Discovery Call

DIY Digestive Bitters & Enzyme Boosters

Tea, Glycerite Tincture, and Salad Starter

This recipe supports digestion by naturally stimulating your body’s digestive secretions, stomach acid, bile, and enzymes, using bitter herbs and enzyme-rich whole foods. Ideal for those experiencing bloating, indigestion, or sluggish digestion.

What It Does

  • Stimulates stomach acid, bile, and enzyme release
  • Enhances nutrient absorption by improving digestive efficiency
  • Reduces post-meal bloating, heaviness, and gas
  • Supports healthy liver and gallbladder function

Note: Avoid strong bitters like gentian if you have ulcers, gastritis, or are pregnant. Always consult your healthcare provider if you are unsure.

What You Will Need

  • 1 quart-size glass jar with lid
  • Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (ACV) or vegetable glycerin (food grade)
  • Dried or fresh herbs (see herb list below)
  • Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
  • Dark glass bottle or dropper bottle for storage (optional)

Choose Your Herbs (Use 4 to 6 total)

These herbs are traditionally used to support digestion through bitter and carminative actions:

  • Dandelion root or leaf – liver support, promotes bile flow
  • Gentian root – strong bitter; stimulates stomach acid (use max 1 teaspoon dried per batch)
  • Artichoke leaf – promotes bile and supports fat digestion
  • Orange peel (dried or fresh zest) – gentle bitter with aromatic qualities
  • Fennel seed – relieves gas and bloating
  • Ginger root – warming, promotes motility and enzyme secretion
  • Chamomile – calming and mildly bitter
  • Cinnamon stick – adds warmth and supports blood sugar balance
  • Milk thistle seed – liver detox and mild bitter action
  • Peppermint or spearmint leaf – cooling and soothing for the gut

Liquid Base Options (Choose One)

  • 2 cups filtered water (for tea)
  • ¾ cup vegetable glycerin + ¼ cup water (for alcohol-free tincture)
  • 1 cup raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (for vinegar-based tincture)

Do not mix glycerin and vinegar in the same preparation. Choose only one base.

Method 1: Digestive Bitters Tea

Instructions

  1. Add 1–2 teaspoons of each selected dried herb (maximum 1 teaspoon gentian) to a teapot or saucepan.
  2. Pour in 2 cups of boiling water.
  3. Cover and steep for 15–20 minutes.
  4. Strain and let cool slightly before drinking.

Use
Drink 1/4 to 1/2 cup of warm tea 15 to 20 minutes before meals to stimulate digestion.
Prepare fresh daily for best results.

Method 2: Glycerite or Vinegar Tincture (Alcohol-Free)

Instructions

  1. Fill a clean jar about halfway with your selected dried herbs.
  2. Fill the jar with either:
    • A blend of 3 parts vegetable glycerin to 1 part water, or
    • 100% raw apple cider vinegar
  3. Make sure herbs are fully submerged.
  4. Seal tightly and shake gently.
  5. Store in a cool, dark place for 4 to 6 weeks, shaking once daily.
  6. After infusion, strain and transfer to a dropper bottle or glass storage jar. Be sure there is an airtight seal.

Use
Take 10 to 30 drops in a small amount of water, 15 to 20 minutes before meals.
Shelf-stable for at least 6 months.

Bitter Salad Starter with Fresh Fruit Enzymes

This small salad combines bitter greens to stimulate digestion with fresh fruit to provide natural enzymes like bromelain, papain, and amylase.

Salad Ingredients

  • 1 cup arugula
  • 1/2 cup dandelion greens or endive
  • 1/4 cup fermented red cabbage or sauerkraut
  • 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 small papaya, peeled and sliced
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (zinc supports stomach acid production)
  • Fresh mint and parsley
  • Optional: thinly sliced fennel bulb

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon non-alcoholic digestive bitters (from tincture above)
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine salad ingredients in a bowl.
  2. In a separate small jar, whisk together dressing ingredients.
  3. Toss salad with dressing just before serving.

Use
Enjoy this salad 15 to 20 minutes before your main meal to stimulate digestive secretions and provide enzymatic support from whole food sources.

Pro Tips

  • Chew your food slowly and thoroughly — this activates enzymes in saliva and signals downstream digestion.
  • Make bitters tea fresh daily for optimal potency.
  • If new to bitters, start with a smaller dose and increase gradually.
  • Avoid gentian if you have a sensitive stomach or a history of ulcers.
  • Combining bitters (to stimulate digestion) with fruit enzymes (to support breakdown) is an effective, natural strategy for supporting gut health.

In Health, 

Coach Anna