Evidence supporting the use of: Rhizome
For the health condition: Belching

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Rhizomes from various plants—such as ginger (Zingiber officinale), galangal (Alpinia galanga), and others—have been used in traditional medicine systems like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ayurveda, and Unani for gastrointestinal complaints, including belching (also known as eructation). Historical records and pharmacopeias note that these rhizomes are often prescribed to "harmonize the stomach" and "dispel wind," terms that encompass symptoms such as bloating, nausea, and belching. For example, in TCM, ginger rhizome is used in formulations that target digestive stagnation and promote the downward movement of stomach Qi, which theoretically helps alleviate belching. The rationale is typically based on centuries of empirical use rather than modern clinical trials.

While there is limited scientific data specifically targeting the effect of rhizomes on belching alone, some clinical and laboratory studies suggest that ginger and similar rhizomes possess prokinetic and carminative properties, which can support digestion and reduce gas formation. However, these effects are generally studied in the context of broader digestive symptoms, not belching alone. Therefore, the primary justification for their use in treating belching remains traditional, supported by long-standing usage rather than robust clinical evidence.

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