Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Citrus fruits, particularly their peels and essential oils, have a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda for digestive complaints, including belching (also known as eructation). In TCM, dried citrus peels (often from Citrus reticulata, called Chen Pi) are reputed to regulate "Qi," promote digestion, and relieve symptoms like bloating and belching. The rationale is that citrus peels possess carminative properties, meaning they are believed to help expel gas from the gastrointestinal tract, thus reducing belching. Similarly, some folk and herbal medicine traditions in Europe and the Middle East have utilized citrus zest or extracts as digestive aids.

However, while there is a strong tradition of using citrus for digestive symptoms, scientific validation is limited. Few clinical studies specifically evaluate citrus for belching. Some laboratory studies have shown mild prokinetic effects of citrus extracts and essential oils, which could theoretically support traditional uses, but direct evidence in humans, especially for isolated belching rather than general dyspepsia, is lacking. Therefore, the use of citrus for belching is primarily justified by tradition, and the overall strength of evidence remains low.

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