What are Chinese Bitters?
Chinese bitters are a combination of two traditional Chinese herbs:
1. Gentian Root, also known as Long Dan Cao (Dragon Gallbladder Herb)
2. Bupleurum Root, also known as Chai Hu (Hare's Ear Root)
These two herbs, in combination, are known to help circulate the Liver Qi (qi of the chest), and to clear heat and damp from the Liver and Gallbladder. Sometimes a third herb, Coptides (Huang Lian) is also added, extending the heat and damp clearing properties to the Heart and Stomach. In the language of Western herbalists, these properties might be called detoxification.
Chinese Bitters are available in 4 different forms:
1. As whole herbs (which must be boiled for 30 minutes and strained).
2. As a tincture (liquid alcohol extraction).
3. As a powder (water extraction) that can be dissolved in water.
4. As tablets to avoid the extremely bitter taste of the herbs.
Water extractions, tablets or capsules are favored over alcohol extractions throughout Chinese medical practice. One of the reasons for this is that Alcohol creates Heat in the Liver. This is especially inappropriate for Chinese Bitters, which are used to cool the Liver.
We make no claims for Chinese Bitters.
What do Chinese Bitters really do?
In truth these herbs are best used according the principles and logic of Chinese traditional medicine. This formula can be valuable for Liver Qi Stagnation, Heat and Dampness in the Liver or Gallbladder, and for the varied complaints arising from this condition. Thus, the promise of success with these herbs must be viewed cautiously.
For example, Chinese bitters are actively promoted as a cure for infertility. In fact, there are many causes of infertility; and only some are related to Liver Qi Stagnation. Infertility can be caused by Kidney Deficiency, Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Damage to the Chong and Ren, Phlegm Obstruction, etc. For these other conditions, Chinese bitters have no effect.
The Safety of Chinese Bitters
The herbs used in Chinese Bitters, particularly LONG DAN CAO, have a cold nature and can cause digestive problems if taken in excess. Using LONG DAN CAO for more than one week at a time should be done under the advice of a knowledgeable herbologist. So be careful when you self-prescribe Chinese Bitters, or any other Chinese herb for that matter. Obtaining the maximum effects of these herbs depends on correct diagnosis according to the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine. To treat any serious or chronic problem, it's best to seek out professional help. If, despite all our cautions, you've decided to try Chinese Bitters, we believe that ours is the best quality and value by far.Quality Chinese Bitters from Shen Clinic
Remedy used to detoxify, cool, and dry the Liver and Gallbladder. Made with the highest quality concentrated herbs.
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