Digestive Bitters

I just created a tasty digestive tincture for myself, so here is the recipe.
While there are plenty of herbs (especially bitter herbs) that aid digestion, this blend is customized to appeal to a general audience. I could have put many things in, but I wanted to keep it simple. I love the familiar spice of cinnamon, the bold flavor of fennel, and the warmth of burdock and ginger.

Remember: When blending herbs, always think: Who am I making this for? What tastes does that person like best? Can I sneak in some effective herbs by using a tastier "cover-up" ingredient like lemon balm?


Tasty Tummy Tincture
Carminative - aids against bloating & gas

Ingredients & Supplies:
-1 small container (I used a 2-oz dropper bottle*)
-dried organic cinnamon chips (if you only have sticks, put them in a bag & use a meat tenderizer to break them into little pieces)
-dried organic fennel seeds
-dried organic ginger root
-dried organic burdock root
-alcohol (I used Finlandia vodka, which was on sale)
-filtered water
**If you don't have a dropper bottle, use a small jam jar or the like.

Instructions: Remember SOAK - SHAKE - SIP!
1) Into the container, add 1/4 tsp of each herb. (You may add more of any if you like the taste.)
2) Carefully pour vodka into the glass until 3/4 full. (You may use a measuring cup with a spout to prevent sloshing.)
3) Carefully pour only enough water in to fill it up almost to the top -- you want to leave a tiny bit of airspace for shaking & for your dropper.
4) Shake well & store somewhere you will see it often (but keep it out of direct sunlight). 
5) Give it a shake every day for 2-3 weeks to allow it to infuse.
6) If you like being neat, pour it all into a cup & carefully strain out the solids using a strainer & a measuring cup as the receptacle. You may also use a coffee filter. Then pour the liquid back into the bottle. If you don't care, leave it in.
***TIP: If you have gentian extract (available at most health stores), you can add 1-2 droppers of that into your final product. It will taste more bitter, but gentian is a great digestive herb.

Taking the Tincture:
Take 2 droppers of the tincture before & after meals to stimulate digestion. You can put it into a shot glass or sipping glass and dilute with some warm water.
If you don't have a dropper, simply take 1/4-1/2 tsp instead.



***Always be sure to check with your health care professional before trying new herbs. These herbs are not dangerous, but if you are on any medications or have long-term health issues, you should do your research.