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Learn About The Benefits Swedish Bitters Provides For Health

By Kristen Baird


Proponents of natural healing swear by Swedish Bitters as a powerful herbal tonic that can treat a wide variety of health issues. First developed in the 16th century by the physician Paracelsus, this potent concoction became even more effective as a medicine through the research of Sweden's Dr. Klaus Samst in the 19th century, and Maria Treben, a modern-day, Austrian herbalist. Stronger immunity, longer life, higher energy, and healing are just some of the benefits Swedish Bitters offers those who can overlook its distinctive taste.

Swedish Bitters can be prepared as both an alcoholic and non-alcoholic tonic. The former combines a specific blend of herbs with alcohol, while the latter consists of a mix of dried herbs. Although there are different recipes, most contain these herbs: rhubarb root, camphor, aloe, thistle root, myrrh, saffron senna, theriac venetian, and angelica root, as well as many others, sometimes more than twenty varieties.

As with any other natural supplement, it is recommended that anyone who is considering using this tonic first consult a physician to ensure safety. As a precaution, it should not be used by pregnant or nursing mothers, or those experiencing diarrhea. In general it can be taken by teens up to adults without side effects. The usual dose is one teaspoon stirred into tea or water between 2-4 times per day.

Swedish Bitters is most famously known as an excellent digestive aid, which if taken prior to eating will effectively eliminate the discomfort of indigestion and bloating. Its use is thought to stimulate such digestive organs as the liver, gallbladder, stomach, and salivary glands to secrete greater amounts of the enzymes which are essential to efficient digestion. Users also report more regular bowel movements and less incidence of constipation.

Itchy skin conditions such as chicken pox or insect bites can also be relieved by topically applying this tonic to the affected areas. Dabbing some of the mixture onto each sore or bite quickly soothes the irritation and itching, which in turn discourages scratching and promotes healing. Applying it as soon as one is aware of the itchiness, produces the best results.

An infected throat that is hoarse and painful due to a bacterial or viral cause, may improve by drinking or gargling with Swedish Bitters too. Mixing 3 tablespoons of the tonic with a glass of water and gargling or if preferred, drinking 1/2 teaspoon with a cup of tea as many as six times daily before meals, can help alleviate throat pain.

It can also be used orally to treat pain caused by tongue blisters or toothaches. Adding 1 tablespoon to a glass of water and swishing with it is one approach that can help either problem, or for pain in a tooth, a soaked cotton ball can also be held in place on top of the affected tooth to ease discomfort.

This can be an ideal supplement for people who are afflicted with chronic fatigue, as it naturally elevates the body's energy levels and helps one feel rejuvenated. Also, anyone who has sustained an injury to a joint such as a sprain, or suffers from arthritis, may feel less pain and stiffness if they use Swedish Bitters because of its anti-inflammatory properties.




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