Bitters, Digestion, and the Herbal Tradition Behind Urban Moonshine
In Ayurveda, agni, the digestive fire, is the foundation of health. When agni is strong, the body digests food, emotions, and experience efficiently. When it is weak, toxins accumulate, energy drops, and the skin reflects the imbalance. The first intervention in almost every Ayurvedic protocol is to kindle agni, and bitter herbs are one of the most direct ways to do it.
Bitters have been used across cultures for centuries to stimulate digestion. The bitter taste activates receptors on the tongue that trigger a cascade of digestive responses: increased saliva production, stimulation of stomach acid, activation of bile flow from the liver and gallbladder, and enhanced peristalsis. A few drops before a meal prepares the digestive system to do its job well.
Urban Moonshine was built around this tradition. A woman-owned herbal apothecary from Burlington, Vermont, they draw from centuries of plant medicine to create certified organic bitters, tonics, and wellness formulas that support the body's natural rhythms, starting with digestion.
The Bitters
The Original Bitters is the foundational formula: a classic digestive bitter blend of organic herbs including dandelion, burdock, and ginger, taken before meals to stimulate digestion and support liver function. The Calm Tummy Bitters is formulated specifically for digestive sensitivity, bloating, and discomfort, with a gentler, more soothing blend. The Healthy Liver Bitters focuses on liver and gallbladder support, using bitter herbs traditionally used for bile flow and detoxification.
The Tonics
The Wonder Human tonic extends the Urban Moonshine range beyond digestion into broader vitality support, combining adaptogenic and tonic herbs for sustained energy and resilience.
Explore the full Urban Moonshine collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are digestive bitters?
Herbal preparations that use the bitter taste to stimulate digestive function: increasing saliva, stomach acid, bile flow, and peristalsis. Taken before meals to prepare the digestive system.
What is agni in Ayurveda?
The digestive fire, considered the foundation of health in Ayurveda. Strong agni means efficient digestion and clear skin. Weak agni leads to toxin accumulation and imbalance.
How do I use Urban Moonshine bitters?
Take a few drops directly on the tongue or in a small amount of water 10 to 15 minutes before meals. Use consistently for best results.
What is the difference between the Original Bitters and Calm Tummy Bitters?
The Original Bitters is a classic digestive formula for general digestive support. The Calm Tummy Bitters is formulated specifically for digestive sensitivity, bloating, and discomfort with a gentler, more soothing blend.
Is Urban Moonshine certified organic?
Yes. Every Urban Moonshine formula is certified organic and third-party tested.
Who founded Urban Moonshine?
Urban Moonshine is a woman-owned herbal apothecary founded in Burlington, Vermont, rooted in traditional herbalism and centuries of plant medicine tradition.
