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 9, 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 preventing or treating low potassium (hypokalemia), supporting healthy blood pressure, muscle cramps.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 Gram(s)) without saying how much of each component you get.

Digestive Bitters Tonic contains 10 ingredients total, including a proprietary blend alongside individual components: potassium sorbate (a form of potassium used as a preservative), water, glycerin, dandelion, stevia, gentian, cardamom seed tincture, raspberry syrup, and orange peel tincture. We cannot check phosphoric acid or raspberry syrup for interactions because we hold no data on them.

Glycerin and cardamom are included in food amounts here and are generally well tolerated. The gentian, dandelion, and bitter orange (in the orange peel tincture) are traditional digestive bitter herbs that stimulate digestive secretions, though the clinical evidence for many of their claimed digestive uses is insufficient.

The potassium sorbate serves as a preservative rather than a therapeutic ingredient.

Does it work?

Strong 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
Strong

Clinical evidence supports at least one of this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Traditional digestive support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Constipation, Diarrhea, Dyspepsia, Flatulence, Gastritis, Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — and 4 related terms.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Glycerol is rated "Likely Effective" for Constipation (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Cardamom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Dyspepsia, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Also on file: Dandelion is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Constipation, Dyspepsia, Flatulence.

The clinical evidence for the digestive uses of the main herbal ingredients in this product is not established in our data. Dandelion, gentian, and cardamom all show insufficient reliable evidence to rate for their traditional digestive and wound-healing uses.

Glycerin is rated likely effective for constipation, but this product is marketed as a digestive tonic rather than a constipation remedy. Orange peel tincture (bitter orange) also lacks sufficient evidence to support its claimed uses.

Without established effectiveness for its marketed purpose, this product is best thought of as a traditional remedy rather than one backed by strong clinical data.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Potassium Glycerol Dandelion Stevia Gentian Cardamom 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.

Potassium sorbate is generally safe from normal food intake, but supplement doses can cause dangerously high blood potassium levels in some people, especially those with kidney disease — use supplements only under medical guidance. Glycerin is generally well tolerated orally in normal amounts, though large doses can cause stomach upset and dehydration concerns.

Dandelion is generally well tolerated as food but is less studied at supplement doses; rare cases of anaphylaxis have been reported in sensitive individuals, and it may cause allergic reactions in people sensitive to the ragweed family. Stevia is generally recognized as safe in typical food amounts, though whole-leaf or high-dose supplements lack safety data.

Gentian is generally tolerated in small amounts but can upset the stomach; safety data at high doses is limited. Orange peel tincture contains stimulant compounds (synephrine and octopamine) that can raise blood pressure and heart rate, especially when combined with caffeine or other stimulants; serious cardiovascular events including heart attack, stroke, and abnormal heartbeats have been reported in rare cases.

For pregnancy: safety data on dandelion, stevia, and gentian during pregnancy is insufficient — talk with your doctor before use. Gentian is traditionally advised against in pregnancy due to lack of safety data.

Orange peel tincture is possibly unsafe in pregnancy due to its stimulant effects. Cardamom is likely safe while breastfeeding, but dandelion and orange peel tincture lack sufficient safety information for breastfeeding — check with your doctor or pharmacist first.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Potassium Glycerol Dandelion Stevia Gentian Cardamom 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, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you take any monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs — older antidepressants), midazolam (Versed), blood pressure medications (including ACE inhibitors and ARBs), blood thinners or antiplatelet drugs, diabetes medications, lithium, quinolone antibiotics, heart rhythm drugs that prolong the QT interval, stimulant drugs, dextromethorphan (cough syrup), caffeine supplements, or medications processed by the liver through the CYP1A2 or CYP3A4 pathways. The most serious concerns are MAOIs and midazolam, both Major-severity interactions, followed by the Moderate interactions listed above.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

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

This product combines traditional digestive bitter herbs with glycerin and potassium sorbate. If you take blood pressure medications, blood thinners, diabetes drugs, lithium, or MAOIs, or if you have kidney disease or high blood pressure, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting it — the interactions and cardiovascular effects are worth reviewing first.

