Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Based on 7 of 10 ingredients. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Digestive Bitters Tonic Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Nature's Sunshine

Digestive Bitters Tonic label
See full label image
Liquid Category: Other Combinations
Most serious interaction: Major
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Digestive Bitters Tonic 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: Major

Digestive Bitters Tonic is a dietary supplement by Nature's Sunshine with 10 active ingredients. Its ingredients are commonly taken for constipation (laxative), dry skin (moisturizer), dry, irritated eyes.Based on those ingredients, 1,232 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are Orange peel tincture, Dandelion, Stevia. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Digestive Bitters Tonic by Nature's Sunshine

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Digestive Bitters Tonic by Nature's Sunshine — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
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HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Digestive Bitters Tonic by Nature's Sunshine

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 23, 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 10 active ingredients.
  • “Proprietary Blend” is a proprietary blend — the label gives one combined amount (5,000 mg) without saying how much of each component you get.

This tonic contains 10 ingredients, including glycerin (a humectant and laxative), dandelion (a traditional digestive herb), potassium sorbate (a preservative that adds potassium), gentian root (a bitter used to stimulate digestion), cardamom seed tincture, stevia (a sweetener), and orange peel tincture. The product also contains phosphoric acid, water, and raspberry syrup.

No inactive fillers or binders are listed.

Does it work?

Not established
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
Not established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: digestive system support by stimulating digestive juices.
  • We looked for evidence on: Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Gastritis, Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), Pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting, indigestion — and 3 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: Cardamom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Cardamom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), Pregnancy-induced nausea and vomiting.
  • Also on file: Dandelion is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia, Flatulence.

The evidence base for this product's digestive benefits is incomplete. Glycerin is likely effective for constipation, but its role in a tonic is limited.

Dandelion, gentian, cardamom, and stevia all have insufficient reliable evidence to support their use for digestive complaints, wound healing, or metabolic concerns — meaning the research to date is not robust enough to confirm or deny benefit. Orange peel has no established effectiveness rating for the conditions it's traditionally used for.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Glycerol Dandelion Potassium Gentian Cardamom Stevia Bitter Orange

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 7 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.

Glycerin is generally well tolerated in normal amounts but can cause bloating, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache; large medicinal doses warrant a conversation with your doctor. Dandelion is well tolerated as food but may cause diarrhea, heartburn, or stomach upset at supplement strength; rarely, allergic reactions including anaphylaxis occur in sensitive individuals.

Gentian is generally tolerated in small amounts but has limited safety data and can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating — it is best avoided in pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Cardamom in food amounts is generally well tolerated; one trial reported mild skin inflammation.

Stevia appears well tolerated; minor effects like bloating, dizziness, headache, and numbness may occur but often resolve within a week. Orange peel tincture carries cautions: it can raise heart rate and blood pressure, especially with caffeine or other stimulants, and has rare but serious cardiovascular and neurological risks including heart attack, stroke, and seizure.

Orange peel is likely safe in pregnancy but possibly unsafe while breastfeeding. Potassium sorbate from food is fine, but supplements can dangerously raise blood potassium — particularly in people with kidney disease — and it is likely safe in pregnancy if used under medical guidance.

Data on dandelion, glycerin, and stevia in pregnancy or while breastfeeding is insufficient; talk with your doctor before use.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Glycerol Dandelion Potassium Gentian Cardamom Stevia Bitter Orange

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 5 of the 7 matched ingredients can interact with medications — Stevia, Dandelion, Gentian, Potassium, Bitter Orange.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • Some involve high-stakes drug classes: anticoagulant / antiplatelet drugs; diabetes medications; heart-rhythm medications; lithium.
  • For scale: 1,233 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.

