BITT′ERS

(-ĕrz). Syn. Ama′′ra , ., L. Vegetable bitters are commonly regarded as tonic and stomachic, and to improve the appetite when taken occasionally and in moderation. The best time is early in the morning, or half an hour or an hour before a meal. An exce ive, or a too prolonged use of them, tends to weaken the stomach, and to induce nervousne . They should not be taken for a longer period than about 8 or 10 days at a time, allowing a similar period to elapse before again having recourse to them. Among the most useful and generally employed bitters are—calumba, cascarilla, chamomiles, gentian, hops, orange peel, qua ia, and wormwood.