Synopsis

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

Bitter principles—compounds found in plants such as gentian, wormwood, and dandelion—have traditionally been used in herbal medicine to support digestion and treat dyspepsia (indigestion). Their use dates back centuries, particularly in European and Asian folk medicine, where "bitters" have been consumed before or after meals to stimulate appetite and digestive function. The rationale is that bitter substances stimulate taste receptors in the mouth, which in turn triggers reflexive secretion of saliva, gastric acid, and digestive enzymes, thereby promoting digestion.

Scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of bitters for dyspepsia is limited. Some small studies suggest that bitters may increase salivary and gastric secretions, but comprehensive clinical trials are lacking, and no major guidelines recommend their routine use for dyspepsia. Most evidence remains anecdotal or based on traditional use rather than robust clinical data. Systematic reviews often cite insufficient evidence to make firm conclusions about their effectiveness. Therefore, while the practice is rooted in tradition and plausible mechanisms exist, high-quality scientific validation is sparse at present.

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