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Dietary supplement

Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Answer

Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free is a dietary supplement by Nature's Answer with 7 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, morning sickness in pregnancy.Based on those ingredients, 1,227 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Ginger Root Extract, Fennel Seed Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free by Nature's Answer

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free by Nature's Answer — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free by Nature's Answer

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 12, 2026

What’s inside

Low disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Low

Most active ingredients don't disclose an individual amount — you can't tell how much of each you're getting.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 0 of its 7 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Extract Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (210 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free contains seven active ingredients: Ginger Root Extract, Fennel Seed Extract, Astragalus Root Extract, Gentian Root Extract, Centaury Aerial Parts Extract, Rosemary Leaf Extract, and Cardamom Seed Extract. These are blended to create a traditional digestive bitters formula.

The inactive ingredients are glycerin and purified water.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: digestive comfort and appetite support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Gastritis, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Colic, Diarrhea — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Ginger is rated "Possibly Effective" for Pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Ginger is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).
  • Also on file: Fennel is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Constipation, Cough, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, and more.

Ginger has possibly effective evidence for pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, period pain (dysmenorrhea), and osteoarthritis, though it's rated possibly ineffective for exercise-related muscle soreness and chemotherapy nausea. Fennel is rated possibly effective for dysmenorrhea but has insufficient evidence for other uses like bronchitis and anxiety.

Rosemary is possibly effective for memory; the other ingredients in this product either have insufficient evidence or we hold no effectiveness data for them in the conditions we studied.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Ginger Fennel Astragalus Gentian Centaury Rosemary Cardamom

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 6 of the 7 matched ingredients.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 7 of 7.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 7 of 7.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Ginger is generally well tolerated at typical food and supplement doses in healthy adults, though doses above 5 grams per day increase side-effect risk. Common mild side effects are abdominal discomfort, burping, diarrhea, heartburn, and a peppery feeling in the mouth and throat.

One person in a trial reported mild heart rhythm changes. Fennel is well tolerated as a food but concentrated supplements and essential oil warrant caution; it's rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy and lactation due to hormone-like effects and limited safety data.

Astragalus is generally well tolerated short-term but has limited human safety data and is best avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Gentian may cause stomach upset and is best avoided in pregnancy and lactation.

Rosemary is safe in cooking amounts but concentrated extracts should be avoided in pregnancy and larger medicinal doses during breastfeeding. Centaury and Cardamom have limited safety data; centaury is best avoided in pregnancy and lactation, and cardamom's safety at medicinal doses in pregnancy and lactation is unknown.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Ginger Fennel Astragalus Gentian Centaury Rosemary Cardamom

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Rosemary, Fennel, Gentian, Ginger, Astragalus.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; immunosuppressants / transplant drugs; diabetes medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,228 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Check your exact medications before using this product if you take blood thinners (anticoagulants) or antiplatelet drugs like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin — ginger, fennel, and rosemary all carry moderate-severity bleeding risk. Also double-check if you take diabetes drugs (ginger, astragalus, and rosemary may lower blood sugar further), birth control pills or estrogen replacement (fennel may reduce effectiveness), blood pressure medications (ginger's losartan interaction and gentian's blood-pressure-lowering effect), or immunosuppressants (astragalus may interfere).

Additionally, if you take the antibiotic ciprofloxacin, the cancer drug tamoxifen, the heart medication nifedipine, or drugs metabolized by your liver's CYP3A4 system, run those through the checker below.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This is a traditional digestive bitters blend that may help with nausea and period pain, though solid evidence is limited to ginger and fennel for those uses. If you take blood thinners, diabetes medications, blood pressure drugs, or estrogen-based medications, check with your pharmacist or doctor before using it — ginger and fennel both have documented or theoretical interactions.

