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Digestifs and Bitters-anyone like them?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/12/2013 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
Somewhere I got the idea to try digestifs (or "digestives" in Americano) since they have been around a long time and were developed as stomach soothers.

Not sweet cordials like Fra Angelica or things like that. "Bitters" are made from herbs in an alcohol base and many European countries have their specialties, some countries have several.

I started with Angostura because it was easy to find. Put a couple splashes in soda water and drank. I liked it and no stomach issues followed (my gut tells me quickly if it dislikes things like this).

Next I tried Underberg (German) and the "add to soda water". This was a bit stronger in nature, very pronounced anise or liquorish plus other woodsy notes. Stomach still no problem.

Today I found some Fernet Branca (Italian) and repeated the experiment. Again no troubles.

So I'm asking for opinions on whether it helps IBS in particular. There is some talk that these concoctions stimulate the liver but manufacturers can say anything they want. I guess nih isn't funding any studies on them haha.

I like Fernet Branca the best, less assertive with the anise.
Although Fernet is a bit of a craze in San Francisco bars, taking shots, I understand Europeans do not imbibe that quantity, rather a sip or two after dinner.
Posted 7/12/2013 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
I had to look up imbibe... ;-)

The shots craze is for making money. They have to draw people in, and since the need for something new is a continuing thing...that's why they're doing it. Alcoholic bitters also taste very different and considered "healthy", but with a high alcoholic content.   

Sip or two makes sense...and since bitters for an aperitif have been around forever, I think what you're doing is a good thing. Can't hoit!...unless you're allergic/sensitive to one of the herbs.

q
Posted 7/13/2013 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Good idea! Sounds like fun.
Posted 7/13/2013 3:23 AM (GMT 0)
I've actually been trying to find a place to purchase Underberg, but nobody in Oklahoma carries it. If you aren't seeing any issues, I don't see how it would hurt to have a little in the evening. Seems like it was very common to "night cap" and such back in the old days.
Posted 7/13/2013 11:34 AM (GMT 0)
I got it Underberg on Amazon, where else. Fernet happened to be in a local liquor store next to the Angostura bitters which almost everyone carries.
Posted 7/13/2013 5:35 PM (GMT 0)
I've only taken capsules containing gentian bitters. This sounds more fun :). Alcohol has never agreed with my stomach, but maybe someday.
Posted 7/13/2013 5:59 PM (GMT 0)
I've only been experimenting with them for about 7-9 days but early report is quite good results.
Fernet my fave so far and it makes me sleepy haha. I might get brave and try Fernet undiluted, a teaspoons worth and see what happens.

My gut does not like wine (sad) but tolerates vodka in a small amount, one vodka and soda per week (no citrus added) with no ill effects at all.

I'm beginning to think the bitters is a good thing for me.
Been drinking green veggie juices daily for weeks and even found some fresh wheatgrass yesterday (wonderful and sweet).
Bitters are quite different from both those fresh green juices and a good addition for me (so far).
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