Australia's Original Swedish Bitters. Back Where It Belongs.
Hilde Hemmes brought this centuries-old European recipe to Australia in 1985. Thousands of families later, it's still the go-to for natural digestive relief.
40 Years of Herbal Excellence
Founded in 1985 by Hilde Hemmes, Australia's pioneer of traditional European herbalism. Her Swedish Bitters formula traces back to the legendary physician Paracelsus — a recipe refined over centuries, now continuing its legacy under Nature's Sunshine stewardship.
× 
Your Gut Is Telling You Something
Post-Meal Discomfort
That heavy, unsettled feeling after eating that lingers longer than it should.
Sluggish Digestion
Feeling heavy and weighed down for hours after eating. Your body's struggling to keep up.
Supplement Overwhelm
Shelves full of trendy products, none of them proven. You're tired of guessing.
The good news? You're not the first. People have turned to bitter herbs for centuries, and the recipe is still made today.
Centuries in the Making
Bitter herbs have been used in Western herbal medicine for centuries to traditionally support healthy digestion and relieve digestive discomfort.
Bitter Herbs
Plants long used in Western herbal medicine for traditional digestive support.
Time-Honoured Recipe
A 16th-century formula refined and passed down through generations of herbalists.
Daily Practice
Taken before meals in the traditional way, the same simple ritual followed for centuries.
Fourteen Powerful Herbs.
One Traditional Formula.
The same blend trusted by naturopaths and families across Australia since 1985.
Aloe
Leaf Inner JuiceCalms and supports the gut lining, helping to maintain digestive comfort.
Senna
LeafGentle stimulant that supports digestive regularity and keeps things moving naturally.
Rhubarb
Root & RhizomeA traditional digestive bitter used for centuries to stimulate healthy gut function.
Myrrh
Stem Bark OleoresinTraditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support digestive comfort.
Zedoary
RhizomeAlso known as white turmeric. A warming digestive stimulant from traditional medicine.
Manna Ash
Stem Bark OleoresinA gentle osmotic that supports bowel comfort and regularity.
Carline Thistle
RootA bitter tonic traditionally used to support appetite and healthy digestive function.
Angelica
Root & RhizomeAromatic bitter herb traditionally used in Western herbal medicine as a bitter tonic to stimulate gastric secretions.
Black Cohosh
Root & RhizomeTraditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve menstruation pain and promote menstrual flow. *
Valerian
Root, Rhizome & StolonTraditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support general health and wellbeing.
Cinnamon
Inner Stem BarkWarming herb traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support healthy digestion.
Cardamom
FruitAromatic herb traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to relieve digestive discomfort after meals.
Saffron
Stigma & StyleTraditionally used in Western herbal medicine to support general health and wellbeing.
Camphor
Crystalline CompoundCooling stimulant that supports circulation and helps settle digestive discomfort.
* Black cohosh: see full label warnings before use.
Three Times a Day, the Traditional Way.
Measure
Take 20 mL of Swedish Bitters per dose.
Mix
Combine with 100 mL of water, juice or herbal tea to soften the bitter edge.
Drink
30 minutes before each meal, three times a day.
Common Questions
What are Swedish Bitters?
Swedish Bitters is a traditional herbal tonic made from a blend of bitter herbs, including senna, rhubarb, myrrh, aloe, zedoary, and manna ash. The formula dates back centuries to the physician Paracelsus and has been used across Europe to support healthy digestion.
How do they taste?
They're bitter — that's the point. The bitter taste is what triggers your body's digestive response. Most people mix them with warm water or herbal tea, which makes it easy to take. After a few days, many people come to enjoy the ritual.
Who should take Swedish Bitters?
Swedish Bitters are traditionally taken by people looking to support healthy digestion, relieve digestive discomfort, or ease the symptoms of indigestion. As with any supplement, consult your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medication.
How long until I feel results?
Individual experiences vary. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Are there any side effects?
Warnings: If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. Use in children under 12 years is not recommended. Drink plenty of water. Prolonged use may cause serious bowel problems. Do not use when abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting are present or if you develop diarrhoea. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, seek the advice of a healthcare professional before taking this product.
In rare cases, Valerian & Curcuma species may harm the liver. Stop use and see a doctor if you have yellowing skin/eyes or unusual: fatigue, nausea, appetite loss, abdominal pain, dark urine or itching.
Warning: In very rare cases, black cohosh has been associated with liver failure. If you are experiencing yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, nausea, vomiting, unusual tiredness, weakness, stomach or abdominal pain, and/or loss of appetite, you should stop using this product and see your doctor.
Can I take them with other medication?
We recommend consulting your healthcare professional or pharmacist before combining Swedish Bitters with any medication.
Ready to Reset Your Digestion?
Join thousands who've trusted Hilde Hemmes for their daily digestive ritual.