Pregnant or breastfeeding people should talk to their doctor first, especially given the limited safety data for most ingredients.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 7 of 7 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jun 22, 2023.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Answer
Barcode (UPC) 083000007088
Net contents 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 60 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 22, 2023
DSLD ID 295408
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Women (not pregnant or lactating), Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free by Nature's Answer, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
0.5 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 mL
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
083000007088
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Extract Blend210 mg--
Ginger Root Extract0 NP--
Fennel Seed Extract0 NP--
Astragalus Root Extract0 NP--
Gentian Root Extract0 NP--
Centaury Aerial Parts Extract0 NP--
Rosemary Leaf Extract0 NP--
Cardamom Seed Extract0 NP--

Other ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Purified

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Storage

Store in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Gluten free

Gluten-free Alcohol-free Absolutely no preservatives

Our alcohol-free extracts are produced using our cold Bio-Chelated proprietary extraction process, yielding a Holistically Balanced Advanced Botanical Fingerprint extract in the same synergistic ratios as in the plant.

Seals/Symbols

Bio-Chelated Cold Extraction Process

KOF-K (Kosher) Parve

Formula

KOF-K (Kosher) Parve

Bitters & Ginger herbal combination made from 1,000 mg blend

Brand IP Statement(s)

Nature's Answer Since 1972

Discover Nature's Answer

Copyright 2019 Nature's Answer

FDA Statement of Identity

Herbal Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1/2-1 mL (14-28 drops) 30 minutes before meals, in a small amount of water. Shake well.

Precautions

Keep out of reach of children.

Warning: Do not use if pregnant or nursing.

Do not use if safety seal is damaged or missing.

General Statements

For product information, call (800) 439-2324

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free by Nature's Answer label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free by Nature's Answer

These are the 7 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size0.5 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

Most supplement products combine several ingredients, and a medication can interact with the product through any one of them. Each ingredient below shows whether it has known drug interactions.

Other (inactive) ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Purified. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free by Nature's Answer Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
1,227Drugs
1,108 Moderate 119 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Ginger Root Extract 1,007
Fennel Seed Extract 740
Rosemary Leaf Extract 372
Astragalus Root Extract 208
Gentian Root Extract 172

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free interact with 1,227 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 7 ingredients in Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Ginger Root Extract Fennel Seed Extract Rosemary Leaf Extract Astragalus Root Extract Gentian Root Extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free with known interactions, here are the types of medications they can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Ginger Root Extract14 drug types · 1,007 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Ginger may have antiplatelet effects and may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. However, research is conflicting.
Laboratory research suggests that ginger inhibits thromboxane synthetase and decreases platelet aggregation. However, this has not been demonstrated unequivocally in humans, with mixed results from clinical trials. Theoretically, excessive amounts of ginger might increase the risk of bleeding when used with anticoagulant/antiplatelet drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking ginger with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal and human research suggests that ginger might increase insulin levels and/or decrease blood glucose levels.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Ginger might increase or decrease the levels of CYP3A4 substrates.
In vitro research and some case reports suggest that ginger inhibits CYP3A4 activity. Three case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking ginger and cancer medications that are CYP3A4 substrates (imatinib, dabrafenib, and crizotinib). However, the causality of this interaction is unclear due to the presence of multiple interacting drugs and routes of administration.
Conversely, other in vitro research suggests that ginger induces CYP3A4 activity, leading to reduced levels of CYP3A4 substrates. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Losartan (Cozaar)

Theoretically, ginger might increase levels of losartan and the risk of hypotension.
In animal research, ginger increased the levels and hypotensive effects of a single dose of losartan. It is not clear if ginger alters the concentration or effects of losartan when taken continuously. Additionally, this interaction has not been shown in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Nifedipine (Procardia)

Ginger may have antiplatelet effects and increase the risk of bleeding if used with nifedipine.
Clinical research shows that combined treatment with ginger 1 gram plus nifedipine 10 mg significantly inhibits platelet aggregation when compared to nifedipine or ginger alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
P-Glycoprotein Substrates

