Evidence supporting the use of: Spearmint leaf
For the health condition: Belching
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Spearmint leaf (Mentha spicata) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, such as those in Europe, the Middle East, and South Asia, for relieving digestive discomfort, including belching (also known as eructation). Traditionally, spearmint is believed to have carminative properties, meaning it helps to expel gas from the stomach or intestines, thereby reducing bloating and belching. Folk medicine practitioners have used infusions and teas made from spearmint leaves to soothe the digestive tract, ease stomach cramps, and decrease excessive gas.
Despite its historical use, there is limited scientific evidence specifically validating spearmint’s effectiveness for belching. Most modern research on mint species focuses on peppermint, which contains higher concentrations of menthol and has more robust clinical data supporting its use for irritable bowel syndrome and dyspepsia. Spearmint contains less menthol but is gentler on the stomach and less likely to cause reflux than peppermint, which may be why it has been favored traditionally for milder digestive complaints.
In summary, spearmint’s use for belching is primarily justified by traditional usage rather than scientific validation. While historical and anecdotal evidence supports its role as a digestive aid, direct clinical research on spearmint for belching is lacking, so its effectiveness remains largely unproven by modern standards.
Other ingredients used for Belching
Allspiceapple
basil
black pepper
chamomile
chen pi
clove
cowage seed
curcumin
fennel
gentian root
ginger
green tea
lemon
lovage
mastic gum
mint
pancreatin
pear
Peppermint
rhizome
spearmint leaf
water
cardamom
atractylodes
shen-chu
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
ferula assafoetida
anise
fumaria parviflora
sweet flag
caraway
Sichuan pepper
indigo leaves
cayenne pepper
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ardisia
Angelica
Amomum
Asafoetida
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Bicarbonate
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Bitter Grass
boldo
black salt
Buddha's Hand
Bitter principals
Cumin
Centaury
Curry leaf
Cinnamomum
Chervil
Coriander
Citron
Citrus
Carvone
Coca
Colombo
Calamus
Dragonhead
Dill
English Horsemint
Enzyme Blend
False Calumba
Gentian
gum
Galangal
Horsemint
Jurubeba
Javanese Long Pepper
Lime
Large-leaf Gentian
Lycopodium
Mentha haplocalyx
Marjoram
Mallow
Mace
Meadowsweet
Natsudaidai
Nutmeg
Orris
Pepper
Pyrrosia
Piper retrofractum
Piper nigrum
Pimpinella
Quince
Sicklepod
Sete sangrias
Southern Tsangshu
Savory
Stellaria dichotoma
Sassafras
Sweet Orange alcohol
Tarragon
Tamarind
Vinegar
Yerba buena
Zedoary
Other health conditions supported by spearmint leaf
Acid IndigestionAnxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Belching
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (sinus)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps and Spasms
Digestion (poor)
Gas and Bloating
Headache (general)
Headache (sinus)
Indigestion
Inflammation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Nausea and Vomiting
Stress