Evidence supporting the use of: Allspice
For the health condition: Colic (adults)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Allspice (Pimenta dioica) has been used in traditional herbal medicine for various digestive complaints, including colic in adults. The use of allspice for colic is primarily based on its folklore and ethnobotanical applications, especially in Caribbean and Central American cultures. Traditionally, allspice berries and their essential oils have been used to make teas, tinctures, or poultices believed to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, cramping, and flatulence. The rationale for its use is likely due to its carminative properties—its essential oils (notably eugenol) are thought to help relax the digestive tract muscles and reduce bloating or spasms that can contribute to colic-like symptoms.

However, the evidence supporting the use of allspice for colic in adults is largely anecdotal. There are very few clinical studies evaluating its effectiveness for this specific indication, and most information comes from traditional practice rather than controlled scientific research. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that allspice may have mild antispasmodic and analgesic effects, but these findings have not been systematically validated in human clinical trials focused on colic. Therefore, while allspice continues to be used in traditional remedies for digestive issues, its efficacy for adult colic remains unproven by modern scientific standards.

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