Digestive Support 101: Bitters, Enzymes & TCM Formulas We Carry
Digestive complaints — bloating, sluggishness, occasional stomach upset after meals — are some of the most common things people come to us for. Both Western herbalism and Traditional Chinese Medicine have long traditions of supporting digestion, just through different lenses.
Two Ways of Looking at Digestion
Western herbalism leans heavily on bitters — herbs with a bitter taste that stimulate the release of digestive juices (saliva, stomach acid, bile) before or after a meal. This is why many traditional cultures serve a bitter aperitif before eating.
TCM frames digestion around the Spleen and Stomach's role in transforming food into Qi and Blood. When Spleen Qi is weak, digestion can feel sluggish, and formulas are chosen to strengthen the Spleen, move stagnant Qi, or clear damp — rather than targeting "digestion" as one generic function.
In practice, a lot of digestive support blends both approaches, which is exactly what you'll see in the products below.
What We Carry
G.I. Feel Better Tincture (2oz) — $35
A classic Western-style bitters formula, taken before meals to stimulate digestive juices and support comfortable digestion after eating.
Rectify Qi Tincture (2oz) — $35
A TCM-inspired formula designed to move stagnant Qi and restore digestive balance during occasional stomach discomfort or bloating.
Herbal Revolution Digestive Tonic (8oz) — $18.99
An alcohol-free tonic with chamomile and organic apple cider vinegar — a gentler daily option for easing into bitters.
Gaia Herbs Gas & Bloating (50 capsules) — $26.99
A gentle herbal formula for occasional gas, bloating, and general digestive discomfort — easy to keep on hand.
Thorne Advanced Digestive Enzymes (180 capsules) — $53
A clinical-strength enzyme blend for those who need more targeted support breaking down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
Herbal Revolution Fire Cider — from $19.99
A warming apple-cider-vinegar tonic with pungent herbs — supports digestion and immunity together, especially in colder months.
Which One Is Right for You?
As a rough guide: reach for G.I. Feel Better or the Digestive Tonic if you want a classic bitters habit before meals, Rectify Qi if bloating and stagnation are the main complaint, Gas & Bloating or Digestive Enzymes for more targeted, as-needed relief, and Fire Cider if you want digestive and immune support in one.
Not sure where to start? Browse the full Digestive Health collection, or stop in for a consultation — and if you haven't yet, check out our Adaptogens 101 guide for more on how we think about herbs across Western and TCM traditions.