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.
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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.)
So have you ever used Swedish Bitters? Why does it seem like no one else has ever heard of it?
Thanks for the info! How do you take the bitters? I have terrible bouts of trapped gas and would like to know more
I honestly just drink them straight from a spoon but most people don’t have the stomach for that LOL. You can put them in a little water if need be.
I’ve used this remedy for over 20 years, I make my own. It’s been absolutely fantastic. I’ve also used it on wounds and burns. I wouldn’t be without it, I even carry a small bottle in my car.
IT really is amazing stuff!
How much can i give to a child 4_8
well, I’m not a dr and can’t tell you what to give your children – so officially, ask a dr or ask at the pharmacy. it has alcohol in it, so I would not give them much! I think we used to get a teaspoon or less as children. Use caution.
For Alcohol free, you can soak your herbs in Food Grade Vegetable Glycerin (it has to be food grade!). It takes longer to draw out the goodness from the herbs and the shelf life is not indefinite as alcohol, but its a good option for giving tinctures to kids. I even use Glycerin for my pet tinctures, but do your homework as some otherwise harmless herbs are poison to animals.
is it important to get a specific vodka?
Nope – it shouldn’t matter. 🙂
Hi, can you pleases email me in response to my question? I’d so appreciate it, thanks!
I would really like to know whether swedish bitters is safe to use both internally and externally for someone with high blood pressure who’s taking medication at this time.
My grandma has hurt her had recently and I wish for her to take some (she’s been using bitters as a pack on the area, using a wet cloth) internally as well, to help with the pain and for faster healing.
I heard in the past that it’s okay to use for someone taking medication, if it isn’t taken in the same moment (okay on the same day). But I want to check if it’s true. Are there generally no interactions for bitters with high blood pressure medication?
I don’t know the name of her medication and it’s hard for me to find out right now.
I would appreciate any kind info & help, thank you!
Best regards
Crystal
(airycircus@gmail.com)
Crystal,
I am not a medical professional and I cannot give medical advice. Reach out to your doctor and see what they say! Good luck!!
Is it safe to take a tsp everyday.
I would check with your doctor!
A medical doctor is the last person to ask about natural healing or nutrition. You would get a better answer from the doctor’s wife or even the doctor’s dog. MDs are responsible for the largest number of deaths in this nation, and that is medical care. Every doctor’s office should have a sign on the door saying caution enter at your own risk.
I just started using them for gastoparesis, it’s helping , but concerned how often I can or should use them. Thanks.
Jacqueline – I would recommend checking with your doctor. I hope it helps!
Hi Carly, does the Swedish bitters go bad or does it keep for a long time? Thanks
Doreen – you should always check the dry herbs you are buying, but the Vodka itself shouldn’t go bad. Best of luck!
I took the pill form with all the ingredients listed for 3 weeks to get rid of boils on my thigh area. It worked. I am crying happy tears. I haven’t had to pop a huge purple boil in over a month. It cleaned my blood.
It being alcohol based, I’m afraid to try it because of history of severe gastritis from taking a herbal tincture that contained alcohol, but gastritis is on the list that bitters is suppose to help. Does anyone know of anyone that had/have gastritis that took bitters and was helped. Also have a long list of food intolerances, leaky gut, candida overgrowth, problems with digesting fats and salt, does this help with any these condition?
Thanks
I too deal with many food sensitivities, leaky gut, candida overgrowth, and autoimmune. My nutritionist suggested I take Swedish Bitters before each meal. Having a hard time finding original Swedish Bitters, I started with her alternate suggestions of Urban Moonshine Digestive Bitters- the suggested dose (1/4tsp) 10-15min before ea meal. Been taking almost a month, it has really helped my body with digesting, and I’ve not noticed any adverse issues. (taking 10-15min b4 meals jump starts the digestive system so its “warmed up” so to speak when the meal hits it). Plan to buy Swedish Bitters dry mix and make my own now.
Hope this helps – maybe you can check with a nutritionist or naturopath for your specific needs. God bless.
Sounds like you need to do a total cleanse. These are issues that don’t resolve overnight. Gut problems take time and dedication to heal
Nice piece. How can I get this book “Health Through God’s Pharmacy: Advice and Proven Cures with Medicinal Herbs”. I’m in Ghana
I love this blog !!!
Looked it up because I’m not sure what Alkohol to use here in the UK (I’m from Germany)
Our fam used Swedish butters for ages too (so agree there’s no remedy for everything but it does work!)
