Organic Bitters and Herbal Tonics demo and tasting

Diane and Jenna have added some wonderful, new products to our selections at Johnson Compounding and Wellness Center.

Stop by for a taste and for some great information on how bitters and tonics help restore our balance and health.

The root of good health is great digestion. Bitters are used to relieve general digestive issues, such as occasional upset stomach, gas and bloating.

Crafted from exceptional blends of certified organic Vermont herbs and roots and complemented by a few worldly exotics, these bitters revive the tradition of dazzling the palate while priming digestion.

Stop by and sample:

Original Bitters: A contemporary version of an old-world classic; traditional bitter flavor mingles with delicate aromatics.

Citrus Bitters: An exotic, full-bodied formula with a complex and evolving citrus flavor.

Maple Bitters: A hint of maple syrup sweetness mellows the herbal bitterness, creating a smooth and warming formula.

Bitters for better digestion

A brief history:

Cultures around the world have long believed that bitter flavors are essential to good health because they stimulate the digestive system. Thus began the tradition of steeping bitter-tasting roots, leaves, berries and fruits in alcohol and serving the mixture before or after a meal. Often the formula was accompanied by more pleasant tasting carminative herbs such as ginger, fennel, cardamom, or orange peel.

Whether brewed according to secret recipes by medieval monks or concocted according to oral tradition by wise women, the first bitters had medicinal purposes. Over time, the theory, if not the recipes, passed into the hands of apothecaries and on to the makers of 19th Century patent medicines. After bartenders discovered that bitters softened the often harsh liquors of the day, the cocktail was born. Until the late 1880s, any drink called a cocktail contained bitters—this includes such classics as the martini, the Manhattan and the Old-Fashioned. Only in the 1950s did the taste for bitters fade.

Now, whether you enjoy them as an aperitif, digestif, or as a remedy to settle an upset stomach, calm a hangover or gently cleanse the liver, bitters are back!

Everyday Apothecary Herbal Tonics were designed to restore the popularity and use of herbal tonics in modern America. These tonics are formulated with some of the world’s best known restorative and strengthening herbs. These act to increase the body’s natural defenses and energy supply. For best results, tonic herbs should be taken on a daily basis over time.

Chocolate Love Tonics

A best-seller, an herbal aphrodisiac combine’s chocolate and herbs to support sexual vitality. Almost too much fun for one little bottle.

Ingredients: Organic Grape Alcohol, Pure Spring Water, Org. Fair Trade Chocolate Powder, Raw Vermont Honey, Org. Raw sugar, Wild crafted Damiana Leaf, Org. Maca Root, Org. Eleuthero Root, Org. Schizandra Berry, Org. Hawthorn Berry, Org. Ginger Root, Org. Vanilla and Natural Rose Water.

Immune Tonic

Our Immune tonic is a blend of roots, berries and mushrooms traditionally used to support immune function. It should be used as a remedy to build and strengthen your system to help avoid common illness and ward off allergies. This 2 oz bottle is the perfect size for your apothecary or your purse and can be used to refill our great 10 ml pocket spray bottle.

Ingredients: Organic Grape Alcohol, Pure Spring Water, Org. Astragalus Root, Org. Codonopsis Root, Org. Eleuthero Root, Org. Maitake, Org. Red Reishi, Org. Shizandra Berry, Org. Licorice Root, and Org. Ginger Root.

Longevity Tonics

Maintain radiant health with this combination of strength, endurance and vitality building herbs from around the world.

Ingredients: Organic Grape Alcohol, Pure Spring Water, Org. Fo Ti, Org. Eleuthero Root, Org. Astragalus Root, Org. American Ginseng Root, Org. Dandelion Root, Org. Licorice Root, Jujube Date, Org. Schizandra Berry, Org. Lycii Berry, Org. Hawthorn Berry, Leaf and Flower Org. Cinnamon and Org. Ginger Root.