What is Swedish Bitters?
I’m really surprised by the lack of info online regarding Swedish Bitters! Sure, some exists, but I can’t find many really in-depth articles about the stuff. I have NO IDEA why… in my family we’ve been using it for years and years, and we swear by it. It’s almost magic.
(THIS POST PROBABLY CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS. OUR FULL DISCLOSURE POLICY IS REALLY BORING, BUT YOU CAN FIND IT HERE.)
Swedish Bitters (or Swedenbitters as it’s sometimes called) is a traditional herbal tonic, made by soaking a mixture of herbs in alcohol for a minimum of a week. It’s recipe varies slightly depending on which country or company you’re getting it from. It has German roots and very strong historical ties with Austria and Sweden.
Sometimes called the “elixir of long life”, and my grandma used to tell me that the guy who invented it was killed at 102 – he was hit by a car while he was jogging on the side of the road. This isn’t actually true… But the guy who re-discovered the old recipe (Dr Claus Samst) in the 17th or 18th century and made it famous in his country actually did live to be over 100, and was killed in a riding accident.
So details, details. He definitely lived a long long time, and he definitely didn’t die of health struggles due to old age.
The renown European herbalist Maria Treben is probably the lady to credit with the modern knowledge and use of Swedish Bitters. She wrote extensively on it in her bestselling book Health Through God’s Pharmacy. (I really recommend this book if you are interested in natural remedies, it’s a pretty interesting read.) She considered Swedish Bitters to be something of a cure-all.
You can buy swedish bitters, or (and this is how I do it) you can buy a package of the dry herbs and mix them in a bottle of vodka. (MUCH cheaper option!!!)
Benefits of Swedish Bitters
If you’re asking “what does Swedish Bitters do for you…. well, there are claims that it can do A LOT!
She (Maria Treben) claims “Swedish Bitters cleanse the blood, improve circulation, dispel flatulence, headaches, indigestion, stomach, gallbladder, liver and kidney disorders (even if alcohol is not allowed). These drops stimulate a sluggish intestine and dispel dizziness and lameness. For all illnesses, they are most beneficial, even for cancer.” (excerpt from Health Through God’s Pharmacy)
She also gives testimonials of Swedish Bitters to heal gall bladder attacks, for pain relief, inflammation, asthma, wound healing, muscular atrophy and muscular disorders, arthritis, gastritis and pancreatic disorders and many more ailments.
Now, I guess because it’s my blog I can weigh in here and say that I don’t believe that there is a cure for everything.
Maybe I’m realistic, or maybe I’m jaded. I’m not sold on the fact that Swedish Bitters will solve all the health issues we will run into.
I AM sold on Swedish Bitters however. My house is never without it. Because it works.
I personally (and my entire family) have used it with amazing success over and over for any sort of stomach upset / indigestion / gas / nausea / off feeling. It’s also the best thing you will ever have for itches of any kind – insect bites, allergic reactions, stinging nettles, weird pregnancy related itchiness ect.
I’ve never tried it for anything else, but I intend to now that I’m really thinking about it!
What’s In Swedish Bitters?
Well, like I said, that sort of differs slightly depending on where you’re getting it.
There are “knock-off” versions that only include two or three ingredients. Don’t buy those ones!
You can purchase a premixed version, either of dry herbs or of the already soaked herbs. (Dry herbs is by far the best value of course, as is anything that requires you to do the work.) I buy the “original Swedenbitters” dry blend from Flora. It has 15 ingredients, and you just add the dry mix to a bottle of vodka.
Here’s what I expect to find in my Swedish Bitters, and what you should expect too – remember, it’s not true Swedish Bitters if it only lists three ingredients!
Swedish bitters ingredients:
- Aloe (leaf)
- Angelica (root)
- Manna (sap)
- Rhubarb (root)
- Zedoary (root)
- Anise (seed)
- Fennel (seed)
- Bitter Orange (peel)
- Camphor (wood)
- Carline Thistle (root)
- Licorice (root)
- Senna (pod)
- Galangal (root)
- Gentian (root)
- Myrrh (resin)
And Vodka, of course.
How to Make Swedish Bitters
While you could potentially source all your own ingredients, I would STRONGLY recommend buying a premixed blend. Some of the ingredients, like Aloe, for example would be better left to someone who has done their homework. The resin of Aloe is not necessarily recommended for ingestion, but the mix I buy uses the leaf. (I doubt very much that you could actually buy the resin in this country anymore for ingestion. But still.)
So I purchase the dry mix and a bottle of vodka and put ’em together.
I pour a little vodka out of the bottle (so the herbs fit), and use a funnel to get the herbs into the bottle. I add as much of the leftover vodka back to the bottle as possible. Then I put it under my kitchen sink (in the dark) and shake the bottle every few days.
If you’ve never tasted Swedish Bitters before, you’re in for a bit of a shock… it’s not called bitters for nothin! I’ve learned something else too… DO NOT taste it before it’s at least one week old. It’ll still taste bad, but Swedish Bitters before it’s a week old is a special kind of bad.
You can strain it after 10 days or so… But I don’t, because who has time for straining?
How to use Swedish Bitters:
Use a cotton swab to apply it to itchy skin or take a teaspoon in a small glass of water for an upset stomach / indigestion.
Another warning: we always say if you need to get something out of your stomach, Swedish Bitters will get it out. (And then you’ll feel better.)
Trying as a dewormer as suggested by a friend! Hope it works cause I have tried a few natural things with no luck so far 😭
The best dewormer you can get is Papay seed, It to is bitter but it will kill any parasite in your body. I have used it for many years when I lived in Thailand. I would take a teaspoon of seeds and blend them with my smootie of fruit, no milk just clean water and drink.
Also, every three months… put 1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar into 1/2 cup water. Drink 30 min before breakfast. Do this for 7 days. This kills parasites and evidence can be seen in toilet.
I have been OBSESSED with Swedish bitters for about a year now and was so excited to find your blog about making my own!!! I just put all my herbs and vodka together in a big jar and I feel oddly maternal and giddy over it. Gonna treat that jar like an infant til it’s ready! Thanks so much for providing your method!
I love Swedish Bitters but am aware the commercial recipe is altered. I live in Australia. Are you aware of anyone who makes the original recipe?
How many grams of the herble mixture do you use with a liter of Vodka?
When is the best time to drink Swedish batter before food or after food ,and is also good for the heart
Ate Nic Nacs that were off, its a cheesy flavour, got major cramps and headache. Saw the large bottle of Sweden Bitters and downed a large amount. This morning back at work and feeling great! Definitely works. Did not know about the ingredients so googled it. Vodka? No wonder i felt so good!
My family has used it for years. And tmi I’m using it applied to a bartholine cyst. It’s a staple in my house even if me and my daughter use it.
I had a spiderbite (Violin)
The doctor gave me anti biotics topical and oral.
The bite was right next to an old fat gland, which became septic.
The pain was unbearable. I sobbed in the shower.
I did a search and found Schweden.
I immediately purchased some and drank it, also applied topically.
I was on a plane some time during this time and changed my strong smelling dressings.
I have Schweden in my home at all times, and my grandchildren have grown up with it.
First thing when I have a tummy upset or feeling below par.
It also contains Aloe Vera which is good for skin healing and digestive system, ulcers etc.
I buy Dr. Vogel and am happy with it.