Evidence supporting the use of: Bitter principals
For the health condition: Colic (children)

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Synopsis

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

The use of "bitter principles" (bitter-tasting herbs or compounds, such as gentian, chamomile, or other botanicals) for treating colic in children is primarily rooted in traditional medicine rather than scientific validation. Historically, various cultures have used bitter-tasting herbal remedies to "stimulate digestion," "calm the stomach," or "relieve wind," and these traditions have sometimes been applied to infant colic. For example, chamomile and gentian have appeared in European folk medicine as treatments for gastrointestinal discomfort, including symptoms resembling colic in infants. The presumed mechanism is thought to involve promotion of digestive secretions and mild sedative effects. However, there is a lack of high-quality clinical evidence supporting the efficacy or safety of bitter principles for colic in children. Most available studies are either anecdotal, conducted in adults, or evaluate mixtures containing multiple ingredients, making it difficult to isolate the effect of bitters. Modern pediatric guidelines do not recommend bitter principles for infant colic, and safety concerns exist regarding the use of herbal products in young children due to unpredictable dosing and potential toxicity. In summary, while there is a tradition of using bitter herbs for digestive complaints (including colic) in children, robust scientific evidence is lacking, and use is not widely endorsed by contemporary medicine.

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