Evidence supporting the use of: Bitter Principles
For the health condition: Belching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bitter principles, often found in herbs such as gentian, wormwood, and dandelion, have a long history of traditional use in various systems of medicine, particularly in European and Asian herbal traditions, to support digestive health and alleviate symptoms like belching (eructation). The rationale behind their use is that bitter compounds stimulate the taste receptors in the mouth, which in turn trigger a reflex increase in saliva and gastric secretions, including stomach acid and digestive enzymes. This increased digestive activity is believed to enhance the breakdown of food, promote gastric motility, and reduce the accumulation of gas in the stomach, thereby helping to prevent and relieve belching. Historical texts and ethnobotanical sources frequently mention the use of "bitters" as digestifs before or after meals to improve appetite and ease digestive discomfort. However, scientific studies specifically focusing on the efficacy of bitter principles for belching are limited. Some experimental and clinical research supports the general digestive-stimulating effects of bitters, such as increased gastric secretion and motility, but direct evidence for their use in treating belching is sparse. Thus, while traditional use is well established and there is some biological plausibility, robust scientific validation for the specific indication of belching remains modest.
Other ingredients used for Belching
allspiceapple
basil
black pepper
chamomile
chen pi
clove
cowage seed
curcumin
fennel
gentian root
ginger
green tea
lemon
lovage
mastic gum
mint
pancreatin
pear
peppermint oil
rhizome
spearmint leaf
water
cardamom
atractylodes
shen-chu
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
anise
fumaria parviflora
sweet flag
caraway
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
Angelica
Amomum
Asafoetida
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
boldo
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Bitter principals
Cumin
Centaury
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Chervil
Coriander
Citron
Citrus
Carvone
Coca
Colombo
Calamus
Dragonhead
Dill
English Horsemint
Enzyme Blend
False Calumba
Gentian
gum
Galangal
Mallow
Quince
Sweet Orange alcohol
Tarragon
Vinegar
Other health conditions supported by Bitter Principles
Acid IndigestionAppetite (deficient)
Belching
Circulation (poor)
Colic (adults)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Digestion (poor)
Fatigue
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Indigestion
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Nausea and Vomiting
Sugar Cravings
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores