When we first opened our doors in Bantry in 1992, Organico was called Essential Foods and the main focus was  - you guessed it!! - Food. 

We mainly sold whole foods (the opposite of Ultra-processed foods), organic foods and bulk foods. We had very few supplements on our shelves and those we did were very simple - mainly tinctures, vitamins and a range of organic cold pressed juices from a company called Salus Haus.

Recently Salus Haus juices have come to my attention again and it’s a lovely reminder of my father Alan’s interest in foods as medicines, so this month I thought I would revisit these early mainstays of our original shop.

Salus Haus is a German company,  known in Ireland for their very effective Floradix Iron tonic, but they also offer a range of nutritional juices, which are about as far as you can get from the sugary juice drinks we’re all exposed to most of the time.

Salus Haus employs a specially developed cold pressing method which extracts the full spectrum of active ingredients in its most biologically available form. These juices were developed by renowned pharmacist Walther Schoenenberger.

While sugary juices overload your system with fructose, pure herbal juices offer a concentrated dose of health benefits from plants you might not eat regularly (globe artichoke) or find easily (dandelion greens).

The juices are all Bitter flavours, which may be unappealing at first, but they signal the presence of beneficial compounds. Our modern diet, dominated by processed and bland foods, lacks these bitters, essential for good digestion.



The Importance of Bitters for Digestion


Bitter taste receptors line not just our tongue, but also our digestive system, including the stomach, liver, and pancreas. When stimulated, these receptors promote healthy digestion by increasing digestive secretions, leading to better nutrient absorption, liver detoxification, and even stress reduction through the gut-brain connection.



Bitter foods encompass a wide range, including vegetables like kale and Brussels sprouts, fruits like cranberries, and beverages like green tea. Ideally, we should consume a small portion of something bitter before large meals, a tradition in some cultures. I personally start my day with a Green Tea (preferably in bed when I can get it!).



Getting Started with Bitter Foods

The range of Salus Haus plant juices is quite extensive with 25 juices in the range. This could be a little overwhelming so I have chosen three that we have found to be very popular and effective in Organico. Here are three that will help you incorporate bitters into your diet in an easy to take effective way as you just need to take a small sip every day:

Salus Dandelion Juice: Notorious for their bitterness, dandelion leaf juice is great for digestion and supporting liver function. Take this juice once or twice a day, before meals.

Salus Artichoke Juice: The Globe Artichoke is a powerhouse vegetable, known for its bitterness, supports liver function and sluggish digestion. It stimulates bile production, aiding in fat digestion and nutrient absorption. Take 10-20 mls before your larger meal (neat if possible - you’ll get way more benefits!)

Salus Stinging Nettle Juice: Has been shown to be effective as an antihistamine, reducing the impact of seasonal allergies; also in reducing some inflammation and easing joint pain. It may also help reduce inflammation in the bladder or urethra and encourage urine flow, potentially aiding with bladder infections and urinary stones. This juice makes a great Spring Tonic, and if you suffer from hayfever, try taking this juice twice a day for a few weeks in the spring.

A word of caution: Consult your doctor before consuming bitters if you have or suspect a stomach ulcer.



Embrace the bitter! 

It can be a key to better digestion, liver health, and overall well-being. If you’d like to try adding one of these juices to your routine, we have 20% off the range for a limited time, both in Bantry and online.