Swedish Bitters

What is Swedish Bitters?

Bitter tasting herbs have a long history in Chinese, Native American, and European diets with proponents using them for a range of reported therapeutic benefits. Mixing them into an elixir they were able to create tinctures also called Herbal Bitters or Digestive Bitters that could be used both orally and topically. Swedish Bitters is one such tincture, made from a carefully curated selection of herbs with a history of supporting a healthy digestive system.

Swedish Bitters is named after Swedish natural health devotee and exponent Dr. Claus Samst who reportedly identified an original bitters recipe in the 17th century that was used in traditional herbal medicine. The concoction blends a long list of botanicals known as bitter herbs, each with their own benefits. Aloe, one of the main ingredients in Hilde Hemmes’ Swedish Bitters, is one such component incorporated for its reported benefits for digestive health, including its ability to help relieve constipation.

Hilde Hemmes have been manufacturing their digestive bitters since 1984 after personal success with the tonic. Now a leading product in the Hilde Hemmes range, Swedish Bitters has multiple uses and benefits.  

What are the benefits of Swedish Bitters?

This herbal bitters tincture proclaims a range of therapeutic benefits when used as a natural health supplement in line with traditional uses. Purported benefits include calming digestive discomfort associated with indigestion and supporting a healthy digestive system. Ingredients such as aloe have also been used as a natural laxative stimulant to relive constipation. Bitters has been traditionally used in these capacities for centuries with advocates regularly using the liquid tincture to maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract and support minor-wound healing.  

How do you use Swedish Bitters?

Swedish Bitters has three main uses; these include:

Oral Use

Traditionally used as a herbal medicine to support a healthy digestive system,  to alleviate symptoms of indigestion and other digestive discomforts. Adults can take 20ml in 100ml of water 30 minutes before mealtime, three times a day to help aid digestion.

External Use

Swedish Bitters has also been used in herbal medicine as a topical ointment to aid wound healing and to keep minor cuts and abrasions clean. Soak a small gauze with the liquid and apply regularly to the wound and cover with a bandage, repeating as needed for up to 12 hours.

Gargle Mixture

Bitters has been traditionally used as a liquid tincture to help ease a sore throat and even toothache. Adults can use as a gargle mixture twice daily by mixing 20ml with 100ml of warm water, swishing around the mouth and gargling before swallowing the drink.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Swedish Bitters good for?

It’s used for a multitude of things with the most common being for digestive support. The tincture can be used both orally and topically. Orally, it’s reported to aid digestion, relieve discomfort associated with indigestion and constipation, and can be used as a gargling solution to help soothe a sore throat. Externally it can be used as an ointment for cuts, abrasions, scrapes, and minor wounds to help the body’s natural healing process along.

How does Swedish Bitters work?

An array of natural bitter herbs are combined to create an elixir that can be used orally and externally as an ointment. The active ingredients in Swedish Bitters work to support the digestive tract when consumed and to aid healing when used as an ointment as per traditional herbal herbal medicines. According to Hilde Hemmes the tincture is fast absorbed compared to capsules or tablets.

What is Swedish Bitters made from?

Hilde Hemmes Swedish Bitters is made from an extensive list of bitter herbs with active ingredients including aloe, Senna, rhubarb, myrrh, zedoary, manna ash, carline thistle, Angelica, black cohosh, valerian, cinnamon, cardamon, saffron, and camphor. Hilde Hemmes don’t add any colours, sugar, caffeine, or flavours. The mixture is also free from gluten and yeast and is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

When should you take bitters?

If consuming orally for digestive support the liquid tincture should be taken as directed 30 minutes before meals, three times per day for best results.