Spiced Dandelion Bitters

This article is an excerpt from the article “Spiced Dandelion Bitters for Spring Gut Renewal,” published in the Spring 2025 edition of Plant Healer Quarterly.

Spring is a time of renewal and rejuvenation; the slumbering earth awakens from winter's frigid embrace, and life bursts forth anew. For many of us, the process is much the same. Here on our Colorado homestead, we’ve spent the winter months bundled up against the chill and putting off outdoor activities in hopes of warmer days.  

But as the days warm, we begin venturing out more and wandering the woods for longer periods each day, dreaming of fresh wild greens for salads. One of our most beloved springtime practices is adding bitters back to our diets as soon as the first dandelions emerge. After a long winter of eating heavy comfort foods, bitters can offer a much-needed sense of spring cleaning for our bodies, particularly our guts. 

Affiliate Disclosure

This post may contain affiliate links, which are special links that track the purchases made by the readers. If you decide to make a purchase using our affiliate links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This is a way for us to earn a small income to support our work while providing you with valuable information.

What Exactly Are Bitters?

There are two meanings. The first refers to the herbal action of certain medicinal plants. Bitter herbs include burdock root, chamomile, chicory, dandelion, gentian root, milk thistle, mugwort, orange peel, Oregon grape root, sage, rosemary, thyme, wormwood, and yarrow.

The other meaning is an extract made by infusing bitter herbs and other botanicals into a neutral alcohol to extract their bitter properties. These infusions are then used as digestifs, cocktail ingredients, and even flavor additives for sauces, marinades, and dressings. 

5 Key Benefits of Digestive Bitters

Seasonal transition:

For many people, spring marks a transition from the heavy comfort foods of winter to the lighter, fresher foods of spring. Incorporating bitters into your diet can help your body adjust to this seasonal shift.

Digestive support:

The sharp taste that gives bitters their name is also the flavor that triggers the production of saliva and digestive enzymes in the body. This cascade of actions helps prepare the digestive system for food while alleviating issues like bloating, gas, and indigestion. 

Improvement in liver function:

Bitters also trigger an increase in bile production, which supports liver health and aids the body in the detoxification process. 

Appetite regulation:

Digestive bitters can help regulate the appetite and reduce cravings for sugary foods by calling on the bitter receptors in parts of the digestive system that make your body release gut hormones that make you feel fuller.

Increase in gastric juice:

Your stomach contains chemicals like pepsin and stomach acid, collectively known as gastric juice, which help you break down food. Bitters can cause your stomach to release more gastric juice, reducing heartburn, cramping, and indigestion.

The History of Digestive Bitters

Digestive bitters, a centuries-old tradition, have been used as health tonics for generations. The practice originated in ancient Egypt, when it was customary to infuse medicinal herbs in jars of wine. During the Middle Ages, the practice advanced with the availability of distilled alcohol, which made more concentrated herbal bitters possible. 

In the 1700s, bitters took center stage when Scottish physician George Cheyne (best remembered as an early advocate of vegetarianism) started treating gout with a light diet, lots of fluids, and what he called his “digestive bitters” remedy. It quickly became popular, and physicians began selling bitters as medicinal tonics to treat health problems ranging from gout to seasickness, growing appetite, and even hangovers.

Spiced Dandelion Bitters Recipe

The Ingredients:

3 Tbsp dried Dandelion Root, chopped

3 Tbsp of dried Ginger Root, chopped

The peel from 1 Orange

4 Cinnamon sticks

½ Tbsp Chickweed

½  Tbsp Cardamon (pods, lightly crushed)

½  Tbsp whole Cloves

750 ml Vodka

The Method:

Step 1: Place all of the ingredients in a quart-sized mason jar (or similar) and top with vodka. Fill the jar to within 1” of the top and seal. 

Step 2: Let your infusion macerate in a cool, dark place for 4-6 weeks. To help the infusion process, shake the jar gently every day or so. 

Step 3: After infusing your bitters for the correct amount of time, strain, bottle, and label. 

Once bottled, dandelion bitters can be stored in a cool, dark place. However, for the best longevity, I like to store mine in the fridge. 

How to Use Spiced Dandelion Bitters

To get the most out of your bitters, take a few droppers full in a glass of water about fifteen minutes before beginning a meal. This allows the bitters time to work their way through your body, igniting your digestive system as they go. If you find yourself feeling sluggish or heavy following a particularly rich meal, you can also take 15-30 drops after your meal to help relieve indigestion.  

Another great way to enjoy bitters is to add them to your favorite cocktails. Follow any recipe that calls for bitters, but use homemade bitters instead of store-bought varieties.

If you try this recipe, be sure to tell us about it in the comments below or tag us on Instagram! Until next time, 

Disclaimer: 

Content from thisunboundlife.com is informational and not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Just because something is “natural” does not mean it’s safe for every person. Many plants should be avoided when pregnant or nursing; some can cause extreme interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medicine. 

While we strive to be 100% accurate, utilizing information from scientific studies, trusted sources, and verified publications, we are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is solely up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed on this website and to ensure proper plant identification. 

The information provided by this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using herbal preparations, always research them, speak to a professional about any significant concerns, and seek medical advice when needed.