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Digestive Bitters Herbal Powder

Digestive bitters are revered in Europe for digestion, rejuvenation, bloating relief, and mental sharpness. Caution! A little goes a long way.
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4.91 out of 5 stars 11 ratings

Customer Reviews

4.91 out of 5 stars
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"Super cleansing tea! Taste is great and the results are perfect"
- Lisa Elmira, NY

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Table of Contents

How Does This Ayurvedic Herb Supplement Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

When you feel heavy, sluggish and cloudy, re-energizing may be as simple as taking bitter herbs and spices. Bitters stimulate digestion, and cleanse the liver and blood of heavy fats. Poor digestion, so prevalent today, was a foreign ailment to our ancestors. This is because for millennia our ancestors' diets were high in bitters. Bitters are often lacking or completely absent from our modern diet. Digestive bitters, perhaps what your body is silently craving, can help you digest your food without leaving you tired or suffering from acid reflux or bloating. This formula contains herbs traditionally used for:


  • Lifting stomach heaviness and sluggishness after eating
  • Difficulty concentrating & sharpening cloudy thoughts
  • Decongesting the gall bladder
  • Detoxifying the blood
  • Relieving uncomfortable abdominal bloating and swelling
  • Reducing cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglycerides
  • Weight loss


Bitters, the Liver & Digestion


Digestive bitters are the most popular digestive remedy in Europe. They help food move through your digestive tract easily by stimulating peristalsis - the cleansing muscular contractions of the digestive tract. Bitters contribute to regularity in elimination of the bowels. They also increase digestive enzymes, speeding up the digestive process. Inefficient digestion siphons large amounts of energy, making a person feel tired, moody or just plain yucky. Efficient digestion makes a person feel light, energized, refreshed, and clear headed, which is why bitters are a great remedy if you often feel tired or lethargic after eating. Bitters directly detoxify the blood, and decongest the liver and gall bladder by stimulating bile secretion. Bitters also reduce cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglycerides. Bitters also have the power to eliminate unhealthy food cravings by resetting your palate.

Contains: Amalaki Dehydrated Chopped Fruit, Peppermint, Brahmi/ Gotu Kola Chopped Leaf, Neem Leaf, Bitter Orange Peel, Licorice Root Pieces, Ginger Root Pieces, Fennel Whole Seed

Metabolic Nature of Digestive Bitters

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.

METABOLIC NATURE

Metabolic Nature

Ayurveda assesses metabolic imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating them weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which biocharacteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct metabolic imbalances before you get sick. Every biocharacteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite biocharacteristic.

Find Out More

CLEAR

ABOUT CLEAR BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Clear refers to anything that cleanses or flushes out wastes, or that digests ama.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CLEAR

MOBILE

ABOUT MOBILE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Mobile refers to anything that stimulates the nervous system, muscles, or activity.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MOBILE

TASTES

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

Find Out More

BITTER

ABOUT BITTER BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Bitter taste has cholagogue action - it is cold, clear, light, and stimulating. It increases digestive enzymes and is laxative, and drying.

LEARN MORE ABOUT BITTER

PUNGENT

ABOUT PUNGENT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Pungency is characterized by irritation, or sharp, spicy foods that irritate the mouth such as black pepper.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PUNGENT

DOSHAS

The Three Doshas / Body Types

Ayurveda is a metabolic theory of medicine that explains individual health, tendencies, and disease patterns through the concept of doshas, which can be understood as your metabolic patterns and tendencies.

Each dosha reflects a distinct metabolic nature and describes strengths & weaknesses in bodily function, and how these affect energy levels, digestion, susceptibility to disease, and many other tendencies.

Your metabolic nature not only affects your physical characteristics, but also influences your mental thought patterns, confidence, and enthusiasm.

Ayurveda balances these metabolic strengths & weaknesses to support your body's vitality and prevent recurrent disease cycles. This support is a critical aid, especially in chronic or incurable disease conditions.

The 3 metabolic body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha).

Through dosha, Ayurveda empowers people to identify metabolic imbalances early, break repetitive patterns of disease, and cultivate habits that support long-term vitality and well-being.

