Evidence supporting the use of: Black salt
For the health condition: Belching

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Synopsis

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

Black salt, also known as kala namak, has a long history of use in traditional South Asian medicine systems such as Ayurveda and Unani. In these traditions, black salt is believed to aid digestion, reduce flatulence, and alleviate belching (excessive burping) due to its unique mineral composition—primarily sodium chloride with traces of sulfur compounds. Practitioners often recommend black salt as part of digestive remedies, sometimes combined with herbs and spices, to balance stomach acids and promote gastrointestinal comfort. The rationale is that black salt is less likely than regular table salt to cause water retention and is thought to stimulate bile production and digestive enzyme secretion, thereby reducing symptoms like bloating and belching.

However, scientific evidence supporting these specific claims is limited. While black salt does contain sulfur compounds such as hydrogen sulfide, which may have some effect on gut motility or gas production, there are few, if any, rigorous clinical studies directly evaluating its efficacy for belching. Most references to its use for digestive complaints are found in traditional texts and anecdotal reports rather than peer-reviewed medical literature. Overall, while tradition supports its use for belching, scientific validation is lacking, and the evidence is weak to moderate at best.

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