Evidence supporting the use of: Lime
For the health condition: Gas and Bloating
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) has been used in various traditional medicine systems to address digestive complaints, including gas and bloating. In Ayurvedic and traditional folk medicine, lime juice is sometimes consumed after meals to aid digestion and reduce discomfort caused by gas formation. The rationale, historically, has been that the acidic nature of lime juice can stimulate digestive secretions, potentially supporting the breakdown of food and reducing fermentation that leads to gas.
However, scientific research specifically evaluating lime’s efficacy for gas and bloating is quite limited. While citrus fruits like lime contain compounds such as flavonoids and vitamin C, which may have general digestive benefits, there are no robust clinical trials or systematic reviews directly supporting its use for these symptoms. The available evidence is largely anecdotal or extrapolated from broader research on citrus fruits’ impact on digestion. Some studies suggest certain citrus components may affect gastric motility or microbial balance, but these findings are preliminary and not specific to lime or to gas and bloating as isolated conditions.
In summary, the use of lime for gas and bloating is primarily justified by tradition, with minimal scientific evidence to support its efficacy. The evidence rating is low due to the lack of targeted research and reliance on historical or anecdotal use.
Other ingredients used for Gas and Bloating
activated charcoalallspice
alpha-galactosidase
amylase
apple
artichoke
bacillus coagulans
basil
benegut perilla (proprietary)
beta-pinene
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium lactis
bifidobacterium longum
black pepper
bасора
chamomile
chen pi
cinnamon
coating
coconut milk
cucumber
turmeric
dandelion
fennel
fenugreek
fiber blend (proprietary)
fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
gentian root
ginger
greek mountain tea
green banana
cellulase
horseradish
isomalto-oligosaccharide
quassia
lactobacillus gasseri
lemon
licorice root
lipase
lovage
mastic gum
microbial enzymes (proprietary)
mint
okra
oregano
pancreatin
parsley
pear
peppermint oil
pineapple
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
butyric acid
psyllium
raspberry
rhubarb root
sage
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
triphala
wasabia japonica
xylanase
bentonite
cascara sagrada
tangerine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
Indian bael
neem tree
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
commiphora
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
goldenrod
yarrow
bile salt
prickly ash
elecampane
flowering quince
dogwood
fern
sweet flag
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
birch
queen of the meadow
polyphenols
caraway
wintergreen
camphor oil
menthol oil
fungal enzymes blend (proprietary)
wood betony
paw paw
horehound
Sichuan pepper
alginic acid
enzymes blend (proprietary)
cayenne pepper
geranium
akebia
Apple Cider Vinegar
Actinidin
Agastache
Angelica
acacia
Agrimony
Anamu
Amomum
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Agrimonia pilosa
Antifoam agent
Bifidobacterium
Buttermilk
Blue Flag
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Bran
Butea monosperma
Bitter Grass
Bael
boldo
black salt
Bifidobacterium animalis
Black Nightshade
Borassus Palm
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
Bacteria
banana
Belamcanda
Bergenia
Bottle gourd
Borneol
Cumin
Centaury
Chinese Silkvine
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Chervil
coconut oil
Coriander
Centaurium erythraea
Cyathula
Carry Me Seed
Cajuput
Chlorophytum
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Capers
Chanca Piedra
Campylandra fimbriata
Chenopodium
Colombo
Centipeda
Cubeb
Carob
Chirata
Cha de bugre
Carlina
Calamus
Cosmos
Costus
Castor Oil
Colocynth
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
Dianthus
Dimethylpolysiloxane
Dragonhead
Dill
Dolichos
Dichrostachys glomerata
Eupatorium
Embelia
Garlic
Galangal
Mustard
Prickly Pear Cactus
Potash
Quince
Rose
Rhubarb
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Vinegar
Other health conditions supported by Lime
BelchingBites and Stings
Body Odor
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Canker Sores
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Cough (general)
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Hangover
Indigestion
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Nausea and Vomiting
Poison Ivy or Oak
Urinary Tract Infections
Wounds and Sores