The famous Swedish bitter is known as a powerful detoxifier. There are many myths associated with Swedish mortar, but nevertheless it also has certain benefits for the body. Find out what exactly Swedish bitters are and what features they have?
Swedish Bitters - What it is and what are its benefits?
 |
| Swedish Bitters - what it is and what are its benefits? |
- What are Swedish bitters?
- What does Swedish bitters contain?
- What are the benefits of Swedish bitters?
- Natural remedy for diabetes
- Regulates appetite
- It produces more saliva
- Releases gastric juice
- Remedy against constipation
- How to consume Swedish bitters
- Swedish bitters - contraindications
Note: It should be noted that the material in this article does not replace expert medical advice. Before attempting any treatment, we advise you to speak with your doctor and adhere to his recommendations.
What are Swedish bitters?
Bitter is an infusion created from predominantly bitter ingredients. These ingredients comprise aromatics and botanicals that can include any combination of herbs, roots, bark, fruits, seeds, or flowers, which are often used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.
People have used medicinal plants since ancient times in many different cultures. Bitters cocktails came into widespread use in the 1700s, when a physician named George Cheyne began treating gout with a light diet, plenty of fluids, and a bitter combination containing, among other things, alcohol, wormwood, and horseradish.
Swedish bitter is a mixture of herbs, which was developed in Sweden, as early as the 17th century, by the physician and chemist Urban Hjarne and sold in pharmacies under the name Elexir Amarum.
What does Swedish bitters contain?
Swedish bitters can be made from several bitter herbs and each producer has their own recipe. However, the most common ingredients are the following: Alcohol
- Dandelion
- Gentian
- Wormwood
- Bitter melon
- Aloe
- Burdock root
- Angelica root
- Horseradish
- Certain flavors, herbs, flowers and spices are also added to these.
- Herbs and Flowers: Peppermint, Sage, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Sorrel, Lavender, Chamomile, Hibiscus, Passionflower, and Valerian.
- Spices: cinnamon, cassia, turmeric, cloves, cardamom, chili pepper, fennel, ginger, nutmeg, juniper berries, star anise, vanilla beans, and peppercorns.
What are the benefits of Swedish bitters?
Swedish bitters have been recognized for its effects on digestive health. A study conducted some years ago showed that it relieves indigestion.
Swedish bitter stimulates receptors in the mouth and throat that are activated by bitter foods, which increases the production of saliva, gastric juice and stimulates liver function. So, it helps break down fats and other foods. When used as a digestive, there is often an immediate effect.
Although experts say more research is needed, digestive bitters appear to have some health benefits.
Natural remedy for diabetes:
In India, Asia, and South America, bitter melon has a long history of use as a complementary treatment for diabetes. Bitter melon decreases blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. It could also help the body release and use insulin. But more research is needed to say these things with certainty.
Regulates appetite:
Studies cited by webmd.com showed that people who consumed bitter herbs ate fewer calories. Swedish bitters could act on the bitter receptors in certain parts of the digestive system, and they release intestinal hormones that give the sensation of satiety.
It produces more saliva:
Saliva has enzymes that break down food. Bitter can help you produce more saliva, which could help with digestion.
Releases gastric juice:
The stomach contains various chemicals, such as pepsin and stomach acid, that help us break down food. Bitter can cause the stomach to release more gastric juice. Heartburn, indigestion, and cramps can all be relieved with this.
Remedy against constipation:
Swedish Bitter also contains Aloe traditionally used as a stimulant laxative to relieve constipation.
How to consume Swedish bitters?
Bitters are very strong, and the dosage and frequency will vary depending on what you are using them for. But frequently, a few drops are plenty.
You can take them by putting a few drops of a tincture on the tongue, or by diluting it with another liquid.
It is advised to start out with small doses of bitters before assessing their efficacy and how your body will respond.
Swedish bitters - Contraindications
Herbs can interact with some medications and reduce their effectiveness.
Some bitter herbs may not be safe for certain health conditions such as epilepsy, kidney disease, liver disease, low blood pressure. Bitters contain herbs, which you can be allergic to.
Pregnant and lactating women should not consume bitters. They should also not be given to children either, as they are often infused in alcohol.