Gentiana  is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the gentian family (Gentianaceae), the tribe Gentianeae, and the monophyletic subtribe Gentianinae. With about 400 species it is considered a large genus. They are notable for their mostly large, trumpet-shaped flowers, which are often of an intense blue.The genus name is a tribute to Gentius, an Illyrian king who may have been the discoverer of tonic properties in gentians.

This is a cosmopolitan genus, occurring in alpine habitats in temperate ...

gentiana

What-is-Swedish-bitters?

What is Swedish bitters? 

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Swedish bitterness is an herbal infusion made with a mixture of many herbs, roots, seeds and flowers. Typically, Swedish bitterness is used for medicinal purposes and can be consumed alone or mixed with other beverages. Although originally named by Swedish physicians, Dr. Klaus Samst in the 18th century, Austrian herbalist and author Maria Treben is considered to promote herbal tonic.

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In Treben's bestseller, Health Through God's Pharmacy: Advice and Proof of Healings with Medicinal Herbs, she shares her personal experience with Swedish bitterness and its myriad applications. She is best known for using the little Swedish bitterness recipe that appears in the book. Swedish bitterness contains 11 different ingredients, including aloe (Aloe Vera), camphor, angelica root (Angelica sinensis.), saffron, senna leaves (Senna alexandrina), mildew, myrrh (Commiphora myrrha), rhubarb roots (Rheum rhabarbarum), zedoir roots, milk thistle roots (Onopordum acanthium) and theriac venetian (valerian root, cinnamon, cardamom). The traditional recipe for Great Swedish Bitters contains 22 ingredients, but the two different versions have almost the same effect.

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Swedish bitterness for overall health 

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Swedish bitters is often called a natural detoxifier, which can help organs work in a synergistic way. While there is tons of anecdotal evidence for this purported miraculous tonic, we want to highlight two of the most popular, modern uses of Swedish bitters known to date.

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Swedish bitters for digestion 

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Swedish bitters is primarily known for the effects it has on digestive health. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine found that bitterness both prevented and alleviated indigestion. Swedish bitters stimulates receptors in the mouth and throat, which are activated by bitter foods. This increases the production of saliva, gastric juice and bile, all of which contain digestive enzymes that help break down fats and other foods. Applied for this purpose, bitters often has a quick effect. 1

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For example, if you have digestive problems, we recommend drinking one teaspoon of Swedish bitters three times a day in herbal tea or diluted with warm water due to its digestive properties. By the way, the same applies to stomach ailments or nausea. If stomach ailments are more like stomach cramps, we recommend a tablespoon of Swedish bitters rather than a teaspoon.

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Swedish bitters as a helpful tool during the cold season

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Cough, cold, nasal congestion and more symptoms can accompany us during the autumn-winter season. Swedish bitters can also support us for a stronger immunity, and this does not exclude the role of food.

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With a severe cold, a simple inhalation with Swedish bitters can provide quick relief. Just drip a little bitter into boiling water and inhale the fumes.

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Those who suffer from fever can try mixing a tablespoon of Swedish bitters with half a cup of chamomile tea. Half of the tea is drunk half an hour before and half an hour after each meal. You can do the same with a sore throat. However, you need to reduce the dose a little: in this case, one teaspoon is enough for half a cup of herbal tea.

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Swedish bitters against headaches 

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We can also use the power of Swedish bitters for headaches. To try if it works, drip a little Swedish bitters on a cotton cloth and place it on the painful area. Ideally, you should let the towel act for a quarter of an hour in the supine position.

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Swedish bitters to relieve oral problems 

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For unpleasant pains such as toothache, you can try standard painkillers or Swedish bitters. Maria Treben in her book recommends using a 1 tablespoon Swedish bitter mouthwash diluted in a glass of water or herbal tea to relieve toothache. Of course, this is a temporary solution and a visit to the dentist is advisable.

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Swedish bitters for skin irritations 

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You can use bitters as more than just an internal remedy. This blend of herbs can help speed up the healing of rashes and insect bites or help soothe dry, irritated skin.&nbsp;

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There is evidence of the use of bitters to treat inflamed nails, torn corners of the mouth, lichen, eczema and more, but they are not scientifically proved. There aren't many published studies to explain why bitters may be good for the skin, although one study found an improvement in acne when applied to the skin. 2 Some people believe that the regenerative and detoxifying properties of Swedish bitters are responsible for its effects on the skin.&nbsp;

Maria-Treben's-Old-Swedish-Bitter-Recipe

Maria Treben's Old Swedish Bitter Recipe 

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One of the main functions of Swedish bitters is to promote the secretion of pancreatic and gastric juice and soothe the digestive tract. The drink stimulates the functions of the liver and promotes the secretion of bile by the liver, which serves to emulsify or break down dietary fats and clear cholesterol from the body. Having a healthy liver, in turn, will improve the overall digestion process and prevent bloating and flatulence.&nbsp;

