he story surrounding
Swedith Bitters is
one of the most gripping in the world history of herbalism. It has been called "The Long Life Elixir" since its
creation in Europe in 1531. The recipe for Swedish Bitters was incorporated into the writings of the 16th century Swiss physician,
Dr. Philippus Paracelsus. (Interestingly, Paracelsus was also
an
early practitioner of escharotic medicine.)
Three centuries later, his 'Old Manuscript' was rediscovered and found to list in
45 points how this eleven herb formula could cure nearly every illness of its day. It was then revived by Dr. Claus Samst of Sweden.
The good doctor, Samst, died at the age of 104 --
after an unfortunate horseback riding accident -- but the name "Swedish Bitters" has prevailed since.
(Point #43 in the 'Old Manuscript' describes how Swedish Bitters can be used to cure the plague and other infectious diseases.)
In the late 20th Century, Austrian herbalist, Maria Treben, truly became "a legend in her own time."
Her lifelong study and use of Dr. Samst's recipe coupled with her definitive book,
Health through God's Pharmacy, has proven to millions
of Swedish Bitters devotees that "there is often a better way" than relying on today's chemical-base medicines. She explains how she first
became acquainted with Swedish Bitters, which itself, gives insight into its amazing properties:
"It sounds almost like a fairy tale, but it is true. As a refugee from the German speaking area of Czechoslovakia,
I became ill with typhoid fever in a camp in Bavaria, caused by contaminated meat and, through it, came jaundice and an obstruction
in the intestines. I spent more than 6 months in hospital and when my husband got my mother, my mother-in-law, our child and myself
to Austria, I was a young but sick woman. At night I was hit by terrible pain that shot through my body like a sword. In these moments
I could neither sit nor stand, walk nor lie down; at the same time I vomited and had diarrhea. I was a helpless bundle of misery.
"These were afterpains of the typhoid fever which sometimes can go on for years,
as the doctor said. One day a woman brought me a small bottle containing a dark brown, strong smelling liquid. She had heard of my illness
and wanted to help. The Swedish Bitters had relieved her of a serious complaint. Accompanying it was a transcript of an "old manuscript"
in which was explained, in 46 points, how these drops heal every illness. The recipe came from the writings of a well-known Swedish physician.
As stated, all members of his family had reached an unusually old age. These drops according to point 43 heal "plague boils and swellings
even if already in the throat". I put the bottle in the medicine chest. I just did not believe that these modest drops could give me back
my health, since the doctor could not even help me. Soon I changed my mind. As I sat in front of a large basket of ripe pears which needed
to be used up straight away, I had another attack.
"As I had been told that these Swedish drops could be used externally as well,
I did not hesitate for long and applied them as a compress on the abdomen, put a small plastic bag over the compress and then my girdle
and continued my work. A wonderful warm feeling spread through my body. Suddenly, it felt as if with one movement of the hand, everything
morbid in my body was pulled out. I assure you that with this single compress which I had on the whole day, all complaints of the preceding
months disappeared, never to return."
Treben's narrative continues at some length -- all of which is detailed in
Health Through God's Pharmacy. Although portions of the text may seem hyperbolic or exaggerated, the merits
of Swedish Bitters is quite legendary in Europe. For more information, we also encourage you to read
"Swedish Bitters -- The 46 Points," which has usage advice and valuable protocols.
Most Commonly Treated Ailments with Swedish Bitters
The most commonly treated ailments with Swedish Bitters are
headaches (even migraines), inflammation (including edema), liver problems,
digestive issues (take 20 minutes before eating), stomach pains, dizziness and equilibrium issues,
internal organ cleansing and detoxing,
hemorroids, restlessness, sleeplessness, anxiety, depression, and skin rashes.
The Original Swedish Bitters Recipe
The formula for making
Swedish Bitters is in the public
domain and is well-known:
- 10 gm. Aloe (vera) -- (wormwood powder or gentian roots may be used as substitutes)
- 5 gm. Myrrh (gum of Commiflora)
- 0.2 gm. Saffron (spice of Crocus sativus)
- 10 gm. Senna leaves -- (Senna alexandrina)
- 10 gm. Camphor -- (Cinnamomum camphora)
- 10 gm. Rhubarb roots
- 10 gm. Zedoary roots -- (Curcuma zedoaria)
- 10 gm. Manna (Fraxinus ornus)
- 10 gm. Theriac venetian [a separate formula consisting of:
angelica root (Angelica archangelica), valerian root (Valeriana officinalis), cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum),
zedoary rcot (Curcuma zedoaria), cardamon seed (Elettaria cardamomum), and myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)].
- 5 gm. Carline Thistle roots -- (Carlina acaulis)
- 10 gm. Angelica roots -- (Angelica archangelica)
Preparation: This mixture is put into a wide-necked 2 litre bottle and 1% litre
of 38% to 40% rye or fruit spirit are poured over it. The bottle is left standing in the sun or near the stove for 14 days and
shaken daily. The liquid is then strained and poured into small bottles, well stoppered and stored in a cool place. This way it
can be kept for many years. The longer it stands the more effective it becomes! Shake well before use! Alternatively some of the
liquid can be strained into a small bottle and the rest left in the bottle until required.
Directions:
First Precaution: Swedish Bitters are BITTER. So always take with a cup
of hot water or herbal tea.
Internal Use: To assist as a preventative, take according to the "old manuscript"
in the morning and evening, one teaspoonful diluted with water. For indisposition of any kind, three tablespoons diluted with water
can be taken. For serious diseases, two or three tablespoons are taken as follows: one tablespoon diluted with half a cup of herb tea,
half of it is sipped half an hour before and the other half an hour after each meal.
Compress: According to area, a piece of cotton wool or gauze is moistened with
Swedish Bitters and applied to the affected area which has been well covered with lard or Calendula ointment. A slightly larger piece
of plastic is put over it to prevent the clothes from getting stained. Then a cloth is wound around or a bandage is used. The compress
can be left on, depending on illness, for two to four hours. If tolerated, the compress can stay on overnight. After removal the skin is
powdered. Should people with sensitive skin still develop a rash, the compresses have to be used for a shorter period only or moistened
for a time. People who are allergic to plastic should leave it off. Never forget to grease the skin beforehand. If an itching rash has
already developed it can be treated with Calendula ointment.