Quicksilver Dr. Shade’s Bitters No. 9
$82.50
Herbal supplement: Liposomal blend of nine bitter herbs and essential oils including dandelion, milk thistle, gentian, burdock, and solidago.
Quicksilver Scientific Bitters No. 9 in phospholipid-based liquid delivery using Quicksilver Delivery Systems (QDS) technology.
Only 2 left in stock
Ships same business day from Melbourne (orders before 2pm)
What is Bitters No. 9 and who is it for?
Bitters No. 9 is a liposomal liquid herbal formula from Quicksilver Scientific containing nine bitter botanicals and essential oils, including dandelion, milk thistle, gentian, burdock, solidago, sweet orange, myrrh, juniper, and clove. It’s formulated for people who want to incorporate traditional bitter herbs into their daily routine in a highly absorbable delivery format. The liposomal preparation means the botanicals begin absorbing sublingually rather than relying entirely on digestive processing.
This is the gentler of Dr. Shade’s two bitters formulations. People who find stronger herbal preparations too intense, or who are new to bitters as part of a digestive wellness routine, often find this a more accessible starting point. It’s also well-suited to those who prefer liquid supplements and want the convenience of a pump-dose format they can add to water or take directly.
Fairfield Nutrition Thoughts
Bitters have a long history in traditional herbal medicine as digestive tonics, and this formulation brings that tradition into a modern liposomal delivery system. The combination of bile-supporting herbs like dandelion, milk thistle, and solidago alongside digestive bitters like gentian makes this a well-considered formula for people focusing on digestive wellness and hepatic support as part of a broader health protocol.
Why This Formulation / How It Works
Most herbal bitters products come as tinctures or capsules, where the botanicals pass through the digestive system before being absorbed. Bitters No. 9 uses Quicksilver’s liposomal delivery technology, which wraps the herbal extracts in phospholipid particles small enough to absorb sublingually and through the mucous membranes of the GI tract. This is particularly relevant for fat-soluble plant compounds that can be degraded or poorly absorbed through standard oral routes.
Quicksilver’s QDS technology produces liposomes in the 20-100 nanometre range. At this size, the particles are stable enough to pass between cells and begin absorbing as soon as they contact the mucous membranes in the mouth. The formula is also NSF GMP certified and free from common allergens, soy protein, gluten, and GMO ingredients.
Traditional Bitter Herb Activity
Bitter compounds in herbs like gentian and burdock interact with bitter taste receptors throughout the GI tract. This interaction is involved in the cephalic phase of digestion, which includes signalling for digestive secretions. Dandelion and solidago have traditional use in hepatic and biliary wellness, and both are included in formulas traditionally used to support bile flow and digestive comfort.
Hepatic and Biliary Wellness Herbs
Milk thistle (silymarin) is one of the most researched botanicals for hepatic wellness, with silymarin compounds concentrated in liver tissue and studied for their antioxidant activity in hepatocytes. Solidago and dandelion have traditional use in supporting biliary wellness, and are commonly included in herbal protocols focused on bile production and flow. These herbs contribute the hepatic and biliary dimension of the formula alongside the digestive bitter action of gentian and burdock.
When to Consider This
This liposomal bitters formula provides traditional digestive and hepatic wellness support. It makes sense if you’re:
- Incorporating traditional bitter herbs into your digestive wellness routine and want a gentler, well-absorbed format.
- Working with a practitioner on a liver or bile flow wellness protocol and looking for a liposomal herbal option.
- Someone who has found stronger bitters formulations too intense and wants a milder starting point.
- Focused on digestive wellness as part of a broader health strategy and want to include traditional botanical support.
Supplement strategy: Bitters are often introduced once foundational dietary changes are in place. Many people use this alongside bile support supplements or as part of a broader digestive wellness protocol. It’s commonly used for several months, or ongoing as a daily digestive tonic taken before meals.
⚠️ Not suitable for: Pregnancy, breastfeeding, or those planning to become pregnant without consulting a healthcare professional first. Consult your practitioner if you have a known medical condition or are taking medications, particularly those affecting the liver or gallbladder.
How to Use
Use 1-2 pumps (0.5-1 mL) in water or directly into the mouth, three times daily. Alternatively, use 2-4 pumps in sparkling water during or after meals, and as needed for digestive comfort. Best taken on an empty stomach at least 10 minutes before meals, which aligns with the traditional timing for bitter herb preparations. Each pump delivers approximately 0.5 mL; a full serving is 2 pumps (1 mL).
The container provides 50 servings of 1 mL each. Quicksilver recommends using Bitters No. 9 alongside their UltraBinder as part of their PushCatch Liver Detox protocol, though Bitters No. 9 can be used independently as a daily digestive wellness tonic.
Ingredients
Per 1.0 mL (2 pumps):
Proprietary Blend (271 mg): Liquid extracts of Dandelion aerial parts, Milk Thistle aerial parts, Gentian root, Burdock root, and Solidago gigantea aerial parts; Essential oils of Sweet Orange, Myrrh, Juniper, and Clove.
Other ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Ethanol, Vitamin E, Highly Purified Phospholipids, Acacia Gum, Natural Mixed Tocopherols.
Allergen information: Free from common allergens. Tested gluten-free, allergen-free, soy protein-free, and non-GMO. Sugar-free. Vegan.
Common Questions
How is this different from Quicksilver’s Bitter X?
Bitters No. 9 is described as the gentler of the two formulations. Bitter X is a more intensive formula; Bitters No. 9 is the starting point for those new to bitters or who prefer a milder herbal action. Both use the same liposomal delivery technology.
Why take it before meals rather than with food?
Bitter herbs have traditionally been taken before meals because the bitter taste interaction with receptors in the mouth and upper GI tract is thought to prime digestive secretions ahead of eating. That said, the manufacturer also notes it can be used during or after meals in sparkling water, so there’s flexibility depending on your preference and tolerance.
Can I take this if I’m on medications?
If you’re taking medications that affect the liver, gallbladder, or bile production, check with your healthcare provider before using this product. Milk thistle in particular can affect how the liver processes certain medications.
Does the alcohol content matter?
Ethanol is used in the extraction process and is present in small amounts as part of the liposomal formula. At standard serving sizes (1-2 mL), the ethanol content is minimal. If you have concerns about alcohol content, discuss with your practitioner.
Warnings & Storage
Do not use if: Pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant without first consulting your healthcare professional.
Cautions: Consult your healthcare professional before use if you have pre-existing liver, gallbladder, or kidney conditions, or if you are taking medications. People with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (which includes dandelion and burdock) should exercise caution.
Storage: Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight. No refrigeration required.
Always consult your healthcare professional before use if you have any pre-existing conditions or are taking medications.
| Weight | 0.14 kg |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.5 × 6.5 × 11 cm |