Ginger might increase the absorption and blood levels of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates.
In vitro research and case reports suggest that ginger inhibits drug efflux by P-gp, potentially increasing absorption and serum levels of P-gp substrates. Two case reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) adverse drug reaction database describe increased toxicity in patients taking ginger and cancer medications that are P-gp substrates (trametinib, crizotinib). However, the causality of this interaction is unclear due to the presence of multiple interacting drugs and routes of administration.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Phenprocoumon (Marcoumar, Others)

Ginger might increase the risk of bleeding with phenprocoumon.
Phenprocoumon, a warfarin-related anticoagulant, might increase the international normalized ratio (INR) when taken with ginger. There is one case report of a 76-year-old woman with a stable INR on phenprocoumon that increased to greater than 10 when she began consuming dried ginger and ginger tea.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Warfarin (Coumadin)

Ginger might increase the risk of bleeding with warfarin.
Laboratory research suggests that ginger might inhibit thromboxane synthetase and decrease platelet aggregation. In one case report, ginger increased the INR when taken with phenprocoumon, which has similar pharmacological effects as warfarin. In another case report, ginger increased the INR when taken with a combination of warfarin, hydrochlorothiazide, and acetaminophen. A longitudinal analysis suggests that taking ginger increases the risk of bleeding in patients taking warfarin for at least 4 months. However, research in healthy people suggests that ginger has no effect on INR, or the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of warfarin. Until more is known, monitor INRs closely in patients taking large amounts of ginger.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Calcium Channel Blockers

Theoretically, taking ginger with calcium channel blockers might increase the risk of hypotension.
Some animal and in vitro research suggests that ginger has hypotensive and calcium channel-blocking effects. Another animal study shows that concomitant administration of ginger and the calcium channel blocker amlodipine leads to greater reductions in blood pressure when compared with amlodipine alone.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune)

Theoretically, when taken prior to cyclosporine, ginger might decrease cyclosporine levels.
In an animal model, ginger juice taken 2 hours prior to cyclosporine administration reduced the maximum concentration and area under the curve of cyclosporine by 51% and 40%, respectively. This effect was not observed when ginger juice and cyclosporine were administered at the same time.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP1A2 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2B6 (Cyp2B6) Substrates

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP2B6 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP2B6 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 2C9 (Cyp2C9) Substrates

Theoretically, ginger might increase the levels of CYP2C9 substrates.
In vitro research shows that ginger inhibits CYP2C9 activity. However, this interaction has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Metronidazole (Flagyl)

Theoretically, ginger might increase levels of metronidazole.
In an animal model, ginger increased the absorption and plasma half-life of metronidazole. In addition, the elimination rate and clearance of metronidazole was significantly reduced.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ginger Root Extract full monograph & interactions

Fennel Seed Extract6 drug types · 740 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, fennel might increase the risk of bleeding when used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs.

Animal research suggests that fennel oil has antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Ciprofloxacin (Cipro)

Theoretically, fennel might decrease the levels and clinical effects of ciprofloxacin.

Animal research shows that fennel reduces ciprofloxacin bioavailability by nearly 50%, possibly due to the metal cations such as calcium, iron, and magnesium contained in fennel. This study also found that fennel increased tissue distribution and slowed elimination of ciprofloxacin.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Contraceptive Drugs

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the effects of contraceptive drugs due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Substrates

Theoretically, fennel might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.

In vitro research suggests that fennel inhibits CYP3A4 enzyme activity. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Estrogens

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might interfere with hormone replacement therapy due to competition for estrogen receptors.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

Theoretically, taking large amounts of fennel might decrease the antiestrogenic effect of tamoxifen.

