Evidence supporting the use of: Horsemint
For the health condition: Belching

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Synopsis

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

Horsemint (Monarda spp.), also known as bee balm or wild bergamot, has a long history of traditional use by Native American and early settlers as a remedy for various digestive complaints, including belching (eructation), indigestion, and bloating. The leaves and flowering tops were prepared as teas or infusions. Historical herbal texts and ethnobotanical records attribute carminative properties to horsemint, meaning it was believed to help expel gas from the digestive tract, thereby relieving associated symptoms such as belching. This traditional use is likely due to the presence of essential oils like thymol and carvacrol, compounds known for their soothing and antispasmodic effects on the gastrointestinal system.

However, while there is abundant documentation of horsemint’s role in folk medicine, modern scientific research specifically evaluating its efficacy for belching or related digestive symptoms is limited. No clinical trials or rigorous pharmacological studies directly support its use for this condition. The available evidence is therefore primarily anecdotal and rooted in traditional practices, with a plausible but unconfirmed mechanism of action based on its essential oil content. As such, the evidence rating is moderate for traditional use (2/5), but very low for scientific validation.

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