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If you want to try to make homemade Swedish bitters that has a beneficial effect on digestion, try this recipe:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g aloe root or gentian, wormwood powder</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">5 g myrrh</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">0.2 g saffron</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g senna leaves</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g camphor (natural camphor)</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g lemon root</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g mana</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g&nbsp; Teriyak Venetian</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">5 g ginger root</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">10 g angelica root</li></ul>

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Other health benefits of Swedish bitters 

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Promotes the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, K</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Balancing the appetite</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Relieve constipation and regulate bowel movement</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Maintaining liver function and healthy skin</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Improves biliary, pancreatic and gastric secretion</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Relieve bloating, flatulence, gas, cramps and nausea</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Helps eliminate toxins</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Tones and soothes the digestive tract</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Acts mild laxative</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Restores the natural acid balance in the stomach</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Stimulates blood circulation</li></ul>

What-are-the-side-effects-of-Swedish-bitters?

What are the side effects of Swedish bitters? 

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Some of the side effects of taking Swedish bitters that are important to know:

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<ul><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">If you have liver or stomach disease, you should avoid alcohol.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Taking Swedish bitters before, during and after Candida treatment is possible, but do not take Swedish bitters for too long. Consult a doctor for precise guidelines.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Depletion of potassium levels may also be a possible side effect that can lead to high blood pressure. However, if the bitterness is taken in small amounts and for about 2 weeks at a time, this side effect can be avoided.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Swedish bitter can also cause dehydration (especially in children), uterine bleeding and miscarriage in pregnant women. It is not recommended for pregnant women, children under 12 years and ulcers.</li><li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1">Do not use Swedish bitters if you have abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, or if you have diarrhoea.</li></ul>

Swedish bitters contains angelica, rhubarb, myrrh, aloe, senna leaves, as well as other herbs providing its general strengthening and refreshing effects. Studies of the mixture of herbs used in Swedish bitters have shown that it stimulates the salivary glands, stomach, promotes the active action of gastric juices and digestive enzymes, increases peristalsis and cleanses the liver. Along with the benefits, there are some side effects that should also be considered and be careful with the consumption of this herbal tonic.

Swedish bitter: Herbal miracle for every home medicine cabinet

https://sanatio.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/48accc41-1b3f-4185-b3ee-c89688b65128_middle.jpg

Swedish bitter: An herbal miracle for every home medicine cabinet

Бетина Цветкова

The-most-popular-herbal-liqueurs-in-the-world

The most popular herbal liqueurs in the world

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Liquore-alla-liquirizia-/CALABRIA,-ITALY/

Liquore alla liquirizia /CALABRIA, ITALY/ 

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This licorice liqueur (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is traditionally associated with Calabria (Italy), which is well known for its licorice root. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14527" target="_blank" data-ref="Glycyrrhiza" rel="noopener">[ref. 1]</a>&nbsp;] Liqueur is made of pure licorice and neutral alcohol. The combination is sweetened and filtered, the result being a dark liqueur with a characteristic bitter-sweet taste and aroma.

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Traditionally, this liqueur is used as a digestif. It can be made at home, but there are also industrially produced versions. This liqueur should always be served well chilled, clean or with ice cubes. It is also a good ingredient for making cocktails.

Suze-/THUIR,-FRANCE/

Suze /THUIR, FRANCE/ 

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Originally launched in 1889, Suze&nbsp;is a French liqueur invention of Fernando Muro, who originally produced it in the municipality of Maisons-Alfort. He decided to distill the roots of the wild&nbsp; tint (Gentiana punctata), along with a secret combination of other herbs and spices, to create this complex aperitif, which is characterized by floral, bitter and slightly spicy flavors.

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While the dominant aroma is given with pureed tinted roots, the drink also brings subtle earthy notes of citrus, vanilla [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14437" target="_blank" data-ref="Vanilla" rel="noopener">[ref. 2]</a>&nbsp;],&nbsp; apricots (Prunus armeniaca) and caramel. Seuss is usually served cold, as a long drink, when usually combined with tonic or orange juice.

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Centerba-/ABRUZZO,-ITALY/

Centerba /ABRUZZO, ITALY/

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"Centerba" is distilled from different plants native to the Alpine regions of Abruzzi, Italy. The name suggests that 100 herbs are needed to produce this greenish mixture, but manufacturers keep the ingredients a closely guarded secret.

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The most powerful of all Italian liqueurs, "Centerba" was originally made of herbalists as a dijestif. True to Abruzzi's taste, "the more spicy, the better," Centerba creates such a strong hot sensation in the throat that it may seem to be seasoned with peperoncino.