Some constituents of fennel have estrogenic activity, which may interfere with the antiestrogenic activity of tamoxifen.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Fennel Seed Extract full monograph & interactions

Rosemary Leaf Extract6 drug types · 372 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, rosemary may increase the risk of bleeding if used with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
In vitro and animal research suggests that rosemary inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking rosemary with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Animal research shows that rosemary extract can decrease blood glucose levels in diabetic models. However, research in humans is conflicting. Although rosemary powder decreased blood glucose levels in healthy adults, no change in blood glucose levels was seen in adults with type 2 diabetes, most of whom were taking antidiabetes drugs.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Aspirin

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as aspirin.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylates.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Choline Magnesium Trisalicylate (Trilisate)

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as choline magnesium trisalicylate.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Salsalate (Disalcid)

Theoretically, rosemary might have additive effects with salicylate-containing drugs such as salsalate.
Rosemary is reported to contain salicylate.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Cytochrome P450 1A2 (Cyp1A2) Substrates

Theoretically, rosemary might decrease the levels and clinical effects of CYP1A2 substrates.
In vitro research shows that rosemary induces CYP1A2 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Unlikely Evidence D
Rosemary Leaf Extract full monograph & interactions

Astragalus Root Extract4 drug types · 208 drugs

Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, taking astragalus with antidiabetes drugs might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Clinical research in humans shows that astragalus might have hypoglycemic effects. Theoretically, taking astragalus, especially in combination with other hypoglycemic agents, might increase the risk of hypoglycemia.

Likelihood Probable Evidence A
Cyclophosphamide

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with cyclophosphamide therapy.
Evidence regarding the effect of astragalus on immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide is conflicting. Some animal research suggests that astragalus reverses cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression. However, other animal research shows no effect.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Immunosuppressants

Theoretically, astragalus might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy.
Astragalus seems to stimulate immune function. Theoretically, taking astragalus might decrease the effects of immunosuppressive therapy.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, astragalus might increase levels and adverse effects of lithium.
Animal research suggests that astragalus has diuretic properties. Theoretically, due to this diuretic effect, astragalus might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Astragalus Root Extract full monograph & interactions

Gentian Root Extract1 drug type · 172 drugs

Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, taking gentian with antihypertensive drugs might increase the risk of hypotension.
In vitro research shows that gentian can cause vasodilation and lower blood pressure.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Gentian Root Extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free, from the product label.

Nature's Answer

See all Nature's Answer products
Name
Nature's Answer
Street Address
85 Commerce Drive
City
Hauppauge
State
NY
ZipCode
11788
Phone Number
(800) 439-2324
Web Address
www.naturesanswer.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free by Nature's Answer: Common Questions

Does Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free by Nature's Answer interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free has a known interaction with 1,227 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free contains 7 active ingredients, and an interaction can come from any of them. We check every ingredient, combine the results into one list per medication, and show which ingredient and mechanism is responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Does ginger in this product really thin the blood?
Research is mixed. Lab studies show ginger can reduce platelet clumping, and a couple of case reports link it to bleeding or increased blood-thinner effect, but humans don't always show the same response as test tubes do. If you're on a blood thinner, check with your pharmacist — they'll know your exact dose and situation.
Can I use this for morning sickness?
Ginger is rated possibly effective for pregnancy-related nausea, and it's often used for morning sickness. But the product facts advise you to check with your doctor first and keep amounts moderate — safety data aren't complete, especially at higher doses or with concentrated extracts.
What are the most common side effects I might feel?
Ginger can cause abdominal discomfort, burping, diarrhea, heartburn, or a peppery irritant feeling in your mouth and throat. Fennel and gentian may cause stomach upset. These are usually mild, but higher doses of ginger (over 5 grams a day) raise the risk.
Is fennel safe if I'm on birth control?
Fennel has hormone-like components that theoretically could reduce birth control effectiveness if you take large amounts, though this hasn't been proven in humans. It's rated possibly unsafe in pregnancy and lactation, so talk to your doctor about whether this product fits your situation.
Will this work for my digestion?
The product is a traditional digestive bitters blend, but the evidence we hold for most of these ingredients on digestion and related issues is rated insufficient — meaning the studies aren't solid enough yet. Ginger and fennel have better evidence for nausea and period pain specifically.
Can I take this if I'm on lithium?
Astragalus in this product has diuretic effects and theoretically could raise lithium levels and side effects. If you take lithium, check with your pharmacist or doctor before adding any new supplement — lithium has a narrow therapeutic window and needs careful monitoring.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Ginger

Interacts with 1,007 drugs

Ginger is a widely used culinary spice with a long history in traditional medicine, and it has the strongest evidence for helping with nausea and vomiting, including from motion sickness, pr...

