swedish Bitters
Over 200 years effect. In addition to the ago, the Swedish physician Claus Samst was the first to blend a mixture of healing herbs that is now available under the name “Swedish bitters.” About 40 years ago, this elixir was rediscovered by Austrian herbalist Maria Treben, who used it to cure a variety of illnesses. The bitter elements of the mixture contain the healing power-and there are many combinations of herbs that can produce this main components, which include aloe, camphor, myrrh and rhubarb, Swedish bitters may also contain plants or minerals. Swedish bitters is not a wonder drug. Many of the therapeutic indications described by Dr. Samst, such as the ability of the bitters to cure cancer or heart disease, have no medical foundation. Still, the bitters can be quite helpful in the treatment of digestive complaints, anemia inflammation and wounds.
HOW TO MAKE SWEDISH BITTERS
Mix about 4 lb. of Swedish bitter herbs (card back) with 2½ pints of 80-proof grain alcohol. Set the mixture aside for 14 days, making sure to shake it each day. When it is ready, filter the mixture through a fine sieve to remove any solid residue from the liquid. Fill small bottles with the liquid, cover them tightly and store them in a cool place. The longer the elixir sits, the more potent it will be.
SWEDISH BITTERS
Therapeutic Effect: Swedish bitters is a blend of medicinal berbs that are generally not used individually. However, when the herbs are combined and mixed with alcohol, the resulting active ingredients that are released give the elixir therapeutic properties. Swedish bitters purifies the blood, promotes sleep, strengthens the nerves, speeds wound healing, stimulates circulation and soothes the digestive tract.
🙤 Components
There is no standard blend of herbs that is used to make Swedish bitters. However, one typical combination consists of 1/3 ounce aloe ferox, 1/3 ounce angelica root, 1/6 ounce myrrh, 4 ounce senna leaves, 1/3 ounce camphor, 1/3 ounce Venetian treacle, 1/3 ounce zedoary root, 1/3 ounce carline root,1/3ounce manna, 1/3 ounce rhubarb root and a pinch of saffron in a base of 80-proof grain alcohol.
🙤 Ready-made preparations
You can make your own Swedish bitters (card front), or you can purchase commercial elixirs in health-food and herbal stores. It also comes in supplement form.
🙤 Internal use
Mix 1 teaspoon of Swedish bitters with water or herbal tea to benefit from its blood-purifying and soothing properties and to treat skin problems, gastric bloating, gallbladder diseases and heartburn.
🙤 External use
Swedish bitters can be used to alleviate inflammations of all kinds. Apply the mixture to the affected areas, such as pimples, wounds, bruises and contusions.`
Take care
The aloe in Swedish bitters can act like a laxative. If this is a problem, look for bitters made without aloe. Also, pregnant women should avoid Swedish bitters because it can cause uterine contractions,
Used for bruises, of it problems and wounds, circulatory insufficient, digestive complaints sluggish digestion, insomnia, sprains and joint inflammation
✽ Method of Administration ✽
♦ For wounds
Apply calendula ointment to the affected body parts. Soak a cotton ball in Swedish bitters. Secure it with a gauze bandage over the wound, and leave it on for a few hours.
♦ For digestive complaints
To improve digestion or ease digestive problems such as stomach cramps or constipation, take 2 tsp. of Swedish bitters in the morning and evening before meals.
♦ For tonsdhus
The germicidal properties of Swedish bitters fight infections of the tonsils. Gargle with a solution of warm water and 1 tsp. of Swedish bitters twice a day.
♦ For sinus infection
Rub Swedish bitters onto your forehead and over the bridge of your nose several times a day. The essential oils in the combination of herbs help kill the bacteria causing the infection; they also thin the mucus clogging the sinuses to aid drainage.
♦ For hemorrhoids
Dab hemorrhoids with diluted Swedish bitters several times a day. Before bedtime, soak a cotton pad in a mixture of water and the elixir, secure it in place with plastic-strip bandages. You can also take 1 tsp. of the herb blend at night.
Take care
The aloe in Swedish bitters can act like a laxative. If this is a problem, look for bitters made without aloe. Also, pregnant women should avoid Swedish bitters because it can cause uterine contractions,