Before taking this product, check with your doctor or pharmacist if you use monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) for depression, midazolam or other sedatives, drugs that prolong the QT interval, medications metabolized by CYP3A4 (a liver enzyme affecting many drugs), antidiabetes medications, stimulants, dextromethorphan (cough suppressant), blood pressure drugs (ACE inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, or other antihypertensives), blood thinners, potassium-sparing diuretics, lithium, quinolone antibiotics, CYP1A2-metabolized drugs, glucuronidated drugs, or if you consume significant caffeine. This list is extensive; use the medication checker on this page with your exact prescriptions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFormula with limited ingredient disclosure with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

This tonic blends traditional digestive herbs with limited scientific support for their claimed effects. If you take blood pressure medications, antidepressants (especially MAOIs), diabetes drugs, blood thinners, lithium, heart rhythm drugs, or stimulants — or if you drink significant caffeine — this product carries real interaction risks that need review.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before you start, especially if you have kidney disease, heart concerns, or are pregnant or nursing.

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

Assessment coverage: 7 of 10 active ingredients matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated May 22, 2020.

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 Digestive Bitters Tonic, straight from the product label.

Brand Nature's Sunshine
Barcode (UPC) 099904031135
Net contents 4 fl. Oz.; 118.3 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD May 22, 2020
DSLD ID 221155
Product type Other Combinations
Supplement form Liquid
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher
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 Digestive Bitters Tonic by Nature's Sunshine, 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:
5 mL
Maximum serving Sizes:
5 mL
Servings per container
23
UPC/BARCODE
099904031135
IngredientAmount% DV
Glycerin0 NP--
Proprietary Blend5000 mg--
Phosphoric Acid0 NP--
Dandelion0 NP--
Water0 NP--
Potassium Sorbate0 NP--
Gentian0 NP--
Cardamom seed tincture0 NP--
Raspberry Syrup0 NP--
Stevia0 NP--
Orange peel tincture0 NP--

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.
General Statements

010031130617

Product of U.S.A. Since 1972 Nature's Sunshine Quality, Service, Integrity

Formulation

Digestive Bitters Tonic supports the digestive system by stimulating the bitter taste receptors on the tongue resulting in secretion of digestive juices.

Nature's Sunshine uses natural source materials that are subject to color variation.

Stimulates the secretion of digestive juices

Digestive System Support Guaranteed pure

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommendation Take one teaspoon (5 ml) 15 minutes before meals three times daily.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Storage

Refrigerate after opening

Precautions

This bottle was sealed for your protection. Do not use if inner seal is missing or damaged.

FDA Statement of Identity

Liquid Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Ko Kosher Service Pareve

Formula

Ko Kosher Service Pareve

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

See for yourself

Digestive Bitters Tonic by Nature's Sunshine label

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

Digestive Bitters Tonic 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 Digestive Bitters Tonic by Nature's Sunshine

These are the 10 active ingredients this product is made of. Select any to open its full monograph.

Serving size5 mL Dosage formLiquid Servings per container23 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.

Proprietary Blend

5000 mg per serving
Interaction report

Digestive Bitters Tonic by Nature's Sunshine Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Digestive Bitters Tonic?

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
1,232Drugs
10 Major 1,190 Moderate 32 Minor

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Orange peel tincture 957
Dandelion 457
Stevia 259
Gentian 172
Potassium Sorbate 62

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Digestive Bitters Tonic interact with 1,232 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

5 of the 10 ingredients in Digestive Bitters Tonic interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Orange peel tincture Dandelion Stevia Gentian Potassium Sorbate

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Digestive Bitters Tonic 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.

Orange peel tincture13 drug types · 957 drugs

Midazolam (Versed)

Bitter orange might increase blood levels of midazolam.
One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice can increase midazolam levels, likely through inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of midazolam-related adverse effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Maois)

Theoretically, taking MAOIs with synephrine-containing bitter orange preparations might increase the hypertensive effects of synephrine, potentially leading to hypertensive crisis.
Bitter orange contains tyramine, octopamine, and synephrine, which are MAO substrates.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypoglycemia when taken with antidiabetes drugs.
Some clinical research shows that drinking a tea containing bitter orange and Indian snakeroot reduces fasting and postprandial glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes who are using antidiabetes drugs. However, it is unclear if these effects are due to bitter orange, Indian snakeroot, or the combination. An animal study also shows that p-synephrine in combination with gliclazide , a sulfonylurea, causes an additional 20% to 44% decrease in glucose levels when compared with gliclazide alone.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Caffeine

