Bitter-tasting herbs were once an important part of Native American, European and Chinese diets. Medicines made from bitter herbs, such as Swedish Bitters are traditionally used in herbal medicine to support healthy digestion and to relieve symptoms of indigestion, digestive discomfort, constipation and loss of appetite.
When Hilde Hemmes first came across an old Swedish Bitters recipe in a German book, she was so impressed with its therapeutic benefits that she obtained the herbal mixture. In 1984, Hilde and her husband started manufacturing and successfully distributing Swedish Bitters into the Australian marketplace. More than three decades later, Swedish Bitters is one of Australia’s leading herbal bitter tonics.
- A multi-purpose product suitable for a wide range of applications
- Suitable for vegans and vegetarians
- Quickly absorbed liquid extract
- Made in Australia
- Tamper-evident packaging
- Free from preservatives, artificial colours, caffeine, yeast, gluten, sugars and lactose
The role of bitter tonics
- Swedish Bitters is a bitter tonic, traditionally used in herbal medicine to support healthy digestion and to relieve symptoms of indigestion, digestive discomfort, constipation and loss of appetite.
- Swedish Bitters contains Aloe, which has traditionally been used in herbal medicine as a laxative, to assist with the relief of constipation.
- Swedish Bitters also contains Black cohosh, traditionally used in herbal medicine to reduce menstruation pain and promote menstrual flow.
- TOPICAL USE – Swedish Bitters has been traditionally used externally, in herbal medicine to support wound healing and cleanse minor skin, cuts, scratches and abrasions.
- ORAL APPLICATION – Swedish Bitters has been traditionally used in herbal medicine as a gargle for the relief of sore throats and toothache.
Ingredients
Each 20 mL dose contains tinctures equivalent to dried:
- Aloe (Aloe ferox) leaf inner juice 133.34 mg
- Senna (Cassia angustifolia) leaf 133.34 mg
- Rhubarb (Rheum officinale) root & rhizome 133.34 mg
- Myrrh* (Commiphora molmol) stem bark oleoresin 85.72 mg
- Zedoary* (Curcuma zedoaria) rhizome 152.38 mg
- Manna ash (Fraxinus ornus) stem bark oleoresin 133.34 mg
- Carline thistle (Carlina acaulis) root 66.66 mg
- Angelica* (Angelica archangelic) root and rhizome 152.38 mg
- Black cohosh* (Cimicifuga racemosa) root & rhizome 19.06 mg
- Valerian* (Valeriana officinalis) root & rhiz & stolon 19.06 mg
- Cinnamon* (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) stem bark inner 19.06 mg
- Cardamom* (Elettaria cardamomum) fruit 19.06 mg
- Saffron (Crocus sativus) stigma & style 2.66 mg
- Camphor 133.34 mg
*these combined ingredients are also known as theriac venezian
Dosage and administration
- Adults: take 20 mL in 100 mL of water/juice/herb tea 30 minutes before meals three times daily
- Topical use: Adults – soak a piece of gauze with product and apply to the affected area for 2-12 hrs, covering with a bandage
- Oral application: Adults – add 20 mL to 100 mL of lukewarm water, swish the solution in the mouth, gargle and swallow, twice daily
Safety and warnings
- This medicine may not be right for you. Read the label before purchase. Follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
- Not recommended for use in children under 12 years.
- If you are pregnant or breast feeding, seek the advice of a healthcare professional before taking this product.
- Not recommended in cases of gastric/duodenal ulcers.
- Contains alcohol 40% v/v.
- As a laxative, drink plenty of water, prolonged use may cause serious bowel problems, do not use when abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting are present, or if you develop diarrhoea.
- In very rare cases – Black cohosh has been associated with liver failure. If you are experiencing yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, and/or loss of appetite, you should stop taking this product and see your doctor.
TGA Listed product with Aust L 320677.