Ultimately, these metabolic patterns also provide a framework for understanding yourself, including body, mind, and spiritual tendencies.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
Kapha pacifying Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying

GREEK MEDICINE / TEMPERAMENTS

The Four Temperaments / Humors

Ayurveda & Greek Medicine were the dominant form of medicine along the Silk Road from England to China and South Asia. They work by assessing your metabolic type, patterns, and nature. Greek medicine recognizes 4 metabolic temperaments, Melancholic, Choleric, Sanguine, and Phlegmatic.

Find Out More

PACIFIES
PHLEGMATIC

ABOUT PHLEGMATIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Wet & cold. When out of balance becomes congested, stagnant, and overweight. Loving, trusting, and patient.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PHLEGMATIC

SANGUINE

ABOUT SANGUINE BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Hot and oily with a moderate metabolism and a well nourished body. Vigorous, vivacious, outgoing and generous, and prone to impulsivity and self indulgence. Bullish and intense when out of balance.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SANGUINE

AGGRAVATES
CHOLERIC

ABOUT CHOLERIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Has a hot and dry metabolic nature. Enthusiastic, vibrant and bright. In excess burns up fluids and ojas, irritable. Corresponds to high bilirubin in the blood that irritates and heats up the body and liver.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CHOLERIC

MELANCHOLIC

ABOUT MELANCHOLIC BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold and dry with a slow, variable or erratic metabolism. Colicky, tense. Withdrawn, pensive, anxious, and hesitant. Analytical, intelligent, detail oriented and creative. Prone to ojas depletion, dehydration, an overactive nervous system, and depression.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MELANCHOLIC

Other

Subtaste:
Aromatic

AROMATIC

Herbs or spices with volatile essential oils that present strong aromas. Aromatic oils shock, refresh and numb tissue, with the end result of relaxing, opening and clearing stagnant fluids in tissues.

SEE ALL 'AROMATIC' FOODS / HERBS

Affinity:
Cleanse And Detox, Digestion

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Digestive Bitters
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

(see all)
Digestion:
Appetizer

APPETIZER

Herbs that cleanse the palate & stimulate hunger or desire to eat.

SEE ALL 'APPETIZER' FOODS / HERBS

,
Digestive

DIGESTIVE

Herbs that encourage healthy digestion.

SEE ALL 'DIGESTIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Cleanse & Detox:
Internal Detoxicant

INTERNAL-DETOXICANT

Liquefies, dissolves, decongests or dislodges internal stagnant toxins. Decongests the lymphatic system.

SEE ALL 'INTERNAL-DETOXICANT' FOODS / HERBS

Immune System:
Anti Inflammatory

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY

Reduces inflammation in the body. Different herbs and carriers target different body systems.

SEE ALL 'ANTI-INFLAMMATORY' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antibacterial

ANTIBACTERIAL

Herbs that kill bacteria or slow their growth.

SEE ALL 'ANTIBACTERIAL' FOODS / HERBS

Heart & Circulation:
Alterative

ALTERATIVE

Restores the proper function of the body by cleansing the blood and balancing blood chemistry. In Ayurveda terms, they pacify Pitta in rakta. They were traditionally used to revitalize and detoxify after a long winter.

SEE ALL 'ALTERATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Liver & Gallbladder:
Cholagogue

CHOLAGOGUE

Cholagogues stimulate the production & release of bile from the liver & gallbladder. This refreshes and cleanses these organs, as well as increases bile in the small intestines.

SEE ALL 'CHOLAGOGUE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Livotonic

LIVOTONIC

An herb that strengthens the liver. It is helpful for people with a history of substance abuse, chronic liver issues from hepatitis and hemolytic anemias. Generally, liver tonics are oily, cool, sweet, mildly sour, or contain beta-carotene.

SEE ALL 'LIVOTONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Weight Loss:
Hypolipidemic

HYPOLIPIDEMIC

Scrapes fats / cleanses blood vessels by 1) purging bile, 2) strengthening the liver's ability to metabolize fats, 3) by increasing uptake of cholesterol in the liver, and 4) by inhibiting fat cells.

SEE ALL 'HYPOLIPIDEMIC' FOODS / HERBS

,
Lowers Blood Sugar

LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR

An herb that lowers blood sugar.

