Dandelion Root Bitters: Homemade Herbal Bitters Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What are dandelion bitters good for? ›

One of our favorite ingredients here is dandelion, and while some might consider this plant a pesky weed, the dandelion is incredibly supportive of both our digestive system and our bodies' natural detoxification process by helping the body break down fats and carry away waste.

Here are some aromatics typically used to make bitters: Herbs and flowers: mint, sage, lemongrass, peppermint, sorrel, lavender, chamomile, hibiscus, passionflower, yarrow, rose, milk thistle, and valerian.

Bitters help to stimulate digestive juices and enzymes and can also help to relax smooth muscle that lines the digestive tract to help relieve cramping. In addition, bitters might lower blood sugar levels by stimulating the release and use of insulin and taming sugar cravings.

Making your own bitters for co*cktails, as we've detailed above, isn't too dissimilar from brewing tea. By steeping aromatics and flavoring agents in vodka, the alcohol extracts the flavors and creates a delicious mix-in for any drink. See the key steps below.

When taken by mouth: Dandelion is likely safe for most people when consumed in the amounts commonly found in food. It is possibly safe when taken in larger amounts. Dandelion might cause allergic reactions, stomach discomfort, diarrhea, or heartburn in some people.

Fresh or dried dandelion herb is also used as a mild appetite stimulant, and to improve upset stomach. The root of the dandelion plant may act as a mild laxative and has been used to improve digestion. Preliminary research suggests that dandelion may help improve liver and gallbladder function.

Because of the gut-brain connection, not only can bitters enhance digestion, but they can reduce depression and improve mood. They also support your liver's natural detoxification processes, and thus can improve skin health.

Bitters With Benefits. Before they became a co*cktail ingredient, bitters were taken as a daily tonic, meant to aid digestion and other ailments. Today, co*cktail bitters are generally produced without significant health benefits in mind—they're designed purely to flavor co*cktails.

Bitters are herbal tinctures that originated in the apothecaries of old-world Europe. They are specific barks, roots, and herbs that have been infused in alcohol, and then used in dashes or drops to enhance flavor in drinks and food as well as for their health benefits.

What happens if you drink straight bitters? ›

Can bitters get you drunk? Bitters can absolutely get you drunk. A few dashes won't even get you buzzed, but as many an enterprising alcoholic can tell you, a standard bottle of bitters is the same as nearly 3 shots of whiskey.

You can also be allergic to the herbs used in bitters. People who are pregnant and breastfeeding shouldn't take bitters. They also shouldn't be given to children as they often are infused in alcohol. People who have gastrointestinal disease shouldn't take bitters as they might irritate your digestive system.

Bitters are made by infusing aromatic roots, spices, and other botanicals in high-proof liquor, combining the liquids, and adding them to drinks. This is a process that can take anywhere from two to three weeks, depending on how large of a batch you're making and which ingredients are involved.

Shake the bitters, then strain through cheesecloth to remove any sediment. Pour into a bitters bottle or small decanter with a tight-sealing lid. The bitters can be stored for up to 12 months unrefrigerated in a cool place. Use in your favorite co*cktail and enjoy.

Bitters are technically alcoholic, and they're usually between 35% to 45% ABV. Because they're sold in such small bottles and their flavor is so strong, most recipes call for just a dash or a few drops, making its overall alcohol contribution negligible, and why you don't need to be 21 or older to buy them.

May promote liver health

Some animal studies suggest that dandelion extract may protect against liver damage and disease. One animal study found that dandelion root extract helped prevent liver damage in rats with induced liver failure ( 13 ).

Medicinal Bitters

All of these are also known for health benefits, including having antifungal, antiseptic, antidepressant, cardio-protective, hormone regulating, immune boosting, and blood sugar-regulating properties.

Naturopaths believe it means that dandelion root tea could help detoxify the liver, help with skin and eye problems, and relieve symptoms of liver disease. A 2017 study suggests that polysaccharides in dandelion may indeed be beneficial to liver function.