Bitter orange might increase blood pressure and heart rate when taken with caffeine.
Small clinical studies show that taking bitter orange in combination with caffeine can increase blood pressure and heart rate in otherwise healthy normotensive adults. Theoretically, this might increase the risk of serious cardiovascular adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Colchicine

Bitter orange might affect colchicine levels.
Colchicine is a substrate of P-glycoprotein and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Bitter orange has been reported to inhibit CYP3A4 and increase levels of CYP3A4 substrates. However, one small clinical study in healthy adults shows that drinking bitter orange juice 240 mL twice daily for 4 days and taking a single dose of colchicine 0.6 mg on the 4th day decreases colchicine peak serum levels by 24%, time to peak serum level by 1 hour, and overall exposure to colchicine by 20%. The clinical significance of this finding is unclear.

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

Bitter orange might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4.
Small clinical studies suggest that single or multiple doses of freshly squeezed bitter orange juice 200-240 mL can inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism of drugs, causing increased drug levels and potentially increasing the risk of adverse effects. However, the extent of the effect of bitter orange on CYP3A4-mediated drug interactions is unknown. Some evidence suggests that bitter orange selectively inhibits intestinal CYP3A4, but not hepatic CYP3A4. Its effect on P-glycoprotein, which strongly overlaps with CYP3A4 interactions, is unclear. One small clinical study shows that drinking 8 ounces of freshly squeezed bitter orange juice has no effect on cyclosporine, which seems to be more dependent on hepatic CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein than intestinal CYP3A4.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Dextromethorphan (Robitussin Dm, Others)

Bitter orange might increase blood levels of dextromethorphan.
One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice increases dextromethorphan levels, likely through cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibition. Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk for dextromethorphan-related adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Felodipine (Plendil)

Bitter orange might increase blood levels of felodipine.
One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice increases felodipine levels, likely through cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inhibition. Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk for felodipine-related adverse effects.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Indinavir (Crixivan)

Bitter orange might increase blood levels of indinavir.
One small clinical study shows that bitter orange juice slightly increases indinavir levels, but this effect is likely to be clinically insignificant. Bitter orange selectively inhibits intestinal cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4); however, the metabolism of indinavir seems to be more dependent on hepatic CYP3A4. The effect of bitter orange on other protease inhibitors has not been studied.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Qt Interval-Prolonging Drugs

Theoretically, bitter orange might have an additive effect when combined with drugs that prolong the QT interval, potentially increasing the risk of ventricular arrhythmias.
One case report suggests that taking bitter orange in combination with other stimulants such as caffeine might prolong the QT interval in some patients.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Sildenafil (Viagra)

Bitter orange juice might increase blood levels of sildenafil.
A small clinical study in healthy adult males shows that drinking freshly squeezed bitter orange juice 250 mL daily for 3 days and taking a single dose of sildenafil 50 mg on the 3rd day increases the peak plasma concentration of sildenafil by 18% and the overall exposure to sildenafil by 44%. Theoretically, this may be due to inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 by bitter orange.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Stimulant Drugs

Theoretically, bitter orange might increase the risk of hypertension and adverse cardiovascular effects when taken with stimulant drugs.
Bitter orange appears to have stimulant effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence B
Cytochrome P450 2D6 (Cyp2D6) Substrates

Theoretically, bitter orange might increase levels of drug metabolized by CYP2D6.
In vitro research shows that octopamine, a constituent of bitter orange, weakly inhibits CYP2D6 enzymes. This effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Orange peel tincture full monograph & interactions

Dandelion7 drug types · 457 drugs

Anticoagulant/Antiplatelet Drugs

Theoretically, taking dandelion root along with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
In vitro research suggests that dandelion root inhibits platelet aggregation.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the risk for hypoglycemia when used with antidiabetes drugs.
Laboratory research suggests that dandelion extract may have moderate alpha-glucosidase inhibitor activity and might also increase insulin secretion. Also, in a case report, a 58-year-old woman with type 2 diabetes who was being treated with insulin developed hypoglycemia 2 weeks after beginning to eat salads containing dandelion.

