Evidence supporting the use of: Angostura
For the health condition: Overacidity
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Angostura, particularly Angostura bitters, has a long history of use as a digestive aid in traditional medicine. Its use for "overacidity" (gastric hyperacidity or acid indigestion) stems primarily from folk and historical practices, especially in the Caribbean and parts of Europe and the Americas. Bitters like Angostura are believed to stimulate digestive function, promote appetite, and alleviate common digestive complaints such as bloating and discomfort. However, there is little direct scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of Angostura for treating or relieving overacidity specifically. The rationale is generally based on the idea that bitter flavors can stimulate saliva and gastric secretions, thus “balancing” digestion, but this effect is not specific to overacidity and may potentially worsen symptoms for some individuals. Clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies evaluating Angostura's impact on gastric acidity are lacking. Therefore, its use for this condition is supported largely by tradition rather than empirical evidence. For individuals with chronic or severe gastric acidity, medical consultation and evidence-based treatments are recommended over reliance on Angostura or other bitters.
