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

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Synopsis

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

Bitter principles, typically derived from plants containing bitter-tasting compounds (such as gentian, wormwood, or other bitter herbs), have a long history of use in various traditional medicine systems, including European herbal medicine and Ayurveda. In these traditions, bitters were sometimes given to children with colic or digestive upset, based on the belief that stimulating the bitter taste receptors would encourage digestive secretions, relieve flatulence, and improve overall gastrointestinal function. However, the direct application of bitter principles specifically for infantile colic is not well-documented, and references are generally to their use for "indigestion" or "stomach complaints" rather than colic per se. Scientific studies specifically evaluating the efficacy and safety of bitter principles in treating colic in children are lacking. Modern pediatric guidelines do not recommend their use due to the absence of robust clinical evidence and potential safety concerns with administering strong bitters to infants. Thus, any support for this practice is rooted primarily in tradition and anecdotal use, rather than validated by controlled trials or systematic research. Caution is warranted due to the delicate nature of infant physiology and the risk of adverse effects.

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