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

Theoretically, dandelion might increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2.
Laboratory research suggests that dandelion might inhibit CYP1A2. So far, this interaction has not been reported in humans. However, until more is known, watch for an increase in the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 in patients taking dandelion.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Glucuronidated Drugs

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the clearance of drugs that are UDP-glucuronosyltransferase substrates.
There is some preliminary evidence that dandelion might induce UDP-glucuronosyltransferase, a phase II enzyme.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Lithium

Theoretically, through diuretic effects, dandelion might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that dandelion has diuretic properties. As diuretics can increase serum lithium levels, the dose of lithium might need to be decreased when taken with dandelion.

Likelihood Probable Evidence D
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Theoretically, dandelion might increase the risk of hyperkalemia when taken with potassium-sparing diuretics.
Dandelion contains significant amounts of potassium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Quinolone Antibiotics

Theoretically, dandelion might lower fluoroquinolone levels.
Animal research shows that dandelion reduces absorption of ciprofloxacin and can lower levels by 73%. However, this effect has not been reported in humans.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Dandelion full monograph & interactions

Stevia3 drug types · 259 drugs

Lithium

Theoretically, stevia might decrease clearance and increase levels of lithium.
Animal research suggests that stevia extracts might have diuretic activity. Theoretically, increased reabsorption of lithium along with sodium might reduce excretion and increase levels of lithium.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antidiabetes Drugs

Theoretically, stevia might increase the risk for hypoglycemia when combined with antidiabetes drugs.
Preliminary clinical research in patients with type 2 diabetes suggests that taking a single dose of stevia extract 1000 mg reduces postprandial blood glucose levels when taken with a meal. However, other clinical research in patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes suggests that taking stevioside 250 mg three times daily does not significantly affect blood glucose levels or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) after three months of treatment.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Antihypertensive Drugs

Theoretically, combining stevia or stevia constituents with antihypertensive agents might increase the risk of hypotension.
Stevia extract and stevioside might lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension. However, other clinical research suggests that stevioside does not significantly lower blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Stevia full monograph & interactions

Gentian1 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 full monograph & interactions

Potassium Sorbate3 drug types · 62 drugs

Ace Inhibitors (Aceis)

Using ACEIs with high doses of potassium increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
ACEIs block the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduce potassium excretion. Concomitant use of these drugs with potassium supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia. However, concomitant use of these drugs with moderate dietary potassium intake (about 3775-5200 mg daily) does not increase serum potassium levels.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (Arbs)

Using ARBs with high doses of potassium increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
ARBs block the actions of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and reduce potassium excretion. Concomitant use of these drugs with potassium supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia. However, concomitant use of these drugs with moderate dietary potassium intake (about 3775-5200 mg daily) does not increase serum potassium levels.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
Potassium-Sparing Diuretics

Concomitant use increases the risk of hyperkalemia.
Using potassium-sparing diuretics with potassium supplements increases the risk of hyperkalemia.

Likelihood Likely Evidence C
Potassium Sorbate full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Digestive Bitters Tonic, from the product label.

Nature's Sunshine

See all Nature's Sunshine products
Name
Nature's Sunshine Products, Inc.
City
Spanish Fork
State
UT
ZipCode
84660
Phone Number
1-800-223-8225
Web Address
www.naturessunshine.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Digestive Bitters Tonic by Nature's Sunshine: Common Questions

