8 Benefits of Digestive Bitters. A Guide.

Bitters.

For many, the bitter taste is something to shy away from—a sharp sensation on the tongue that feels uncomfortable or unpleasant. I’ll admit, I’ve felt that way too. But as I’ve deepened my connection with the plants and the wisdom they carry, my appreciation for bitterness has grown. It’s as though this flavor, so often overlooked, carries its own kind of medicine—a gift to bring harmony and vitality to our bodies.

Bitters are especially important in a culture like ours, where the sweet flavor reigns supreme. Many traditional cultures incorporate bitter foods into their daily diets—dandelion greens, broccoli rabe, bitter melon, sesame, Jerusalem artichokes, and more. But here in the U.S., our meals often lean heavily on sweetness, with sugar hidden in so much of what we eat. While the occasional sweetness can be a comfort, too much creates imbalance. And so, the return of bitter is a blessing—an ancient ally reawakening in our lives.

Did you know the body is designed to recognize and respond to bitterness? Bitter receptors are not only found on the tongue but also in the lungs and throughout the digestive tract. These receptors spark the digestive process, awakening the body to begin its work. Bitters stimulate digestive juices—gastric acid, bile, pancreatic enzymes—and help with absorption and elimination. This is their physical medicine, a grounding reminder that the body thrives on balance. Bitters also stimulate to help us digest what is in our energetic environment when we have a challenge integrating it.

But the medicine of bitters reaches beyond digestion. When the gut is in harmony, the rest of the body follows. Bitters can ease arthritis, regulate blood sugar, support autoimmune conditions, and even calm anxiety. They cleanse and fortify the blood, clear stagnation, and help us release what no longer serves—physically, emotionally, and energetically. In many ways, they teach us to let go, to trust the flow, and to find ease in the discomfort of transformation.

If you don’t regularly include bitter foods in your meals, consider keeping a bottle of digestive bitters at hand. A small dose before your meal is all it takes to activate your digestive fire. It’s simple, yet the benefits are profound. Recently, I crafted my own blend—Mama’s Lemon & Lavender Digestive Bitters—a blend infused with care and intention to support the body’s natural rhythms.

Bitters are not just a taste; they are a teacher. They remind us to honor the cycles of life, to embrace balance, and to listen to the quiet wisdom of our bodies. May they bring you strength and harmony as you welcome their medicine into your life.

Benefits for adding Bitters to your diet:

1. Encourages HCL production, bile, and digestive enzyme production.

2. Helps relieve heartburn and reflux.

3. Relieves and minimizes gas and bloating. 

4. Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

5. Supports healthy skin and liver function.

6. Regulates bowel movements and prevents constipation.

7. Balances appetite. Including reduction of sugar cravings.

8.Increases absorption of fat soluble vitamins and digestion of other fats.

9. Bitterness brings out our inner sweetness

Bitter foods to add into your diet: 

Arugula  

-Broccoli Rabe

-Dandelion Greens

-Kale

-Jerusalem Artichoke

-Radicchio

-Grapefruit

-Chicory  

-Endive

-Escarole

Some Bitter Herbs for Digestion Support:

• Dandelion Root (Taraxacum officinale)

• Burdock Root (Articum lappa)

• Hops (Humulus lupulus)

• Artichoke Leaf (Cynara scolymus)

• Gentian Root (Gentiana lutea)

• Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus)

• Roman Chamomile  (Chamaemelum nobile)

• Angelica Root (Angelica archangelica)

• Orange Peel (Citrus spp.)

It's great to eat bitters in your meal but if you don't do that regularly, keep a bottle of of the liquid extract on your kitchen table and take a bit before your meal to activate the digestive process. It's easy to do and the benefits are plentiful! Recently I made my first batch of digestive bitters, which you can find here (Mama's Lemon & Lavender Digestive Bitters).