Read the full Ginger monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Fennel

Interacts with 740 drugs

Fennel is a Mediterranean herb widely used as a food and spice, and traditionally taken for digestive complaints, colic, and menstrual cramps. Some small studies suggest possible benefit for...

Read the full Fennel monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Astragalus

Interacts with 208 drugs

Astragalus is a root used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly to support the immune system and help the body cope with stress. While early studies are interesting, strong h...

Read the full Astragalus monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Gentian

Interacts with 172 drugs

Gentian is a very bitter root traditionally used to stimulate appetite and ease mild digestive complaints, often as part of "bitters" before meals. The evidence is mostly traditional and pre...

Read the full Gentian monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Centaury

Centaury is a bitter-tasting herb traditionally used to stimulate appetite and ease mild digestive complaints. Solid human studies are lacking, so its benefits remain largely unproven, and i...

Read the full Centaury monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Rosemary

Interacts with 372 drugs

Rosemary is a fragrant Mediterranean herb that is safe and flavorful in normal food amounts. Some early research suggests possible benefits for memory, mood, and hair growth, but the evidenc...

Read the full Rosemary monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Cardamom

Cardamom is a popular cooking spice that has long been used in traditional medicine for digestion and fresh breath. As a food, it is generally safe for most people, but high-dose supplements...

Read the full Cardamom monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Bitters & Ginger Alcohol-Free's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 122 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Ginger 64 references
  1. Fischer-Rasmussen W, Kjaer SK, Dahl C, Asping U. Ginger treatment of hyperemesis gravidarum. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1991;38:19-24. PubMed
  2. Jewell D, Young G. Interventions for nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2000;(2):CD000145. PubMed
  3. Vutyavanich T, Kraisarin T, Ruangsri R. Ginger for nausea and vomiting in pregnancy: randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol 2001;97:577-82. DOI
  4. Backon J. Ginger in preventing nausea and vomiting of pregnancy; a caveat due to its thromboxane synthetase activity and effect on testosterone binding. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 1991;42:163-4. PubMed
  5. Srivastava KC. Effect of onion and ginger consumption on platelet thromboxane production in humans. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 1989;35:183-5. PubMed
  6. Stewart JJ, Wood MJ, Wood CD, Mims ME. Effects of ginger on motion sickness susceptibility and gastric function. Pharmacology 1991;42:111-20. PubMed
  7. Smith C, Crowther C, Willson K, et al. A randomized controlled trial of ginger to treat nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Obstet Gynecol 2004;103:639-45. PubMed
  8. Portnoi G, Chng LA, Karimi-Tabesh L, et al. Prospective comparative study of the safety and effectiveness of ginger for the treatment of nausea and vomiting in pregnancy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2003;189:1374-7.. PubMed
  9. Wigler I, Grotto I, Caspi D, Yaron M. The effects of Zintona EC (a ginger extract) on symptomatic gonarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2003;11:783-9. PubMed
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Fennel 17 references
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Astragalus 13 references
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Gentian 5 references
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Centaury 1 reference
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Rosemary 20 references
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Cardamom 2 references
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  2. Aghasi M, Koohdani F, Qorbani M, et al. Beneficial effects of green cardamom on serum SIRT1, glycemic indices and triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a randomized double-blind placebo controlled clinical trial. J Sci Food Agri PubMed

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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