Does Digestive Bitters Tonic by Nature's Sunshine interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Digestive Bitters Tonic has a known interaction with 1,232 medications, including 10 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Digestive Bitters Tonic contains 10 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.
Can I take this if I'm on blood pressure medication?
Orange peel, dandelion, gentian, and stevia in this product all carry documented interactions with blood pressure drugs. Some may increase the risk of dangerously low blood pressure, while potassium sorbate may raise your potassium to unsafe levels — especially with ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before you start.
Does this product have any fillers or additives?
No inactive fillers or binders are listed for this product.
Is dandelion safe to take?
Dandelion is generally well tolerated as food but may cause diarrhea, heartburn, or stomach upset in supplement doses. It carries moderate interaction risks with several drug types — including blood thinners, diabetes medications, and lithium — so it's not suitable for everyone. Talk with your doctor about your specific situation.
What is orange peel tincture doing in a digestive tonic?
Orange peel is traditionally used to support digestion, but evidence is insufficient. More importantly, it has stimulant properties and carries major interactions with antidepressants (especially MAOIs) and sedatives like midazolam, plus moderate risks with blood pressure drugs, heart rhythm drugs, and caffeine.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Safety data is insufficient for most ingredients — dandelion, glycerin, and stevia lack clear pregnancy or breastfeeding ratings. Gentian is best avoided in both. Orange peel is possibly unsafe while breastfeeding. Talk with your doctor before use.
Does this actually work as a digestive aid?
The evidence is weak. Glycerin is likely effective for constipation, but dandelion, gentian, cardamom, and stevia all have insufficient reliable evidence to confirm they help digestion or related conditions.

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.

Digestive Bitters Tonic label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Digestive Bitters Tonic’s Ingredients

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

Herb & supplement monograph

Glycerol

Glycerol (glycerin) is a sweet, syrupy compound made naturally in the body and widely used in foods, skin products, and medicines. It is well established as a laxative and a skin and eye moi...

Read the full Glycerol monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Dandelion

Interacts with 457 drugs

Dandelion is a common plant used in food and traditional medicine, often promoted as a natural 'water pill' and digestive aid. Human evidence for these uses is very limited, so its benefits...

Read the full Dandelion monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Potassium

Interacts with 62 drugs

Potassium is an essential mineral your body needs for nerve signals, muscle function, and a steady heartbeat, and most people get enough from a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables. P...

Read the full Potassium 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

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 → Herb & supplement monograph

Stevia

Interacts with 259 drugs

Stevia is a plant-based, calorie-free sweetener that is widely used as a sugar alternative and is considered safe in normal food amounts by major regulators. Purified stevia extracts have a...

Read the full Stevia monograph → Herb & supplement monograph

Bitter Orange

Interacts with 957 drugs

Bitter orange is a citrus fruit whose extracts contain synephrine, a mild stimulant often added to weight-loss and energy supplements. Evidence that it works for weight loss or performance i...

Read the full Bitter Orange monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Digestive Bitters Tonic'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 111 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.

Glycerol 8 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Wagner DR. Hyperhydrating with glycerol: implications for athletic performance. J Am Diet Assoc 1999;99:207-12. PubMed
  3. Yu YL, Kumana CR, Lauder IJ, et al. Treatment of acute cortical infarct with intravenous glycerol. A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial. Stroke 1993;24:1119-24. PubMed
  4. Frei A, Cottier C, Wunderlich P, Ludin E. Glycerol and dextran combined in the therapy of acute stroke. A placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with a planned interim analysis. Stroke 1987;18:373-9. PubMed
  5. Balaskas E, Szepietowski JC, Bessis D, Ioannides D, Ponticelli C, Ghienne C, Taberly A, Dupuy P. Randomized, double-blind study with glycerol and paraffin in uremic xerosis. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol. 2011 Apr;6(4):748-52. PubMed
  6. Blanchet-Bardon C, Tadini G, Machado Matos M, Delarue A. Association of glycerol and paraffin in the treatment of ichthyosis in children: an international, multicentric, randomized, controlled, double-blind study. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2012 Aug;26 PubMed
  7. Kajita N, Kanamori K, Yamamoto S, Yoshida K. Generalized Urticaria Caused by a Glycerin Enema in an Infant. J Investig Allergol Clin Immunol 2022;32(4):318-319. PubMed
  8. Suzuki R, Fukuyama K, Miyazaki Y, Namiki T. Contact urticaria syndrome and protein contact dermatitis caused by glycerin enema. JAAD Case Reports. 2016;2:108-10. PubMed

See these in context on the Glycerol monograph →

Dandelion 27 references
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Potassium 12 references
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Gentian 5 references
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See these in context on the Gentian monograph →

Cardamom 2 references
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Stevia 10 references
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Bitter Orange 47 references
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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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