon may help the body release and use insulin more effectively to support healthy blood glucose levels.

## How Do Herbal Bitters Assist Digestion?

[Bitters](/content/post/common-medical-conditions-digestive-bitters-are-prescribed-for-plus-specialty-lab-testing-that-can-help-individualize-treatment/index.html) help to stimulate digestive juices and [enzymes](/content/post/what-are-digestive-enzymes-how-to-test-your-patients-levels/index.html) and can also help to [relax](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26541810/) smooth muscle that lines the digestive tract to help relieve cramping. In addition, bitters might support healthy [blood sugar](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072924/) levels by stimulating the release and use of [insulin](/content/post/what-is-insulin-resistance/index.html) and managing sugar cravings.

There are several [theories](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446506/) regarding how herbal bitters aid digestion and support the gastrointestinal tract. Digestion involves three major phases. During the cephalic phase, chewing, tasting, and swallowing of food stimulate nerves that prepare the digestive tract by stimulating the release of saliva to help with the breakdown of starches and fats and increasing blood flow in the celiac artery.

As food enters the stomach, the gastric phase begins. In this phase, the presence of food or liquids expands the stomach, which triggers mechanical receptors to increase blood flow to the digestive tract. Finally, food empties from the stomach into the intestines, where it is fully digested. During this phase, the blood flow in the superior mesenteric artery increases based on factors such as the food composition. Greater blood flow generally occurs when carbohydrates are consumed and decreases when proteins are consumed with fats.

The digestive tract is intertwined and connected with the nervous system and brain via the [gut-brain](/content/post/gut-brain-axis/index.html) axis. This bi-directional communication network is largely facilitated by actions of the autonomic nervous system and associated nerves such as the [vagus](/content/post/5-reasons-you-should-be-stimulating-your-vagus-nerve/index.html) nerve.

Many classic [studies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446506/) of the autonomic nervous system and digestion suggest that herbal bitters stimulate the glossopharyngeal nerve, which innervates the tongue and sends signals to the brain. There, the taste is interpreted as bitter, which may cause stimulation of the vagus nerve. In turn, the salivary gland and the stomach are stimulated to produce saliva, digestive [enzymes](/content/post/what-are-digestive-enzymes-how-to-test-your-patients-levels/index.html), and gastric juices that support the digestive process and appetite.

[Studies](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8072924/) have shown that bitters stimulate cholecystokinin (CCK), which is released from the small intestine to support the digestion of fat and protein; glucagon-like peptide 1 ( [GLP-1](/content/post/9-hormone-imbalances-that-can-hinder-weight-loss/index.html)), a hormone produced by the brain in response to food consumption that may reduce appetite and support the release of insulin; and ghrelin, a hormone produced in your stomach when it is empty that signals your brain that it is time to eat.

A simple local reflex [model](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446506/) has also been proposed to explain the impact of bitters on digestion. This idea asserts that stimulation of bitter receptors in the mouth (oropharyngeal) and gastrointestinal tract produces local responses that increase digestive secretions.

Others have [suggested](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4446506/) that bitters act mainly by enhancing blood flow in the gut to support digestion or that the alcohol in which the bitter herbs are dissolved helps stimulate digestion.

## Who Should Use Herbal Bitters?

Digestive bitters are frequently used to increase digestive secretions, promote adequate digestion, and enhance nutrient absorption. Since bitters help to stimulate saliva, gastric juices, and digestive processes and support the relaxation of smooth muscles along the digestive tract, they may benefit those with various [digestive](/content/post/how-to-heal-your-gut-naturally-with-functional-nutrition/index.html) issues.

Bitters can be a gentle but effective addition to support you if you deal with [bloating](/content/post/5-lab-test-that-help-diagnose-the-root-cause-of-chronic-bloating/index.html), gas, [low](/content/post/low-stomach-acid/index.html) stomach acid levels, [gastroparesis](/content/post/natural-remedies-for-gastroparesis/index.html), [gallbladder](/content/post/gallbladder-disease-causes-risk-factors-and-treatments/index.html) dysfunction, problems with protein breakdown, atonic [constipation](/content/post/a-functional-medicine-constipation-protocol-testing-nutrition-and-supplements/index.html), issues with fat absorption such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency ( [EPI](/content/post/pancreatic-exocrine-insufficiency-symptoms-diagnosis-treatment/index.html)), or constipation.

For example, a lack of [stomach acid](/content/post/low-stomach-acid/index.html) can lead to digestive troubles. You need enough stomach acid to digest food properly, and taking bitters before a meal may help support acid production.

Similarly, bitters may help those who have [cramping](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26541810/) and bloating by supporting the relaxation of bowel muscles.

Digestive bitters and other digestive enzyme supplements are also often used to help maintain a balanced gut environment. Since an [insufficiency](/content/post/what-are-digestive-enzymes-how-to-test-your-patients-levels/index.html) in digestive enzymes impacts the pH of the digestive tract, people without adequate secretion of enzymes are more likely to experience [dysbiosis](/content/post/how-your-gut-bacteria-affects-your-overall-health#:~:text=Dysbiosis%20occurs%20when%20there%20is,constipation%20or%20other%20gastrointestinal%20symptoms./index.html), small intestinal bacterial overgrowth ( [SIBO](/content/post/an-in-depth-overview-of-the-three-types-of-sibo-hydrogen-methane-hydrogen-sulfide/index.html)), and intestinal [fungal overgrowth](/content/post/an-integrative-medicine-approach-to-sifo-small-intestinal-fungal-overgrowth/index.html). Stimulating greater secretion of digestive enzymes and juices can help support a balanced microbial environment in the gut.

