Evidence supporting the use of: Mastic gum
For the health condition: Belching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Mastic gum has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern regions, for digestive complaints including belching (excessive burping), indigestion, and gastritis. Historical records and folk medicine suggest that mastic gum was chewed or ingested to soothe the stomach, reduce bloating, and ease discomfort after meals. The resin is believed to have carminative properties—meaning it helps expel gas from the stomach or intestines—which could plausibly contribute to a reduction in belching. However, scientific validation specifically for belching is limited. While some small studies and preliminary research have shown that mastic gum may help with general gastrointestinal symptoms, such as dyspepsia (indigestion) and Helicobacter pylori infection, there is little direct evidence from randomized controlled trials to support its use specifically for belching. Most available clinical studies focus on broader digestive health outcomes rather than belching alone. Therefore, while mastic gum's use for belching is primarily justified by tradition and anecdotal reports, scientific evidence is not robust or specific enough to strongly endorse its use for this particular symptom. Nevertheless, its long-standing use in traditional systems supports a moderate rating for traditional evidence.
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
Galangal
Mallow
Quince
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vinegar
Other health conditions supported by mastic gum
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Asthma
Belching
Bronchitis
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (general)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Duodenal Ulcers
Enteritis
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis