Swedish Bitters is a formula made from the combination of 11 herbal healers like aloe, rhubarb, camphor, and myrrh and has a long history of curative and preventative efficacy.
History of Swedish Bitters
Bitters may have been used as early as the middle ages, purifying blood, promoting sleep, and speeding the healing of wounds.
The elixir is said to be the creation of Swiss physician, Dr. Phillipus Paracelsus, who practiced in the 1500s. However, it wasn’t until the 18th century that it was formally labelled Swedish Bitters by Swedish physician, Dr. Claus Samst. Swedish Bitters are often referred to as the “long life elixir” as Samst reportedly lived until he was 104 years old due to the addition of bitters in his diet.
Although, Samst put a name to the now famous remedy, the popularization of the formula is largely thanks to European herbalist, Maria Treben. After suffering from the painful long term effects of typhoid fever, Treben was utterly hopeless that she would ever be well again. A woman heard of her illness and offered her a small bottle of the Swedish Bitters to provide her some relief. After one application, Treben was cured and her symptoms never returned again.
This led her to examine Samst’s “old manuscript” which detailed the efficacy of the bitters on over 40 medical conditions. After much research, Treben then created and marketed her own herbal formula which she used to successfully treat tens of thousands of patients.
How Bitters Work
Bitters have a multitude of benefits for the body, toning and strengthening the liver and digestive organs, establishing a metabolic equilibrium, assimilating nutrients, and rejuvenating the immune system. At one time, eating bitters, usually derived from roots like senna and angelica, was a common dietary choice. Today, bitters have almost completely disappeared from the average diet, which may be causing a host of imbalances in the body.
Each of the 11 herbal extracts has their own unique healing properties. Aloe, for example, is commonly used for burns, and bites, while myrrh has a natural anti-microbial effect, thereby supporting the body’s natural system of defense.
The efficacy of each herbal extract is increased through its combination with the other extracts. Ultimately, the digestive system becomes activated and eventually regulated, which is the best place to start in the overall health of the body.
It is recommended that each individual take a teaspoon of Swedish Bitters two to four times daily in a glass of herbal tea or water to prevent the onset of a multitude of ailments. The bitters can be used as a treatment for a long list of illnesses as well including skin irritation, aches, pneumonia, jaundice, and more.
Where to Find Bitters
Maria Treben’s Swedish Bitters are now available almost everywhere in the world. The recipe is no secret, and is freely distributed in several of her books, including Health from God’s Pharmacy, as well as online at Swedish Bitters.
The elixir is available in an alcohol or non-alcohol base, a dried mixture, or a cream. Though it can readily be made at home, the process is quite lengthy, and would have to be prepared at least two weeks before required.
According to Treben, the longer the formula is allowed to stand, the more potent it becomes. Also, like most tinctures, bitters need to be kept in a cool dark place.
Johanna Bailey - I am a freelance writer and editor with an honours degree in Professional Writing from York University. My greatest passion is the ...
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