## Who Should Not Use Herbal Bitters?

While bitters are derived from plants, some precautions should be noted. Herbs are processed by similar pathways in the liver as medications, so they can [interact](https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-to-know-about-digestive-bitters) with some medications in a way that may increase or decrease the blood levels.

People with chronic health [issues](https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-to-know-about-digestive-bitters) like epilepsy, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure, and bleeding disorders should discuss if certain bitters are safe to take based on their individual circumstances. If you experience irritation and chronic inflammation of the digestive tract due to conditions such as ulcers or inflammatory bowel disease, bitters may be irritating and not appropriate.

In addition, since bitters stimulate the release of additional gastric acid in your stomach, people who are [predisposed](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/digestive-bitters/) to acid reflux, heartburn, [bloating](/content/post/5-lab-test-that-help-diagnose-the-root-cause-of-chronic-bloating/index.html), cramping, or other stomach issues should discuss their use with a healthcare professional to see if bitters would be helpful or not.

Especially because they are often infused in an alcoholic tincture, bitters may not be [appropriate](https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-to-know-about-digestive-bitters) for children or people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or in recovery.

It is also important to consider that some people may be [allergic](https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/what-to-know-about-digestive-bitters) to the herbs used in bitters.

## When Should Herbal Bitters Be Taken?

Since bitters help prepare the digestive tract to digest food, they are best taken about [15](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/digestive-bitters/) minutes before a meal, although taking them with or just after eating can still be helpful if you forget to take them ahead of time.

They should be placed on the tongue so you get the full bitter taste in order to work most effectively. Place a dose on your tongue and hold it there for about 10–15 seconds until you start salivating before swallowing.

## Functional Medicine Labs to Evaluate Digestive Health

Functional medicine laboratory testing can help to assess ways that the digestive system may be imbalanced. This testing can evaluate the health and function of the gastrointestinal tract to bring the gut-brain axis and body back into balance.

### Comprehensive Gut Testing

A comprehensive gut test like the [GI-Effects](/content/lab-tests/genova-gi-effects-comprehensive-profile-3-day/index.html) evaluates gut health and function using a stool sample. This test provides an extensive look at the byproducts of digestion to indicate any maldigestion and malabsorption that may suggest digestive enzyme insufficiencies, as well as measuring markers of intestinal inflammation and microbial markers that can indicate dysbiosis, infection, and immune dysregulation that can contribute to gut symptoms. Using this test can help guide an individualized approach to optimize digestive health.

### Micronutrient Testing

Nutrients like [zinc](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4962080/) are required for the production of stomach acid (HCl), and proper levels of stomach acid are required to digest and absorb proteins, vitamin [B12](/content/post/vitamin-b12-101/index.html), and minerals like [iron](/content/post/top-lab-test-to-run-on-your-iron-deficiency-anemia-patients/index.html) and [calcium](/content/post/calcium-101-testing-top-foods-supplements/index.html). A [micronutrient test](/content/lab-tests/spectracell-micronutrient-test/index.html) assesses the levels of various nutrients to help target nutrition and supplement recommendations aimed at the restoration of nutrient status for optimal digestive function and overall health.

### SIBO Breath Test

If a patient presents with a history of bloating, abdominal pain, and abnormal bowel movements, a [breath test](/content/lab-tests/genova-sibo-3-hour/index.html) can help to diagnose and subtype [SIBO](/content/post/an-in-depth-overview-of-the-three-types-of-sibo-hydrogen-methane-hydrogen-sulfide/index.html).

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## Summary

With a long history of being used to support and soothe the digestive system, herbal bitters are a traditional remedy that continues to offer benefits today. Working with a healthcare practitioner can help you determine if these botanicals may benefit your bloating, nausea, indigestion, gastroparesis, SIBO, and other digestive issues and help you determine the best individualized bitter formula to target your specific needs. Further, functional medicine laboratory testing can help determine the root cause of digestive dysfunction contributing to digestive symptoms to bring the body back into balance.

_The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. Consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website._

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### Lab Tests in This Article

GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile - 3 day by Genova Diagnostics

Stool

The GI Effects® Comprehensive Profile is a group of advanced stool tests that assess digestive function, intestinal inflammation, and the intestinal microbiome to assist in the management of gastrointestinal health. This is the 3-day version of the test; it is also available as a 1-day test.

Micronutrient Test by SpectraCell Laboratories

Whole Blood

The SpectraCell Micronutrient Test analyzes over 30 vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to determine nutritional deficiencies. It also analyzes the performance and functional deficiencies of these micronutrients. This test is not recommended for patients under 12 years of age.

SIBO - 3 Hour by Genova Diagnostics

Breath

The 3-hour SIBO assessment is a non-invasive test that evaluates bacterial overgrowth of the small intestine. This longer test is recommended for patients with slower gastrointestinal transit or constipation.

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Dr. Jennifer L. Weinberg MD, MPH, MBE\\
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Preventive and Lifestyle Medicine Physician, Author of The Whole Cure, Educator, Writer, and Founder of the Simple Pure Whole Wellness Method.](/content/author/jennifer-l-weinberg/index.html)

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