57
SCORE
Digestive bitters
Digestion · Appetite · Bile
Tier 3 — Trending
What it is
Herbal extracts of bitter plants (gentian, dandelion, artichoke) that stimulate digestive enzyme and bile secretion via bitter taste receptors. Traditional use across many cultures supports a role in improving appetite and digestion before meals. Modern RCT evidence is very limited. Generally well tolerated and widely available as tinctures and capsules.
Efficacy
2/5
Safety
4/5
Research
1/5
Onset
4/5
Cost
4/5
Drug-int.
4/5
Dose
1–2 mL tincture or 500 mg capsule 15–30 min before meals; evidence mostly traditional
Time of day & tips
Take 15–30 min before meals as a tincture or capsule. Works via taste receptors, so tinctures on the tongue are preferred over capsules for maximum effect.
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