Evidence supporting the use of: Gentian
For the health condition: Nausea and Vomiting

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Synopsis

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

Gentian (Gentiana lutea) has a long history of traditional use for digestive complaints, including nausea and vomiting. In traditional European herbal medicine, gentian root has been used as a bitter tonic to stimulate appetite and digestion, and to help alleviate symptoms of gastrointestinal discomfort. The bitter compounds in gentian, particularly secoiridoid glycosides like gentiopicroside, are believed to stimulate the secretion of saliva and gastric juices, thereby aiding in digestion and potentially reducing nausea.

However, scientific validation for gentian’s use specifically for nausea and vomiting is limited. Most modern evidence focuses on its general role as a digestive bitter, with only a few clinical studies addressing direct effects on nausea. Some laboratory and animal studies suggest that gentian extracts may increase gastric motility and secretion, which could theoretically help with mild digestive complaints. Nonetheless, there are no robust, high-quality clinical trials confirming its efficacy for treating nausea and vomiting in humans. Therefore, its use for these symptoms is primarily justified by tradition and historical herbal practice rather than strong scientific evidence.

In summary, gentian’s use for nausea and vomiting is rooted in traditional herbal medicine, with limited, indirect scientific support for its digestive stimulant properties. More comprehensive clinical studies would be required to confirm its effectiveness specifically for nausea and vomiting.

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