Swedish Bitters or Swedish Herbs by María Treben, contraindications and properties

The Swedish Bitters is a medicinal preparation made from several detoxifying plants, with its most famous brand being María Treben, according to all the surveys and opinions collected. It is also known by the name Swedish Herbs and its properties range from aiding in weight loss, improving digestion, to being used as a natural remedy for skin and respiratory issues.

Swedish Bitters or Swedish Herbs by María Treben

This medicinal preparation contains 12 natural plants. Although the original recipe dates back to ancient times, today the composition varies slightly, adapting perfectly to the needs of modern men and women.

In the past, it was called Hierapicra composita or Tinctura alos composita, a mixture originally created by Dr. Phillipus Paracelso. It was named Ad Vitam longam. From that moment on, it began to be used until the present day, with the term Swedish Herbs still being used, referencing the same benefits and composition of Swedish Bitters which is:

• Aloe Vera.
• Saffron.
• Senna Leaves.
• Camphor.
• Myrrh.
• Rhubarb Root.
• Manna.
• Venetian Treacle.
• Cedoaria or Curcuma Cedoaria.
• Angelica.
• Carline.

Medicinal Properties

It is important to highlight that it has a very bitter taste, so many people dislike it when they try it. However, what is interesting beyond its organoleptic properties are its detoxifying benefits.

The bitter taste of the medicinal plants stimulates the secretion of saliva and the formation, as well as the composition of gastric juice which plays a role in metabolizing food. When you take it and it reaches the stomach, the gastric mucosa increases acid production, helping to digest fats and stimulating the liver in its function.

This mix of plants helps with digestion and promotes better secretion of gastric juice, improving everything related to the digestive process. But since its composition is very complete, the properties of Swedish Bitters or Swedish Herbs are:

• Detoxifying.
• Digestive.
• Anti-constipation.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Anti-hemorrhoid.
• Wound healing.
• Soothing for psoriasis.

Swedish Bitters, contraindications of Swedish Herbs

• Stomach ulcer.
• Diarrhea.

You should also be aware of the potential effects of each plant included. One of the main contraindications of Swedish Herbs is diarrhea and stomach ulcers. It is also important to avoid using it if you are allergic to any of the plants or herbs listed in its composition.

In general, it is considered safe, but for digestive disorders, it is best to consult a doctor. The herbal mixture is very potent and can provide many benefits, but it may also be unsuitable for people with a sensitive stomach or diagnosed conditions. In such cases, it is always advisable to consult a specialist to adjust the dosage and determine whether it is appropriate to take it alongside another treatment or replace it.

Side Effects

• Rash.
• Skin irritation.
• Feeling of nausea.
• Diarrhea.
• Muscle cramps.
• Gastrointestinal discomfort.

Its intense bitter taste may cause you to vomit as soon as you try it. If bitter foods make you vomit, it is very likely that the side effects of Swedish Bitters will also appear in you.

In addition to this, you may notice skin irritation, rash, and a set of symptoms caused by hypersensitivity or allergy to Swedish herbs.

Does it have other benefits?

• For varicose veins.
• For the blood.

Because it contains many active ingredients and works as an anti-inflammatory, it is ideal for relieving bruise pain and reducing liquid accumulation. It is beneficial for improving circulation and reducing discomfort caused by varicose veins and tired legs.

How to take it and use it

It can be applied externally or taken internally, as a topical medicinal remedy or as an infusion.

The effects of Swedish herbs make it useful for many things, but primarily for the digestive system. After ingesting the preparation, bile secretion increases. Therefore, the way to take Swedish Bitters is:

• One tablespoon diluted in a glass of water before meals.
• Swallowing one teaspoon of pure Swedish herbs without water.
• Applying it as a rub on the skin.

For everything related to digestion and the stomach, the most convenient method is to add one tablespoon of Swedish herbs to a glass of water, stir, and drink the entire liquid.

On the other hand, if you want to improve or eliminate skin irritation symptoms or those related to psoriasis, you should apply Swedish Bitters directly on the skin. You can moisten a cotton ball or gauze and gently massage the affected area.

Do Swedish Bitters or herbs help with the throat?

Yes. In addition to everything mentioned above, it also works to soothe the throat and eliminate itching and burning. For this, you should hold the liquid in your mouth for a few seconds before swallowing it.

This, in addition to being good for the throat, also works as a mouthwash or gargle. After brushing your teeth, you can gargle and spit it out, or swallow it so it can also flow into the stomach.

And for weight loss?

It works for detoxification, so if you feel heavy, bloated, and frequently suffer from indigestion, this natural remedy will work very well. María Treben’s Swedish Bitters for weight loss helps you eliminate toxins from your body and reduce stomach heaviness.

Keep in mind that it is not a weight-loss product, meaning to eliminate fat, you should follow a low-fat diet and exercise daily, as well as occasionally opt for weight loss teas. But ultimately, what matters most is the type of diet you maintain.

Opinions and testimonials on its effects on digestion

While it can be used for multiple purposes, the most well-known, or rather the most effective, are those related to the digestive process. As it passes through the digestive tract, it increases bile formation and stimulates fat absorption, similar to what happens with artichoke drops for weight loss. This is a natural remedy against indigestion and promotes better assimilation of the fatty content in your diet.

How to prepare it at home

You need to buy all the medicinal herbs we’ve listed in the composition and prepare a maceration with alcohol ranging from 45 to 55%.

The list of quantities for Swedish herbs or ingredients from the original recipe of Swedish Bitters is:

• 10 g of Aloe Vera.
• 10 g of Camphor or Cinnamomum camphora.
• 10 g of Rhubarb Root or Rheum rhabarbarum.
• 10 g of Manna or Fraxinus ornus.
• 10 g of Angelica Archangelica Root.
• 10 g of Senna or Cassia acutifolia Delile.
• 10 g of Cedoaria Root or Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.
• 10 g of Venetian Treacle.
• 5 g of Myrrh or Commiphora myrrha.
• 5 g of Carline Root or Carlina vulgaris.
• 0.22 g of Saffron or Crocus sativus.

Add everything into a glass jar and then pour the alcohol. Once everything is prepared, you should let it rest for two weeks. To do so, store the jar in a sealed container, in a dark and cool place, away from direct sunlight.

After 14 days, you can start using it at home in the same way as we’ve indicated or just like you would if you bought Swedish Bitters.

How long should you use it?

• For 4 to 6 weeks, one or two times a year.
• Once a day, occasionally.
• For the skin, you can apply it every day until you notice improvement.

Does it contain alcohol?

The original recipe is alcohol-free. This makes it suitable for those who cannot consume alcohol or wish to avoid it. Some medicinal preparations include alcohol because it makes it easier to dilute and extract some active ingredients. However, always check the composition before buying Swedish Bitters, especially if you switch brands.

Carmelite Swedish Bitters – Is it the same?

It is the same preparation but with some differences. In general, Carmelite Swedish Bitters contains alcohol, a significant amount, so it is not suitable for people undergoing detoxification or those with alcohol addiction.

The rest of the properties of Swedish Herbs are similar. There may be some differences depending on its composition. Some brands include variations in the preparation process, although in most cases, they opt to follow the original recipe with few modifications.