Evidence supporting the use of: Wax Gourd
For the health condition: Gas and Bloating
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Wax gourd (Benincasa hispida), also known as ash gourd or winter melon, has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In these traditions, wax gourd is believed to have cooling, diuretic, and digestive properties. It is sometimes recommended for alleviating digestive complaints, including gas and bloating, by promoting gentle bowel movements and soothing the gastrointestinal tract. In Ayurveda, it is considered helpful for balancing excess "pitta" and "kapha," and preparations like wax gourd juice are sometimes used for gastrointestinal comfort.
From a scientific perspective, there are limited studies directly evaluating wax gourd for gas and bloating in humans. Some laboratory and animal research suggests that wax gourd extracts may have mild anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects, possibly helping to soothe the digestive tract. However, robust clinical trials specifically targeting gas and bloating are lacking. The traditional use, combined with its high water content and gentle fiber, might support its role in digestive wellness, but scientific validation remains sparse. Therefore, while its use is justified by tradition, the evidence supporting its efficacy for gas and bloating is modest, reflected in a rating of 2 on the scale.
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 Wax Gourd
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Backache
Bladder Infection
Blood in Urine
Bronchitis
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chills
Cholesterol (high)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Constipation (children)
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Fatigue
Fatty Liver Disease
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Heart (weakness)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Hypertension
Indigestion
Inflammation
Insomnia
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Infection
Kidney Stones
Liver Detoxification