Digestive bitters

Tier 3 — weak evidence · Digestion · Appetite · Bile

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.

Dose: 1–2 mL tincture or 500 mg capsule 15–30 min before meals; evidence mostly traditional