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The liqueur itself is available in a bottle in an attractive straw basket.

Amargo-Obrero-/ROSARIO,-ARGENTINA/

Amargo Obrero /ROSARIO, ARGENTINA/

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"Amargo Obrero" is a dark brown bitter characterized by its herbal, almost licorice-like taste. It was originally established in 1887 as a response to the preference for sugary drinks of the higher classes, and has since been known as an aperitif of the Argentinian people and a drink of the working class.

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Although it can be consumed on its own, "Amargo Obrero"&nbsp; is usually used in mixed drinks. While the standard for it includes a combination with a tonic, other suggestions include grapefruit juice, Coca-Cola or carbonated water. The drink is bottled at 19.9% ABV (alcohol by volume).

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Herbsaint /NEW ORLEANS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/ 

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Herbsaint is an anise-flavored liqueur that originates in New Orleans. It was created in 1934 by J. M. Legendre, a Pharmacist from New Orleans who freely modeled the drink on absinthe, which was banned in the United States at the time. Liqueur is green and herbaceous in taste and aroma, with dominant notes of anise (Pimpinella anisum) and licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra). [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15758" target="_blank" data-ref="Pimpinella anisum" rel="noopener">[ref. 3]</a>&nbsp;]

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The original recipe was changed in the 1970s, but the current owner re-introduced the creator's original in 2010. Unlike absinthe, this liqueur does not contain wormwood and has more to do with French pastis. [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15289" target="_blank" data-ref="Artemisia absinthium" rel="noopener">[ref. 4]</a>&nbsp;]

Hierbas-ibicencas-/IBIZA,-SPAIN/

Hierbas ibicencas /IBIZA, SPAIN/

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"Hierbas ibicencas" are liqueurs for Ibiza (Spain), made with various herbs that are soaked in anise-based alcohol. This liqueur has a long tradition on the island, and although it is produced on an industrial scale, many locals use their traditional family recipes and use native Mediterranean plants to make homemade versions of the drink.

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A bottle of this liqueur can include a dozen different flavors. Standard options include chamomile (Matricaria)&nbsp; [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14896" target="_blank" data-ref="Matricaria" rel="noopener">[ref. 5]</a> ], laurel tree [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15270" target="_blank" data-ref="Laurus nobilis" rel="noopener">[ref. 6]</a> ], rosemary (Rosmarinus) [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14703" target="_blank" data-ref="Rosmarinus" rel="noopener">[ref. 7]</a> ], thymus [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14334" target="_blank" data-ref="Thymus" rel="noopener">[ref. 8]</a> ], lavender (Lavandula) [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14546" target="_blank" data-ref="Lavandula" rel="noopener">[ref. 9]</a> ],&nbsp; dill (Anethum) [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/15577" target="_blank" data-ref="Anethum" rel="noopener">[ref. 10]</a> ], sage (Salvia Officinalis) [&nbsp;<a href="https://www.herbal-organic.com/bg/herb/14411" target="_blank" data-ref="Salvia officinalis" rel="noopener">[ref. 11]</a> ] and others. The drink is best taken as a digestif.

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Herbero-/VALENCIAN-COMMUNITY,-SPAIN/

Herbero /VALENCIAN COMMUNITY, SPAIN/ 

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Herbero is a Spanish liqueur originating in valencia's Serra de Mariola mountain range. Officially called "Herbero de la Serra de Mariola", this herbal liqueur is made of anise and various mountain herbs. The drink can be distilled or macerated (made by infusion with other herbs in vegetable oil).

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Along with anise, it is usually made with a selection of local herbs such as sage, chamomile, mint, dill, anise, lavender, thyme and much more. "Herbero" can vary in color, from saturated yellow-green to amber. It has herbal aromas and taste, with a distinctive note of anise.

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Elixir d'Anvers /ANTWERP, BELGIUM/

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"Elixir d'Anvers" is an herbal liqueur from Antwerp. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but is said to include more than thirty plants. After soaking and distillation matures in oak barrels. The result is a dark yellow liqueur of a distinctive herbal character.

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"Elixir d'Anvers" dates back to 1863, when it was developed by Fran&ccedil;ois-Xavier de Beukelaer. He spent years perfecting the recipe until he achieved the desired result and created the perfect formula. The drink is still produced in the distillery de Beukelaer. The elixir can be consumed clean or with an appropriate amount of ice.

Many countries have great herbal liqueurs, including Italy, France, USA, Spain and Belgium. There are more places where interesting recipes for local herbal liqueurs can be found, so we will continue the selection very soon and again only in our portal Sanat.io.

gentiana

The world's most popular herbal liqueurs [ranking part 1]