Evidence supporting the use of: Bitter principals
For the health condition: Indigestion

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Synopsis

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

Bitter principles, often derived from plants such as gentian, dandelion, or artichoke, have a long-standing history in traditional medicine systems for supporting digestion and alleviating symptoms of indigestion (dyspepsia). The use of bitters can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman medicinal practices and is prominent in European herbal traditions. Traditionally, bitters are believed to stimulate the taste receptors on the tongue, which in turn are thought to trigger a reflex increase in saliva production and the secretion of gastric juices and bile. This is purported to enhance appetite and promote more efficient digestion of food, thereby reducing symptoms such as bloating, gas, and discomfort. While traditional use is well-documented, modern scientific validation is limited. A few small studies and pharmacological investigations suggest that certain bitter compounds may increase saliva and gastric secretions, supporting the physiological basis for their traditional use. However, large-scale, high-quality clinical trials are lacking, and systematic reviews generally conclude that more research is needed to confirm efficacy. Despite the lack of robust scientific evidence, bitters remain a popular remedy for indigestion in herbal and naturopathic medicine, largely due to their historical use and anecdotal reports of benefit.

More about Bitter principals
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Other ingredients used for Indigestion

cutch
acid protease
activated charcoal
allspice
aloe vera
alpha-galactosidase
amylase
green chiretta
apple
apricot
artichoke
bamboo
benegut perilla (proprietary)
betel
bifidobacterium bifidum
bifidobacterium infantis
bifidobacterium longum
black pepper
radish
rice
calcium
cassia bark
chamomile
chen pi
chloride
citrus sinensis (proprietary)
cucumber
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
melon
exo-peptidase
fennel
fenugreek
fruit and vegetable blend (proprietary)
gentian root
ginger
glucomannan
green banana
HCL
quassia
jujube
kudzu
lactobacillus gasseri
lactobacillus lactis
lactiplantibacillus plantarum
licorice root
lipase
liquid liver fractions
lovage
marshmallow
methylmethionine sulfonium chloride (vitamin U)
mint
orange
oregon grape
ox bile
pancreatin
papain
peppermint oil
pepsin
plum fruit
psyllium
quail egg
rhubarb root
schizonepeta
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
watermelon
xylanase
bentonite
cascara sagrada
oryza
tangerine
hyssop
cardamom
atractylodes
capsicum
Indian bael
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
punarnava
holarrhena antidysenterica
fumaria parviflora
blessed thistle
yarrow
bile salt
prickly ash
elecampane
root tuber
chrysanthemum
juniper berries
flowering quince
dogwood
dioscorea
sweetgums
queen of the meadow
caraway
anemarrhena asphodeloides
peach
wood betony
horehound
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alginic acid
sea salt
Alcohol
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Actinidin
Agastache
Acidity regulator
Ambergris
Angelica
Agrimony
Amomum
Asarum heterotropoides
Alchemilla
Asafoetida
Agarwood
American Liverleaf
Appleblossom Cassia
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Areca
Agrimonia pilosa
Antifoam agent
Amor seco
Aniseed myrtle
Arani
Arisaema
Asarum sieboldii
Atractylone
Betony
Buttermilk
Butter
Blue Flag
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Broussonetia
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Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
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Big Quaking Grass
Bougainvillea
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Butternut
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black salt
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Bitter principals
banana
Bassia scoparia
Belamcanda
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Centaury
Carqueja
Chervil
Coriander
Chive
Cape Aloe
Centaurium erythraea
Citron
Cantaloupe
Chlorophytum
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Campylandra fimbriata
Chenopodium
Colombo
Copalchi
Cubeb
Carob
Chirata
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Carlina
Calamus
Chestnut
Colocynth
cola nut
Clerodendrum indicum
Dense Fruit Dittany
Dextrin
Dragonhead
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Dianthrone
Dolichos
Dichrostachys glomerata
English Horsemint
Enzyme Blend
Elephant's Head
Fig
Goldthread
Himalayan Salt
Molasses
Phosphate Salt
Prickly Pear Cactus
Potash
Quince
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Rhubarb
Squash
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Vervain
Vinegar

Products containing Bitter principals

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