OUR STORY
Backbone Botanicals heirloom bitters is a product line dedicated to provide the highest quality offerings of digestive bitters.
Digestive bitters have a rich history and have passed through many evolutions prior to the modern day. Backbone Botanicals heirloom bitters bring in concepts from the Western Herbal Tradition, as well as inspiration from the Ayurvedic system of medicine. We love exploring the roots of herbal medicines, as a way of honoring the Traditions behind them.
While bitter herbs are used globally, digestive bitters in Europe date back to the infused herbal wines of ancient Egypt and Greece. Greek physicians widely used bitter herbs, but much of this knowledge was lost in medieval Western Europe due to colonization and church opposition. Monks preserved herbal traditions, using bitters in medicinal beers and tonics. Meanwhile, Persian and Arabic medicine advanced techniques like distillation, influencing modern herbalism and medicine.
The Renaissance revived European medical studies, as well as incorporating Indigenous herbal knowledge from North America. By the 18th and 19th centuries, bitters were refined into popular digestive aids like Swedish bitters, Vermouth, and Angostura bitters, initially medicinal but later adapted for cocktails during Prohibition. Bitters have long been, and remain today, a fundamental component of most classic cocktails. Originating from the early days of cocktail culture, where they were traditionally served before meals to support digestion. Today, herbalists use bitters to support digestion and holistic wellness, honoring a long tradition of culinary, cultural, and medicinal practices.
How Digestive Bitters work?
Bitters are herbal extracts rich in compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and polyphenols that activate bitter receptors in the tongue and digestive system. Traditionally used in systems like Greek, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine, bitters enhance digestion by stimulating saliva, digestive enzymes, and gastric juices.
This response aids nutrient absorption, supports healthy metabolism, regulates appetite, and prevents overeating. Bitter flavors, once common in our diets, are now scarce due to modern agriculture favoring sweeter tastes. Reintroducing bitters can improve digestion, reduce bloating, and support overall health when paired with a nutritious diet.
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A note from our founder
Backbone Botanicals is a line of boutique heirloom bitters founded in 2020 by Korina Langevin. The collection reflects Korina’s desire to offer the highest quality beverage program at her restaurant Red Light Ramen Bar in Nelson, BC. Our bitters are thoughtfully formulated to uplift, energize, calm and support healthy digestive flow through the enteric nervous system. We recommend enjoying them with soda water, and in your favorite non-alcoholic and culinary recipes. Naturally, they shine as a standout ingredient in cocktails. After all, life’s better with bitters.
We exist to provide digestive bitters of the highest quality, made with ethically grown herbs. Our herbs are sourced from regenerative farms and local farms wherever possible. We use organic and non- GMO sugarcane alcohol to extract the medicinal compounds from the plant matter. Our production is manufactured in small batches. Our ethos is firmly rooted in prioritizing quality over quantity, a principle we will never compromise in pursuit of financial growth. We care about our ecological footprint and operate our business with a mindset of producing minimal waste and giving back at every opportunity.
Korina is currently in a clinical training program with her mentor Colleen Emery, RHT, CH. She has been a student of Emery Herbals since 2019. Korina has also pursued further education with teachers Chanchal Caberera, MH, RH and David Winston, AH, RH.
Reyna Brown is a fellow student and partner at Backbone Botanicals. As a classmate at Emery Herbals, Reyna connected with Korina’s mission to create high quality digestive bitters, having benefitted deeply from their medicinal properties. Reyna is a student of clinical herbal medicine with a passion for nutrition, fitness and digestive health, and is excited to be supporting Backbone with research and content creation. Reyna’s goal is to support all people to learn more about preventative health, share her love of simple and vibrant cooking and connect with herbs in their day to day lives in accessible ways.
We acknowledge that Traditional Western Herbalism has been deeply influenced by and often appropriated from the knowledge and practices of Indigenous Peoples throughout history. As herbalists, it is our responsibility to act as allies and advocates for Indigenous communities. A critical aspect of this responsibility includes seeking permission from local Indigenous Peoples before engaging in wildcrafting practices. Harvest mindfully, taking only what is needed, and strive to give back as much as possible, especially to those in need. As a matter of principle, we do not wildcraft medicines for commercial purposes. If you are interested in learning more or discussing this further, please feel free to contact us.
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