Tonics & Bitters
Nicholas Brooklyn has mixed and sold herbal tonics from this Fulton Street counter since 1974 — cleanses, bitters, sea moss and teas drawn from Caribbean and African herbal tradition, the same way they've always been made here.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Cleanses & Formulas
Bitters
Sea Moss
Teas
What Is a Herbal Tonic?
A herbal tonic is a liquid made from herbs, roots or barks, usually taken in small amounts as part of a daily routine. The tradition runs deep in Caribbean and African households, and it is the tradition we draw from at our Fulton Street counter.
Bitters are one kind of tonic, made from herbs with a naturally bitter taste. New to all this? Read our guides to soursop bitters and how to make herbal tea at home. If you take medication or are pregnant or nursing, ask your doctor or pharmacist before trying any herb.
Tonics & Bitters FAQ
What is a herbal tonic?
A herbal tonic is a liquid made from herbs, roots or barks, usually taken in small amounts as part of a daily routine. The tradition runs deep in Caribbean and African households. Tonics are prepared ahead of time, not made fresh by the cup like a tea.
How is a herbal tonic different from tea and from a tincture?
Tea is herbs steeped in hot water and drunk right away. A tonic is prepared in advance and is usually stronger, so it is taken in small amounts. A tincture is a specific kind of extract made by soaking herbs in alcohol, and it is taken by the drop or dropperful.
How are tonics different from supplements?
Supplement is a regulatory category covering capsules, tablets, powders and liquids, and many tonics are sold under it. A tonic is a traditional liquid preparation. Neither is better. Read the label on whichever you choose, and ask a pharmacist if you take medication.
What are the benefits of bitter herbs?
I would rather describe how they are traditionally used than promise benefits. Bitters are small amounts of bitter herbs taken before or after a meal as part of a digestive routine in many cultures. They are not a treatment, so ask a doctor first if you are pregnant or take medication.
How should I store these after opening?
Refrigerate after opening — most of our liquid tonics and cleanses ask for this to stay fresh once the seal is broken. It varies by product, so check the label on your specific bottle; a few, like our bitters, don’t require it.
What sizes are available?
Most cleanses and formulas come in 16oz bottles, with a few at 8oz or 32oz. Sea moss ranges from 3.5oz jars up to 16oz. Teas are sold in 4oz bags. The exact size is listed on each product.
Can I pick this up instead of having it shipped?
Yes — local pickup at our Fulton Street store in Brooklyn is free. Orders are processed in 3–5 business days, then we’ll email you when it’s ready to collect.