Bitter herbs for better digestion: looking for a safe and natural alternative to antacids? Try the remedy used for years by Europeans for upset stomach and digestive troubles.(SUPPLEMENTS: SHOP SMART)

The basics: In a world of antacids, big fizzy tablets and little purple pills, relief for upset tummies and other digestive problems can be as near as a natural herbal remedy. Bitter herbs have been used for digestive problems in Europe for thousands of years. As the name suggests, they're derived from herbs and they taste bitter. As for the "yuck factor," you'll only need a teaspoon, and bitters work very quickly. Bitter herbs have been found to reduce acid indigestion (dyspepsia), upset stomach, heartburn and flatulence.

Herbal bitters may refer to individual herbs or a combination, including a specific herbal blend known as Swedish bitters. The 500-year-old formula for Swedish bitters is easy to find on the Internet, but more difficult to make at home with all 11 of its ingredients. You can buy commercial Swedish bitters as well as other well-known bitter herbs, such as angelica root and gentian, at most health food and natural food stores. Sometimes bitter herbs are referred to as bitter tonics.

How exactly do they work? Bitter herbs have been used for at least 2,000 years in Western culture. They aid digestion by stimulating the secretion of digestive substances in the stomach, pancreas and liver, specifically stomach acids and the enzymes gastrin and pepsin. Like all herbs, bitters are also rich in antioxidants, so they may also reduce levels of harmful free radicals in the gut.

Do certain foods do the same thing? Some foods, such as artichokes, endive and watercress, may have a similar effect, though many people prefer to avoid the bitter taste of such foods. Indeed, with rampant sweet tooths, many people have all but eliminated bitter foods from their diets. As a result, they may lack enzymes that help maintain healthy digestion.

The secret formula: Several individual herbs stand out for their benefits as bitter herbs. Some of these are found in Swedish bitters formulas.

* Angelica root (Angelica archangelica), native to northern Europe, has been used for centuries as a digestive aid for stomach problems. It stimulates appetite and reduces acid indigestion. In Germany, pediatricians use angelica root to treat gastrointestinal disorders in children.

* Gentian ...