SEE ALL 'LOWERS-BLOOD-SUGAR' FOODS / HERBS

Foods with a Similar Nature to Digestive Bitters

  • Dandelion Leaves

    Dandelion Leaves has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Digestive, Livotonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric Root (Fresh)

    Turmeric Root (Fresh) has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Digestive, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antibacterial, Hypolipidemic, Alterative, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Turmeric

    Turmeric has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Digestive, Lowers-blood-sugar, Antibacterial, Hypolipidemic, Alterative, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Burdock Root (Gobo)

    Burdock Root (Gobo) has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant, Cholagogue, Livotonic, Alterative, Hypolipidemic, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Aloe Vera Juice / Gel

    Aloe Vera Juice / Gel has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Antibacterial, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Cilantro

    Cilantro has these Actions in Common

    Appetizer, Hypolipidemic, Alterative, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Endive

    Endive has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Hypolipidemic, Anti-inflammatory, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Kale

    Kale has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Cholagogue, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Hypolipidemic, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Fenugreek

    Fenugreek has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Hypolipidemic, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

  • Allspice

    Allspice has these Actions in Common

    Antibacterial, Internal-detoxicant, Appetizer, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory, Digestive

    LEARN MORE

  • Arugula

    Arugula has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Lowers-blood-sugar, Hypolipidemic, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant

    LEARN MORE

Herbs & Supplements with a Similar Nature to Digestive Bitters

  • Dandelion Root

    Dandelion Root has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Digestive, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Livotonic, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Bhumyamalaki

    Bhumyamalaki has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Digestive, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Livotonic, Alterative

    LEARN MORE

  • Neem Leaf

    Neem Leaf has these Actions in Common

    Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic

    LEARN MORE

  • Punarnava

    Punarnava has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue

    LEARN MORE

  • Yellow Dock

    Yellow Dock has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Guduchi

    Guduchi has these Actions in Common

    Lowers-blood-sugar, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Internal-detoxicant, Livotonic

    LEARN MORE

  • Mugwort

    Mugwort has these Actions in Common

    Cholagogue, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Appetizer

    LEARN MORE

  • Goldenseal

    Goldenseal has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Cholagogue, Digestive, Internal-detoxicant, Alterative

    LEARN MORE

  • Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi)

    Holy Basil Leaf (Tulsi) has these Actions in Common

    Anti-inflammatory, Antibacterial, Appetizer, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar

    LEARN MORE

  • Patola

    Patola has these Actions in Common

    Digestive, Hypolipidemic, Internal-detoxicant, Lowers-blood-sugar, Anti-inflammatory

    LEARN MORE

  • Mahatikata Ghrta

    Mahatikata Ghrta has these Actions in Common

    Livotonic, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Cholagogue, Hypolipidemic

    LEARN MORE


Joyful Belly is a recognized college of biocharacteristics medicine.

Guidelines - Preparation & Dose

1/4 tsp in warm water before meals, 1-2x daily or as directed by your practitioner.
See guidelines for herbs?
Follow these guidelines

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Digestive Bitters may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any herb supplement for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR
THESE SYMPTOMS

Digestive Bitters may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Note this is not a complete list of all possible contraindications. Please see your doctor before using this herb supplement to treat a medical condition.

Herb Drug Interaction Risk

Here are some potential herb drug interactions with Digestive Bitters. Please see your health care provider for more information.

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Reviews for Digestive Bitters

