Gut check, day 9: Drink bitters

Bitters have roots in traditional medicine.

DAY 9 OF 10 Drink bitters If the first thought that comes to mind when you hear "bitters" is "cocktails," you aren't too far off. Bitters are frequently used in mixed drinks, but they have roots in traditional medicine. These infusions are made with predominantly bitter ingredients, like bark, flowers, fruit, herbs, roots, and seeds. They used to be sold in apothecaries as remedies for digestive trouble and other common ailments. Now, from trendy craft cocktail bars to medicine cabinets, bitters are back. Why do they work? Most likely it's because the receptors on your tongue, stomach, and intestines respond to bitter flavors by releasing more digestive secretions (1). This in turn helps improve nutrient absorption and can ease indigestion, nausea, and intestinal cramping (1).  The ingredients themselves can also have added health benefits. Common roots like ginger, turmeric, and burdock are rich in antioxidants and may help fight inflammation (2).  While you can buy bitters, they're pretty fun to DIY at home. Here's how: Ingredients: 1 oz. (28 grams) dried gentian root 1/2 oz. (14 grams) dried dandelion root 1/2 oz. (14 grams) dried wormwood 1 tsp. (0.5 gram) dried orange peel 1/2 tsp. (0.5 gram) dried ginger 1/2 tsp. (1 gram) fennel seed 8 oz. SEEDLIP Spice 94, a nonalcoholic option Directions: Combine all of the ingredients in a mason jar. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place. Let the bitters infuse until the desired strength is reached, about 2–4 weeks. Shake the jars regularly, about once per day. When ready, strain the bitters through a muslin cheesecloth or coffee filter. Store the strained bitters in an airtight container at room temperature. Add them to a glass of club soda, or use a dropper to put them straight into your mouth. While bitters are generally safe, they have the potential to interact with some medications and can be harmful to people with gallstones. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid them, too. Happy infusing, The Healthline Team Further Reading This 7-Ingredient Recipe Is an All-Natural Fighter Against Inflammation READ ON 11 Proven Health Benefits of Ginger READ ON 10 Proven Health Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin READ ON How Bitters Help Shut Down Your Brain's Desire for Sugar READ ON

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