St Francis Canadian BittersYou are what you digest
The use of herbal bitters has been an integral part of almost every cultural tradition in the world. Used as an aperitif to stimulate gastric juices, these mixtures tonify the digestive apparatus in preparation for mealtime. Individuals who have trouble with flatulent dyspepsia-gas, burping, bloating and indigestion-will benefit from this formula. In addition, this combination wonderfully stimulates agnivardhana - the Ayurvedic term for digestive "fire", a quality that diminishes with age. The appropriate rule of thumb may not so much be "you are what you eat"-as important as it is-but rather, "you are what you digest". Vibrant health is achieved by a variety of means. Among the most important of these is good digestion. Extensively taken in Europe-from which we best know it-herbal bitters enhance digestion and assimilation by stimulating the taste receptors on our tongue. With many nationalities, it is common practice to consume bitters before a meal, especially if it is apt to include heavy, fatty foods. Bitters can also be taken after the fact, if you find you have overeaten. The bitter taste of the herbs-hence the name of this tonic-is essential to their good effects. The bitterness increases the flow of bile, which supports both digestion and the body`s natural cleansing processes. Herbal bitters are an extremely valuable aid in maintaining good health. By enhancing secretions of the liver, pancreas, stomach, and small intestine, they revitalize a whole range of digestive functions, providing rich enzyme catalysts, which improve nutrient absorption. As well, the herbs in our Canadian Bitters formula protect the liver from toxins. Further indications include cholesterol build-up, hyperlipidaemia, constipation, digestive distress, and sluggish peristalsis. Sluggish elimination is often the result of reduced secretions by the digestive organs and small intestine. The following is a brief explanation of the individual herbs and the rationale for their use: Globe artichoke - Herbalist Kerry Bone classes globe artichoke as a bitter tonic, useful for dyspepsia and its associated symptoms, such as constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, belching, and fat intolerance. One clinical trial confirmed improved digestion, noting that artichoke improved the assimilation of fat due to insufficient bile secretion. Dandelion - Eclectic physicians like John M. Scudder, M.D. praised this lowly weed for its "stimulant influence upon the entire gastro-intestinal tract". Gentian - With its unparalleled bitterness, Gentian represents the standard in digestives. No doubt this inspired herbalist Mrs. Maude Grieve to state emphatically that gentian is "unrivalled as a stomachic tonic..." Eclectic physicians Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D. and John Uri Lloyd, Pharm. D., Ph. D. explain further that gentian should be used "where the powers of life are depressed and recovery depends upon (the) ability to assimilate food." Fennel - The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia lists dyspepsia as a traditional indication for fennel. Chamomile - "As a popular remedy, (chamomile) may be thought of as the European counterpart of ginseng," writes Varro Tyler, as quoted by herbalist Steven Foster. "The Germans describe it as alles zutraut - `capable of anything`," Tyler adds. The great German herbalist and physician Rudolph Fritz Weiss, M.D. asserts that "patients with chronic stomach complaints would greatly benefit from" chamomile. Turmeric - Classified as a stomachic in Ayurvedic medicine, turmeric is traditionally used for poor digestion. In the Western tradition, turmeric is additionally classed as an aromatic digestive stimulant. Burdock root - Eclectic physicians used burdock to aid digestion. Finley Ellingwood, M.D., for example, writes that, "Its influence upon the mucous membranes of the stomach encourages normal ... secretion and promotes digestion." Black walnut - The hulls are very bitter in taste. Alma Hutchens explains that black walnut hulls are "highly extolled as a remedy in the treatment of bilious and cramp colic." She adds "flatulence" as the clinical indication. Cardamom - The British Herbal Pharmacopoeia gives "flatulent dyspepsia" as a specific indication for cardamom. Cardamom is pleasant tasting and, as a "warming" herb, counteracts the "cooling" nature of bitter digestives. Ginger - In most traditional systems of medicine, including the Ayurvedic and the Chinese, ginger is standard as an aid for the digestion. American calamus - Eclectic physicians favoured this medicine for "cases of flatulent colic, atonic dyspepsia, (and) feebleness of the digestive organs". Combination rationale: Virtually all the herbs in this formula aid digestion in one way or other, each acting in its own unique manner to create a complementary symphony of benefits. In traditional Chinese medicine, herbs are classified as to effect. In other words, they can have heating or cooling, moistening or drying (etc.) properties. As many of the digestive herbs are cooling in effect, we have added herbs with warming properties, which means that this formula can be safely taken over the long term without the harm of imbalance. Administration: (adults) take 1-1.5 ml (30-45 drops) three times daily in a little water before meals. Contra-indications and Cautions: Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition or if you are taking prescription medications. Do not take this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use this product if you have an allergy to members of the Asteraceae or the Umbelliferae families of plants. Do not use if you have tinnitus (ringing in the ears), acute stomach irritation, inflammation, or stomach ulcers. Reduce dosage or discontinue use if you experience a hypersensitivity reaction. A NOTE ON TINCTURES
Tinctures are more readily absorbed by the body and have a high degree of bio-availability. As well, they have a long shelf life. Sometimes people ask us why tinctures are alcohol-based. There are very good reasons. Alcohol is critically important in the extraction of an herb`s medicinal ingredients. It also helps to stabilize and preserve them. Alcohol is the ideal carrier substance, conveying the therapeutic goodness of the herb to the body. In itself, too, science has proven that alcohol enhances the immune system and its defences. As for the amount of alcohol taken in an average dose of tincture, you`ll be surprised to learn that it`s about the same as what you`d find in an overly ripe banana! Tinctures remain the most practical way to take advantage of the amazing, health-giving power of herbs. Ingredients:
Certified Organic Globe Artichoke (Cynara scolymus)
Certified Organic Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis)
Certified Organic Gentian (Gentiana lutea)
Certified Organic Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Certified Organic Chamomile (Matricaria camomilla)
Certified Organic Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Certified Organic Burdock Root (Arctium lappa radix)
Wildcrafted Black Walnut Hulls (Juglans nigra)
Organically Grown Cardamom (Elletaria cardamomum)
Certifed Organic Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
Organically Grown/Wildcrafted Calamus (Acorus americanus) Testimonials
"Great improvment to my digestion"
"I want to tell you of the great improvement that taking Canadian Bitters has made to my digestion. I had acid reflux and a lot of burping and the food seemed to just sit in my stomach after a meal. Already, after only a week, my digestion is happening almost normally and the acid reflux has just about disappeared! As far as the taste, I find it quite easy to take compared to the awful taste of camphor that is in the Swedish Bitters that I happened to try first. Thank you for your commitment to great health!" Suzanne CR
Ottawa, ON "noticed improvement in my digestive health"
"I have recently started using the Canadian Bitters Formula and Cascara Combo. Since taking them I have noticed an improvement in my digestive health. I am looking forward to trying other tinctures as well. I am definitely recommending these products to my patients at the clinic." Dr. Mike Whitley
Chiropractor in Markham, ON Straight Priorities
"Just a note to say that I`ve just started using your Canadian Bitters. Congratulations for having your priorities so straight, and for crafting such a wonderful life-supporting product. Best of all, you are organic!" MK
Ottawa, ON
| 