(4.91 out of 5 stars) 11 ratings
Sign in to review or comment

John J Immel Asheville, NC
2012-08-06
“It is available in powder form."
Like Reply
Sally St. louis, MO
2013-05-21
“Should I drink the herbs or strain them? They are extremely bitter can I use a little honey to sweeten them up or mix i a spoon of apple sauce instead? "
Like Reply
John J Immel Asheville, NC
2013-06-06
“Dear Sally, Yes, you can mix honey into them. If you are unused to bitter taste, the formula may appear strong. Usually within 40 days the tastebuds recalibrate. Then you may find you have an entirely new relationship with bitter taste. Also, brewing and straining should give you control over the strength of the formula. ~John"
Like Reply
sarah scott Monterey, CA
2013-06-20
“Strong but good. I dilute them with apple juice. My husband likes them too."
Like Reply
Sharon H Barnett Lindsay, CA
2013-09-05
“My husband and I have each tried the digestive bitters twice -- does as advertised and it is not at all difficult to drink. A great replacement for my previous OTC "bubbly" antacid, so my travel bag now includes a container of DB to mix with water when I've eaten too much rich food. One tip: upon opening the packet, don't inhale! (I was curious as to how the mix smelled and the cayenne went right up my nose!)"
Like Reply
Patricia McCormick Madison, WI
2014-01-17
“Really HOT!!!!"
Like Reply
Donna Hartenstine Charlotte, NC
2014-04-22
“Is it ok to drink them AFTER a meal? do they help in the same way? - Donna H Indian Land, SC "
Like Reply
Krutika Austerlitz, NY
2014-06-13
“Am very happy with the effects of the bitter herbs. Do they come in two different varieties? The one I have you need to brew for 5 minutes and strain. Is there one that is instant? I actually like the taste and my digestion and elimination have improved immensely. Believe this product to be a keeper."
Like Reply
David McKaig Swannanoa, NC
2014-09-16
“Thanks for the comments on Digestive Bitters....it has become a bestseller! If it tastes bad to you, mix with almond milk!"
Like Reply
Heather Vaughan, CAy, RYT Albuquerque, NM
2014-12-11
“Yes, J, Digestive Bitters are safe for a Vata Constitution without a gallbladder for short term use. Just be mindful to keep enough juicy, unctuous, heavy foods in your diet to keep Vata nice and mellow. Hope that helps!"
Like Reply
Patricia Colorado springs, CO
2014-12-20
“I am 61 and Pitta dosha though Vata symptoms because of age? I am wondering do I attempt to address balancing of both? Also gallstones though avoiding surgery have worked through diet to avoid any further gallbladder attacks since 4 years. Now have thyroiditis though has not gone into Graves or Hashimotos as yet. Thank you, Patricia"
Like Reply
Karen Moussou Fort wayne , IN
2015-01-01
“If you don't have a gallbladder, can this be used, and if so, for how long? Without a gallbladder, would one use it daily or rotate it?"
Like Reply
Heather Vaughan, CAy, RYT Albuquerque, NM
2015-01-07
“Yes! This formula is quite helpful for those who have had their gall bladder removed and may ease some of the digestive discomfort you experience. Take a break for one week a month. "
Like Reply
Heather Vaughan, CAy, RYT Albuquerque, NM
2015-03-09
“Yes, you may take this formula during pregnancy, but please take a half dose. "
Like Reply
Kimberly Kubicke Asbury park, NJ
2016-01-25
“They might be intense for a 5 year old - more bitter greens in the diet might be a better approach. If you did decide to try it, begin with a very small dose."
Like Reply
Joyce Latimore Pembroke pines, FL
2016-04-03
“Wonderful product; I had my gallbladder surgically removed. The 1st time I used the digestive bitters,I knew I had found the right product. Thank you!"
Like Reply
Cornelia Morrison Whitmore lake , MI
2016-07-05
“Hi John, I'm having a hard time adjusting to the taste of the digestive bitters. Would it be okay for me to put the recommended 1/4 tsp into empty vegetarian capsules and just swallow it that way?Anne Morrison, Ann Arbor MI."
Like Reply
Kimberly Kubicke Asbury park, NJ
2016-07-06
“Anne,Part of the medicine is in the taste. If it is unbearable, then taking the capsules will be more helpful than not taking the herbs at all, but you will not get the maximum benefit."
Like Reply
Kimberly Kubicke Asbury park, NJ
2017-06-20
“It depends on the person. This blend is particularly useful for Vata and Kapha types."
Like Reply
Kimberly Kubicke Asbury park, NJ
2020-02-13
“We generally recommend working with a practitioner when using herbs. You can see the recommended uses under the contents and usage tab."
Like Reply
Lisa Elmira, NY
2020-09-15
“Super cleansing tea! Taste is great and the results are perfect"
Like Reply
Katie Clinton Ferndale, sligo, AL
2020-09-16
“Glad you're finding it beneficial Lisa!"
Like Reply
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.