Dandelion Root Bitters: Homemade Herbal Bitters Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is dandelion bitters good for? ›

Among their many benefits is their much-touted ability to stimulate digestive function. These dandy-orange bitters are no exception. They make a great all-purpose bitter that's traditionally been used to support normal digestion and is also quite handy as a bitter for mixed drinks!

Here are some aromatics typically used to make bitters: Herbs and flowers: mint, sage, lemongrass, peppermint, sorrel, lavender, chamomile, hibiscus, passionflower, yarrow, rose, milk thistle, and valerian.

Dandelion leaf and stem both contain bitter sesquiterpene lactones that provide bile-stimulating bitterness, just like the root. The leaves are also extremely rich in potassium. (2) This potassium content encourages the release of fluid from waterlogged cells in your body, giving dandelion a mild diuretic effect.

Bitter herbs are some of the most beloved by herbalists and fundamental to gut health. When you taste the challenging flavor of bitterness, you strengthen your digestive response and enhance the secretion of the body's natural digestive juices which in turn optimizes digestive function.

The leaves are used to stimulate the appetite and help digestion. Dandelion flower has antioxidant properties. Dandelion may also help improve the immune system. Herbalists use dandelion root to detoxify the liver and gallbladder, and dandelion leaves to help kidney function.

When taken by mouth: Dandelion is likely safe for most people when consumed in the amounts commonly found in food. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts. Dandelion might cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people.

As a general rule of thumb, plan on using 50% bitter ingredients and 50% aromatics (see below), accented with a small amount of dried fruit peel. Grind, grate or crack open any ingredient that needs more exposure to infuse properly (i.e., cardamom pods or peppercorns).

Because of the gut-brain connection, not only can bitters enhance digestion, but they can reduce depression and improve mood. They also support your liver's natural detoxification processes, and thus can improve skin health.

“They may also provide support for liver function. Digestive bitters can help the liver's natural detoxifying activities. Bitters can relieve bloating, gas, cramping, nausea, heartburn, and other digestive discomforts.”

Chicoric and chlorogenic acid are two bioactive compounds in dandelion that may help decrease blood sugar levels. Test-tube and animal studies show that these compounds may improve the secretion of insulin — a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels — and the absorption of glucose (sugar) in your muscles.

Who should avoid taking dandelion? ›

Dandelion could increase the risk of complications for someone who has kidney disease, in particular. Because the potassium in dandelion may impact blood flow and clotting, it's best to avoid dandelion tea if you're taking blood-thinner medication..

However, some people may have an allergic reaction from touching or ingesting dandelion. Dandelion has also been found to interact with certain medications, including diuretics, lithium, and Cipro. If you are taking any prescription medications, consult your doctor before drinking dandelion tea.

The Mishnah is the first major written work that describes Jewish traditions and it specifies five types of bitter herbs that may be eaten as maror. They include lettuce, chicory, horseradish, dandelion greens, and possibly clover. Other potential bitter options would include parsley, endive, green onion, and celery.

Just because you're "not supposed to" drink bitters straight doesn't mean you can't. It might not taste great, but it'll get the job done.

Emerging evidence suggests that bitter foods, such as apple cider vinegar, ginger and leafy greens, can be seriously good for our gut health. And most of us are a few centuries late to the game.

They can aid in digestion, relieve bloating and gas, support liver function, enhance appetite and nutrient absorption, and promote overall wellness. While digestive bitters can be a helpful addition to your wellness routine, it's important to note that they are not a magic cure-all.

You can drink dandelion tea every day. “Recommendations are two to three times a day,” says Geib. “Start your day with a cup of dandelion root tea and build it up slowly. Its diuretic properties can increase urination, so go gentle and let your body adjust to it first.”

2. Supports liver health. Dandelion tea has been used to promote liver function in holistic medicine for centuries, Kim says. Preliminary studies show this may be due to dandelion's ability to increase the flow of bile, which helps detox the liver and relieve symptoms of liver disease, Kim says.

You need enough stomach acid to digest food properly, and taking bitters before a meal can help boost acid production. Similarly, bitters may help those who have cramping and bloating by relaxing the bowel muscles. Digestive bitters and other digestive enzyme supplements are also often used to help prevent dysbiosis.