I haven’t used Swedish bitters (Schwedenbitter) for years now, but got the herbs finally and will start brewing it again today :))
So looking forward to using it again!
Hi Carly,
I’m new to Swedish bitters, and actually don’t mind the taste…bitters are one of the five flavors in Chinese medicine and we definitely don’t get enough bitter tasting things in our diets. I’m wanting to take more than the recommended dosage (2 tspns per day) if having a gassy or digestive episode and wondering what you would recommend as being a maximum safe dosage? The brand I have has alcohol in it so I’m also thinking to add it to a little warm/hot water.
Thanks!
HI Cait! I’m unable to give medical advice beyond what’s written on the bottle… if you read Maria Treban’s book, she does talk about dosing!
It is medicine and the fact it does not taste good is an indication of a medicine and people should have the courage to drink it without being crybabies .
I have had a 100% success rate with using Swedish Bitters curing Paralysis from ticks in Baby animals. This is normally fatal, unless using anti toxin administered by a vet. Which is horrendously expensive. But administered the bitters in an eyedropper (diluted) several times a day, usually 3 or 4 days in a row. A complete recovery is normal. Have used this protocol 4 times on different animals with complete success.
Being new to using Swedish bitters I was wondering how long it takes before you feel relief? I took a tsp yesterday and a tsp this morning. So far I am not getting relief, my stomach is still upset. Thanks for replying
Hey Arlene, I’m sorry you don’t feel better! I am not a doctor, just sharing my own personal experiences here. Sorry!
Hi Arlene. My friend in Germany is using for 9 years, she had cancer and she’s completely cure. I started taking for two days like you did because of my stomach but you don’t feel the difference for two days that you take, my friend said that you have to take it a table spoon every morning 30 minutes before you eat for 6 to 7 weeks even if your stomach hurts the first two weeks you have to continue. Hope you feel better Good luck.
Arlene there is an important thing to do when taking Swedish Bitters for the best results. After I take a tsp of bitters before I swallow it, I tilt my head back and allow the bitters to flow to the back of the tongue and I count 30 seconds before I swallow the bitters. I found more information online about this………. Also wait 15 mins after taking bitters before you eat.
The nerve on the back of the tongue called “bitter or vagus nerve” has to be stimulated for the process to start. Stimulation of the “bitter nerve” will begin with a taste of the bitters. Therefore take a teaspoon of the bitters tonic and and place on the middle to back part of the tongue. Do this 15 minutes before you eat. Hope this helps you.
Hi! My name is Debbi and I love swedish bitters also! Ok, not the taste, but what it does! I encourage you to expand your horizons with the elixer. It has cured staff infections on legs , arms, cured pneumonia when nothing else touched it, cured ear infections on people and dogs, healed old scars so they are very light, and I recently came down with an incurable cancer, to which Ive been using iodine with, but because of your article, as of today, I am starting to take my wonder nasty tasting bitters! Its helped so many other internal issues, here I go! My personal take on cancer is that it is a fungus. Iodine both on the tumor and internally has already done wonders, so now I am adding this to my daily routine! Thanks so much for the reminder at how wonderful this stuff is. Lol! I dont strain mine either. I make 1/2 gallon at a time, and just let it sit in my dark cubbard. Blessings!
How much of the herb do you add? I will probably buy a big bag of the stuff, but you didn’t specify how much you put… i’m guessing maybe 1/3 cup?
I buy the herbs pre measured! (so you add the whole package as per the instructions.)
I like to know if it is OK take for chestcold
Carly the Mommy,
Just a question: can a cancer patient continue to drink Swedish Bitters?
Hello, I have started using sweden bitter but I cant any answers on its aversion with milk. Maria trebens book says it should not be taken after drinking milk but can we drink milk after some time passes during the day or if we are taking this bitters internally should we not drink any milk? What about dairy? Hope you can help me. Thank you!
If you’re a baby cow you should drink milk. It’s not for people. It’s for baby cows. You’ll keep getting sick if you consume dairy.
That you for bringing light to this amazing and must have natural blend! Our family has used it for as long as I can remember and I just made my first batch a few weeks ago! Anytime we call mom for anything the answer is always “Swedish Bitters.” So now we just do it without asking. Always used it for any digestive issues, burns, itchiness, bites, stings, even rubbed it in or make a compress to help during a cold. Lots of reason to have it on hand and incredibly easy to make.