Otherwise, it's generally well tolerated in the amounts used here, though the clinical evidence for its digestive effects is not established. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you decide whether it fits your individual situation.

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 Nov 22, 2022.

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) 099904231504
Net contents 2 Fluid Ounce(s); 59 mL
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Nov 22, 2022
DSLD ID 278333
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
12
UPC/BARCODE
099904231504
IngredientAmount% DV
Proprietary Blend5 Gram(s)--
Phosphoric Acid0 NP--
Potassium Sorbate0 NP--
Water0 NP--
Glycerin0 NP--
Dandelion0 NP--
Stevia0 NP--
Gentian0 NP--
Cardamom seed tincture0 NP--
Raspberry Syrup0 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

Be a force of nature: Please recycle this bottle. We are committed to you and our planet. Scan to learn more. We source the world's purest ingredients, no matter where they are grown, to ensure the active nutrients are delivered just as nature intended.

New look! Same great product

Storage

Refrigerate after opening.

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.

Seals/Symbols

Ko Kosher Service Pareve

Formula

Ko Kosher Service Pareve

Formulation

Traditional digestive support

Guaranteed pure

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Recommended use: Take 1 teaspoon (5 mL) 15 minutes before meals three times daily.

Precautions

Do not use if inner seal is missing or damaged.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Natures Sunshine Herbal Experts since 1972

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 container12 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

5 Gram(s) 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
(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.
Is potassium sorbate safe in this product?
Potassium from food is fine for most people, but supplement doses can raise your blood potassium to dangerous levels — especially if you have kidney disease. If you're taking blood pressure pills (like ACE inhibitors or ARBs) or potassium-sparing water pills, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before using this product.
Can I take this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
The safety data for most ingredients in this product during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well established — dandelion, stevia, and gentian all have insufficient information. Gentian is traditionally advised against in pregnancy. Cardamom is likely safe while breastfeeding, but orange peel tincture is not. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for your situation.
What does this product actually do?
It's marketed as a digestive tonic using traditional bitter herbs like dandelion, gentian, and orange peel. These are believed to stimulate digestive secretions, but the clinical evidence for their digestive benefits is insufficient — we don't have strong proof they work for that purpose.
Will this affect my blood pressure or heart rate?
The orange peel tincture in this product contains stimulant compounds that can raise blood pressure and heart rate, especially if you're also drinking caffeine. If you have high blood pressure or a heart condition, or if you take blood pressure medications, check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Are there any common side effects from this product?
Digestive complaints like stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea, and heartburn have been reported with dandelion and gentian. Glycerin and stevia can cause bloating, nausea, dizziness, or headache in some people. These are usually mild and may resolve with continued use.
Can I take this with my antidepressant?
It depends on the type. If you take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) — an older class of antidepressant — the orange peel in this product can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting.

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

Not sure if Digestive Bitters Tonic is safe with your meds?

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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

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

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

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

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

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.

Potassium 12 references
  1. McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
  2. Gennaro A. Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy. 19th ed. Lippincott: Williams & Wilkins, 1996.
  3. Whelton PK, He J, Cutler JA, et al. Effects of oral potassium on blood pressure. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled clinical trials. JAMA 1997;277:1624-32. PubMed
  4. Phillips, C. O., Kashani, A., Ko, D. K., Francis, G., and Krumholz, H. M. Adverse effects of combination angiotensin II receptor blockers plus angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors for left ventricular dysfunction: a quantitative review of data from ra DOI
  5. Altieri, P. I., Herrero, C., Suero, R., and Ortiz, A. Bleeding duodenal ulcer in a patient taking slow-releasing potassium tablets. Bol.Asoc.Med P.R. 1977;69(8):276.
  6. Raf, L. E. Enteric-coated potassium chloride tablets and ulcer of the small intestine. Acta Chir Scand Suppl 1967;(374):1-87.
  7. Potassium chloride oral solution [package insert]. Allentown, PA: Lehigh Valley Technologies, Inc.; 2014.
  8. Potassium chloride injection [package insert]. Lake Forest, IL: Hospira Inc.; 2009.
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Glycerol 8 references
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Dandelion 27 references
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Stevia 10 references
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Gentian 5 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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