Bitters are Sweet!

I'm absolutely enamored with herbal bitters. While most folks think of bitters for cocktails, the history of these aromatic concoctions go far back into the annals of our plant medicine ways. In this brief post I'd like to share a bit with you about why I love bitters, how they work, and how you might find a friend in their medicine.

Bitters are crafted with herbs that have a high occurrence of bitter-containing phytochemicals that act to give us both a bitter taste on our tongues and deliver the energetic action of bitterness into the body. Here at Greenthread, we craft our bitters with herbs that are both aromatic and bitter to balance out cool and warm temperaments and make them a true joy for a bitter journey.

When the bitter taste hits the tongue, the digestive system is kicked into gear in preparation for incoming food. Bitterness acts like a signal to the body that the stomach should warm and dry itself, the intestines should begin their snakelike peristaltic action, and the organs of digestive enzymes should get to squeezing. This is important because the use of bitters primes the body to swallow, digest, absorb, and eliminate with the greatest efficacy.

When food lands in a cold, damp belly, it must sit there until the digestive fire can be kindled and the food can be broken down. This often leads to feelings of bloating, gas, cramps, and the 'food baby' syndrome. Bitters can help prevent this from happening- and can also step in after the fact to get things moving along.

By spraying our digestive bitters right onto your tongue before or after eating, you get the immediate benefits of the bitter taste with the deep effects of the herbal extract once it's been swallowed. Easy! We package our bitters in spray-top bottles that fit right into a bag, purse, glove box, or pocket to make it effortless to have them when and where you need the most.

Another aspect to digestive bitters I love is that they activate the parasympathetic nervous system- the part of our stress response system that is concerned with resting and digesting food- in other words, relaxing. When the world is going by at 1,000 miles per hour, we often take our food while in the sympathetic state- fight and flight. This is a terrible place to digest food and often leaves us foggy and tired after a meal because we didn't get much from what we consumed. Bitters help nudge us into that relaxation mode so we can digest better, absorb more nourishment, enjoy the food more, and enjoy the process and the company.

We craft two incredible bitters here at Greenthread Apothecary: TRANQUIL BITTERS which focuses on all the benefits mentioned above with some deep relaxing energy, and PURIFYING BITTERS which work to cleanse, tone, and clear the digestive tract. Grab a bottle in-shop or online below and experience the power of digestive bitters for yourself!

TRANQUIL BITTERS

$14.99

Herbal bitters are the classic way to stimulate, harmonize, and nourish your digestive process.* We've been working with bitters for ages to help with complaints from every part of the gut.* They work incredibly as a regulator for the system and its many parts, or as an in-the-moment support when needed.*

Our TRANQUIL BITTERS formula leans into the calm side of things with herbs that help unwind tension and stress from the digestive tract while easing the mind and emotions.* Nervous stomach? Anxious acidity? Digestive dramas? We've got you!

• Potent bitter action with calming support*
• Formulated to taste good... well, as good as possible!

1 ounce. Amber glass with spray top.

ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

Chamomile, Catnip, Bitter Orange Peel, Schisandra Berry, Hops, Cardamom, Lavender, Gentian Root, and Vodka. 40% Alc.

Our tinctures are crafted by hand in small batches by lunar tides. We double-filter through two types of fibers to ensure an exceptional offering we know you'll love.

TRADITIONAL USE

Shake well. Coat tongue with 3-5 sprays, enjoy the bittersweet journey, then swallow.

Best 5-10 minutes before meals.

Not intended for use while pregnant or nursing.

Please consult with your healthcare provider before using this product. This product has not been formulated for use for children, those who are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

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PURIFYING BITTERS

$14.99

Tone, cleanse, and harmonize the gut with our PURIFYING BITTERS crafted from some of our most cherished digestive allies.* This super-bitter formula helps to cool, detoxify, and nourish the entire GI tract while providing in-the-moment digestive bitters support.* This is a powerhouse anti-inflammatory and cleansing blend that gets to work fast!*

• Classic bitters support with added detox benefits*

1 ounce. Amber glass with spray top.

ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

Plantain Leaf, Yellow Dock Root, Turmeric Root, Olive Leaf, Juniper Cones, Calendula, Fennel Seed, Amla Fruit, Angelica Root, Gentian Root, and Vodka. 40% Alc.

Our tinctures are crafted by hand in small batches by lunar tides. We double-filter through two types of fibers to ensure an exceptional offering we know you'll love.

TRADITIONAL USE

Shake well. Coat tongue with 3-5 sprays, enjoy the bittersweet journey, then swallow.

Best 5-10 minutes before meals.

Not intended for use while pregnant or nursing.

Please consult with your healthcare provider before using this product. This product has not been formulated for use for children, those who are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

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CALM BELLY

$19.99

Ease, relax, move, and unwind the digestion with this comforting blend of celebrated herbs.* CALM BELLY helps to release stress and tension from the digestion- and to support a healthier gut during times of stress and strain.*

• Systemic relaxation with a focus on the digestive tract*
• In-the-moment support and tonic support*
• Harmonized energetics to offer your body what it needs now*
• Bitter actions with sweet flavor and soothing support.*

2 ounce. Amber glass dropper.

ORGANIC INGREDIENTS

Chamomile, Fennel, Licorice Root, Catnip, Marshmallow Root, Dandelion Root, Lemon Balm, & Vodka. 40% Alc.

Our tinctures are crafted by hand in small batches by lunar tides. We double-filter through two types of fibers to ensure an exceptional offering we know you'll love.

TRADITIONAL USE

Shake well. Enjoy 1-2 dropperfuls up to 3 times per day.

Not intended for use while pregnant or nursing.

Please consult with your healthcare provider before using this product. This product has not been formulated for use for children, those who are pregnant or nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.

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